Summary

• Henry Fonda's love affair with the Western genre is striking and immutable, showcasing his commitment to showcasing ordinary men speaking out against injustice in the Wild West.
• Warlock (1959) is a noteworthy classic Western that delves into complex relationships, justice, morality, and personal sacrifice, making it cinematically rich and emotionally charged.
• Henry Fonda's performance in films like The Tin Star (1957) and Once Upon A Time In The West (1968) demonstrates his acting range, from playing a former sheriff turned bounty hunter to portraying a cold-blooded killer.

Henry Fonda left an indelible mark on the film industry, and many Western titles stand out for their engrossing plots, evocative themes, and exceptional performances. In the six decades of his career, Henry Fonda mastered his craft through the varying quality of nearly one hundred films. His legacy endures as a testament to his commitment to powerful storytelling delivered through authentic characters.

Widely regarded as one of the greats of Hollywood’s classic era, Henry Fonda starred in a broad range of films throughout his storied career. Yet even considering the diversity of Fonda’s staggering portfolio, his love affair with the Western genre is both striking and immutable. Committed to showcasing ordinary men speaking out against injustice, Fonda built his career in the one setting that forever captured his essence: the Wild West.

10 Warlock (1959)

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Warlock stands out for its gripping portrayal of the Old West. Set in a small town in Utah, it centers on freelance marshal Clay Blaisedell (Henry Fonda) and former outlaw Johnny Gannon (Richard Widmark) as they confront lawlessness. The narrative delves into complex relationships, notably Blaisedell's bond with his clubfooted assistant (Anthony Quinn) and Gannon's transformation into the town's deputy. The film masterfully intertwines themes of justice, morality, and personal sacrifice. Cinematically rich and emotionally charged, Warlock remains a noteworthy classic Western even if it isn’t Henry Fonda’s very best.

9 Drums Along The Mohawk (1939)

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As his first technicolor film, Drums Along The Mohawk serves as a monumental landmark in Henry Fonda’s extraordinary career. Set in the early pioneer days, the movie follows two newlyweds struggling to settle in New York’s Mohawk Valley as the Revolutionary War looms overhead and repeated Indian attacks threaten their dreams of peace and prosperity. The film earned its supporting actress, Edna May Oliver, an Oscar nomination. Additionally, Drums Along The Mohawk garnered praise for its cinematography, thanks in large part to its departure from the industry’s standard back-and-white timbre.

8 The Return of Frank James (1940)

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Following the events of 1939’s Jesse James, The Return of Frank James sees Henry Fonda reprising his role as the outlaw’s older brother, Frank James. With Fonda now playing lead, Frank hunts Charlie and Bob Ford to avenge his brother’s murder. Fonda’s warm charm breathes life into his character, managing to evoke empathy for the infamous outlaw and blending wonderfully against the backdrop of the narrative’s cynical and antagonistic undertones. This film sneaks sidelong glances at Jesse James while offering plenty of reasons to be equally captivated by his brother.

7 The Tin Star (1957)

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Despite its low budget, The Tin Star earned an Oscar nomination for its well-executed plot and the chemistry between its two leads. The film centers on a former sheriff turned bounty hunter (Henry Fonda) who begins mentoring a newly appointed officer (Anthony Perkins) in a small town. Despite the narrow scope of its plot, its compelling script and character dynamics offer a uniquely resonant window into the human experience. The film’s commentary on law, right and wrong, and life lessons transform it into a deeper narrative for a broader audience.

6 My Name Is Nobody (1973)

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My Name Is Nobody is a standout spaghetti Western comedy, combining the talents of Terence Hill and Henry Fonda under the direction of Tonino Valerii. The plot centers on an aging gunslinger, Jack Beauregard's quest for peaceful retirement, aided by his earnest devotee, Nobody (Terence Hill). Nobody cleverly nudges Beauregard into facing the Wild Bunch, a spectacular train heist, and a memorable duel in New Orleans. Expertly blending humor, action, and homage to the genre, My Name Is Nobody makes a delightful and memorable entry in the spaghetti Western canon.

5 How The West Was Won (1963)

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Famous for its ambition more than its substance, How The West Was Won featured nearly every actor in the ‘60s, earning several Oscars for its impressive scope along the way. Detailing America’s westward expansion, the saga was divided into five consecutive installments: “The Rivers”, “The Plains”, “The Civil War”, "Railroads", and “The Outlaws”, following a family through four generations experiencing the most notable events in history between 1839 and 1889. For his part, Henry Ford portrayed Jethro Stuart, a buffalo hunter and friend of the film’s central family in “The Railroad”.

4 The Ox-Bow Incident (1943)

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The Ox-Bow Incident follows two vagrants who arrive in a small town after a rancher is found murdered and his cattle stolen. In an unusual twist, one vagrant (Fonda) places himself between the gathering lynch mob and the men held responsible for the crime. Movies such as this are what Henry Fonda built his career on, featuring everyday people standing up for what was right. The Ox-Bow Incident delivers an almost scathing critique of mob justice, and the film went on to earn a Best Picture nomination for its efforts.

3 Once Upon A Time In The West (1968)

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While the more affable and noble roles came naturally to Henry Fonda, Once Upon A Time In The West showcased his acting range with a stand-out performance as the villain of the piece. In it, he portrays Frank, a cold-blooded killer hired to eliminate an affluent widow so his employer could profit off her land. One of director Sergio Leone's favorites and applauded for its accurate period detail, the film features an iconic shootout between Henry Fonda and Charles Bronson, including numerous close-ups and a rousing score by Ennio Morricone.