Western movies tell the stories of early adventurous pioneers who ventured across the American frontier.
But does a movie really have to be set in the West of the U.S. to be considered an authentic Western? The answer is probably not.
Outback Westerns
Western movies centered on legends and tales of American pioneers and criminals entered into a golden era across the states during the middle of the 20th century.
With characters such as Hoplalong Cassidy and Ethan Edwards and historical figures including Jesse James, the movies played out the adventurous fantasies of many moviegoers of the era.
Outback Westerns
While Western movies typically garnered the most success in America, other nations created their own versions.
Australia has plenty of Western-styled movies that can compete with those of the States, though they are generally referred to as Outback Westerns (via BFI). But should they be counted as Westerns at all?
Shared Love for All Things Wild
The debate has sparked several arguments over the years, including in True West Magazine. One thing that cannot be ignored is Western movies from the States and those from Down Under share similar themes.
However, one movie produced in Australia during the early part of the 20th century should have ended the argument well before it ever began.
The Story of the Kelly Gang
Released in 1906, “The Story of the Kelly Gang” took place at the end of the 19th century.
A gang hatched a plan to rob a stagecoach and become known as the Bushrangers. All of this occurred while an Indigenous group was fighting for their land against white colonists. If that’s not Western, then neither are American cult classics such as “Stagecoach.”
Australians and Americans Share a Love of Bad Boys
Just like Americans, those Down Under share a love for Western “bad boys.”
While the States have legends, including Billy the Kid and Jesse James, the Aussies have their equivalents in Ned Kelly and Ben Hall.
Quigley Down Under
American actor Laura San Giacomo spoke highly of the setting during her time in Australia filming “Quigley Down Under.”
“There was a very gung-ho, cavalier spirit of filmmaking, [as if] it was going to be very easy to do this Western, to do a really difficult shoot,” she told True West Magazine.
No Good Guys in Australia
There are a few minor differences between American and Outback Westerns. Regarding the heroes, the Americans had men like Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp.
According to the director of “Quigley Down Under,” Simon Wincer, “We don’t have anyone like that.”
Admired for Rebellion
The stars who inspired Outback Westerns weren’t admired for their good deeds.
Instead, men like Ned Kelly were made famous for their rebellious acts against the government.
Criminal Migrants Oppressed by the British Police
According to Matthew Holmes, the director behind “Ben Hall,” the criminal migrants of Australia played a significant part in the type of character they came to revere.
“The public cared for [them] because they knew what it was like to be oppressed by the British police. They also cared because the gang would pay them to provide shelter and information,” said Hall (via True West Magazine).
Plenty of Ned Kelly Films to Enjoy
Of all the characters who inspired the growth of Outback Westerns, Ned Kelly has to take the no. 1 spot.
While Tony Richardson’s “Ned Kelly,” released in 1970, often takes the top spot, Heath Ledger put on a reputable performance in the 2003 movie of the same name.
Outback Westerns Are Here to Stay
Nonetheless, Outback Westerns have earned the right to call themselves precisely that: Westerns.
With films such as “Robbery Under Arms” (1957) through to “The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith” (1978) and modern hits including “The Proposition” (2005) and “The Outlaw Michael Howe” (2013), the Aussies Down Under have produced their fair share of cult classics.
