The western genre is all too often seen as an exclusively male space. However, within the history of cinema, one can find striking examples of films that focus on the women of the west.
This short season aims to revisit some of the movies that put women in the centre of cinema’s memorable western adventures. From exuberant musicals to cult classics, Women of the West brings together a selection of the most unforgettable female characters to grace the silver screen.
Season curated by Andy Willis, Professor of Film Studies at University of Salford and Senior Visiting Curator: Film at HOME.
In this season
Cinema
Destry Rides Again + intro
With Destry Rides Again, director George Marshall brought together two of cinema’s greatest stars, Marlene Dietrich and James Stewart, for a light-hearted take on the…
Cinema
Forty Guns
Marked by director Sam Fuller’s trademark kinetic style, including a memorable tracking shot, Forty Guns is today seen as one of the director’s best pictures…
Cinema
Meek’s Cutoff
Set in 1845 Kelly Reichardt’s pared down western tells the story of a wagon team of three families who set off across the Oregon Trail.…
Cinema
Cult/ Johnny Guitar
Nicholas Ray’s wayward western is one of the great cult films, renowned for its striking imagery and strong female characters - led by an unforgettable…