Following a foreword by Western legend Hugh O'Brian, Harrison delves into nearly one hundred motion pictures of the genre. He does not state these are the greatest, merely why a person interested in Westerns should watch these particular films. In doing so, he goes over the synopsis and cast, adding an analysis and history of each movie, with anecdotes by legendary stuntman Jack N. Young whenever possible. Along the way, the reader meets Western stalwarts such as Gary Cooper, John Wayne, John Ford, Clint Eastwood and Sam Peckinpah, along with those who don't get as much notice: Glenn Ford, Joel McCrea, William S. Hart, Harry Carey, Walter Huston, Burt Kennedy, George Marshall, and scores of others involved in bringing the Western to the screen. With more than four hundred photos, 'Head `Em Off At the Pass!' is a treat for movie fans.
“A fun, informative read” –Cinema Retro
“Harrison does a great job of expanding the must-see list for we who love the Western.” – Southern Arizona News-Examiner
"J. M. Harrison's 'Head 'Em Off At The Pass' contains mini-reviews of 94 Western movies. While some of the films included in this volume are looked upon as true classics, most of the movies covered here are ones which are almost never discussed. Westerns from the silent era to the present day are reviewed, with a synopsis of each film's story and a critical summation including various facts about the production. The book has a number of illustrations such as stills, movie posters. etc. Harrison's insights on the movies are enjoyable, and are the best features of the book. 'Head 'Em Off At The Pass' is a great book for those who are just becoming interested in the genre, and those who want to find out about movies other than 'The Searchers' or 'Rio Bravo'. - D. Day
"I found a raft of westerns in this book that sounded interesting enough to have me check them out, and darned if he wasn't right! well written and thoughtful opinions changed my mind about an entire genre of movies. well done!" - J. Crocker
Tags: Westerns, movies, John Wayne, James Stewart, Glenn Ford, John Ford
