Paint Your Wagon (1969)

VHS CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  164 Minutes

Rated: A     

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Musical

Director: Joshua Logan

Starring: Lee Marvin, Clint Eastwood, Jean Seberg, Harve Presnell, Ray Walston, Tom Ligon, Alan Dexter

IMDB Rank: 6.6/10

Part 1 Time:  92 Minutes 

Part 2 Time:  72 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Elizabeth (Jean Seberg) confesses her love for both Ben (Lee Marvin) and Pardner (Clint Eastwood). The three of them agree to become a throuple.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “We will be three… for dinner,” Ben states to Elizabeth. Pardner passes out after consuming too much alcohol.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Shameless harlots!” Parson (Alan Dexter) shouts aloud as he enters No Name City.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, it’s not often you see a successful throuple relationship. Will Elizabeth, Ben, and Pardner be able to live together and how will their relationship be viewed by others within the city?

Which part is better? The film is bizarre and ridiculous in it’s approach to exploring the elements of California mining culture during the 19th century. The film is split into two parts between the discovery of No Name City and its eventual status of becoming a boomtown. Although the film’s signature song (Wan’drin’ Star) is in the second part, part one is much more lighthearted, bringing forth an equal balance of fun, mischief and innuendos. For this reason part one is given the advantage.

Academy Awards:  Best Music Score of a Musical Picture Original or Adaptation (Nominated)