On this date in 1951, “Paint Your Wagon” opened at the Shubert Theater in New York City for 289 performances. The movie came out in 1969, proving once and for all that Clint Eastwood cannot sing.
In case you missed it, “Paint Your Wagon” is the story of a Michigan farmer and a prospector who form a partnership in the California gold country. Their adventures include buying and sharing a wife, hijacking a stage, kidnaping six prostitutes, and turning their mining camp into a boomtown. Along the way there is plenty of drinking, gambling, and singing. They even find time to do some creative gold mining.
Lee Marvin stars, and Clint Eastwood is his “Pardner” in this robust (and conservatively bawdy, if there is such a thing) comedic musical.
It’s the middle of November, it gets dark way too early these days, the movie runs 158 minutes (plenty of time for a second helping of popcorn), it’s available on both Netflix and Amazon, and I personally give it two thumbs up.
What more could you ask for?
