WhileJames Stewartis remembered as one of thedefining actors of the Golden Age of Hollywood, it was the 1950 WesternWinchester ‘73that he credited with saving his career. Known for his distinctive drawl and likable, everyman demeanor, in his early career, Stewart was typecast as an innocent, moralistic, all-American in classic movies likeMr. Smith Goes to WashingtonandIt’s A Wonderful Life. It’s true that these early films have stood the test of time, but they only represent one facet of Stewart’s cinematic persona.
Many of thebest James Stewart moviescame later in his career, after he had proven to audiences his talent for portraying darker, more morally ambiguous characters in Westerns likeWinchester ‘73. It was roles like this that opened the doors forStewart’s acclaimed collaborations with director Alfred Hitchcock, as he consistently pushed the boundaries of his reputation through complex characterizations. As a defining actor of the 20th century,Stewart’s career changed massively afterWinchester ‘73,and the film represented a before-and-after moment for the star.
Winchester ‘73 Revitalized James Stewart’s Acting Career
It Was the First Of Eight Movies Stewart Made With Anthony Mann
James Stewart built up his reputation as a major Hollywood actor throughout the 1930s, and by 1940, he had already earned an Academy Award for Best Actor forThe Philadelphia Story. However, Stewart’s reputation for portraying likable, morally upright everymen was both a blessing and a curse because moviegoers always thought they knew what to expect from the star. That was untilWinchester ‘73saw him embrace more morally ambiguous characters.
Stewart himself describedWinchester ‘73as “a desperation move that proved a lifesaver” (viaCowboys & Indians.) As a film that opened new avenues for the kind of stories Stewart could tell,Winchester ‘73was not only his first Western movie sinceDestry Rides Again13 years prior, but also pushed the boundaries of what audiences could expect from the star. It’s interesting to note that there was a clear dividing line in Stewart’s career, as his role became much more mature following his time serving in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.
Stewart was the first star to negotiate a deal to earn a sizeable percentage of the movie’s profits in lieu of a large upfront salary.
Set in 1876,Winchester ‘73told of the journey of a prized rifle from one ill-fated owner to another and how a cowboy’s obsession with the stolen gun kicked off a bullet-ridden odyssey across the Old West. This was the first of eight collaborations between the actor and director Anthony Mann. Not only didWinchester ‘73represent a breakthrough for Stewart from a performance point of view, but its financial background actually changed Hollywood forever, asStewart was the first star to negotiate a deal to earn a sizeable percentage of the movie’s profitsin lieu of a large upfront salary.
Winchester ‘73 Showcased A Side Of James Stewart That Was Always There
Stewart’s Earlier Roles Also Hint At His Darker Side
WhileWinchester ‘73was a turning point for James Stewart’s career that would lead to later roles such as inRear WindowandVertigofor Alfred Hitchcock, there were hints at his darker side in early performances. TakeIt’s a Wonderful Lifefor example. While this film is a beloved holiday classic that countless viewers watch every holiday season, George Bailey’s plans to commit suicide on Christmas Day were also deeply troubling, and the holiday cheer that many associate with the film was balanced with deeply serious themes of grief, personal loss, and dissatisfaction.
However, there was also a clear dividing line that occurred in the post-war years, with director Martin Scorsese even stating, “If the pre-war Stewart stood for something essentially American,” then “the post-war Stewart stood for something truly universal.” Scorsese added, “It’s difficult to think of another American star who remade his own image so thoroughly, or so bravely.” In a career filled with some truly iconic roles,Winchester ‘73may not beJames Stewart’sbest-known part, but it was certainly among the most important as it paved the way for all that was to follow.
