Randolph Scott Movie Poster Book

Book excerpt: The "Randolph Scott Movie Poster Book" presents nearly 90 rare and vintage posters from the classic films of the handsome, versatile leading man who became one of Hollywood's greatest and most popular western stars. As an actor, Scott's versatility can easily be seen in his long list of film roles. Scott appeared in just about every genre, including two musicals (not as a musical performer), "Roberta" (1935) and "Follow the Fleet" (1936). Both starred Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. He was even cast in films opposite Shirley Temple, Mae West and Irene Dunne. One of his three films with Dunne was the classic screwball, romantic comedy, "My Favorite Wife" (1940). By the late 1930s and early 1940s, his western roles were increasing. In 1939, Scott played Wyatt Earp in "Frontier Marshal" and a lawman in "Jesse James" (1939) with Tyrone Power in the title role. In 1940, he was Errol Flynn's nemesis in "Virginia City." In 1942, he made two films with fellow Western icon John Wayne and Marlene Dietrich, namely "The Spoilers" and "Pittsburgh." During World War II, Scott served his country in his several war films including "Bombardier" (1943), "Gung Ho!" (1943) and "China Sky" (1945). By the mid to late 1940s, Scott sat tall in the saddle, making big hit westerns like "Return of the Bad Men" (1948). Others include ''Santa Fe'' (1951), ''Fort Worth" (1951), ''Man in the Saddle" (1951), ''Man Behind the Gun" (1953), ''Ten Wanted Men" (1955) and ''Ride Lonesome" (1959). He was one of the top box office draws of the 1950s. Considered among his best films are the seven he made between 1956 and 1960 with director Budd Boetticher. They include "Seven Men From Now" (1956) ''Comanche Station" (1960). Scott's last film was 1962's ''Ride the High Country" directed by Sam Peckinpah and co-starring another longtime western star, Joel McCrea. Some critics believe the film to be his best.