The War Wagon (1967)

Just released from prison, a hardened rancher (John Wayne) plots to steal a gold shipment from an ironclad stagecoach called the War Wagon that belongs to the man (Bruce Cabot) responsible for (unjustly) sending him to prison. Based on the novel BADMAN by Clair Huffaker (who adapted his book for the screen) and directed by Burt Kennedy (SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHERIFF). I'm a big fan of westerns so I'm more tolerant than others toward routine westerns like this one. I found it amiably entertaining even though I know it never rises above mediocre. Some of the casting is loopy (Howard Keel as an Indian???) but the two leads, Wayne and Kirk Douglas as a professional gunfighter bring star power to the movie. Not essential viewing even for western fans but agreeable enough to pass the time with. The film received decent reviews (Roger Ebert liked it) and did very well at the box office. With Keenan Wynn, Joanna Barnes, Bruce Dern, BruceCabot and Robert Walker Jr.