THE LADIES FROM LONESOME is a movie written by one of the great names in western film history…writer-director Burt Kennedy. He was responsible for many classic films including those he wrote that were directed by Budd Boetticher and starred Randolph Scott. Referred to as the Ranown Films, most of them were shot in Lone Pine, California. Burt was also a director. His films include SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHERIFF, THE WAR WAGON and THE TRAIN ROBBERS, just to name a few.
THE LADIES FROM LONESOME is not listed among those westerns Burt directed because…it was never made. Emmy winning writer/producer Kirk Ellis (JOHN ADAMS, INTO THE WEST) discovered the unproduced script about a cattle drive headed by women. They were ex-prostitutes, soiled doves, who wanted to make a new life for themselves. Wonderful, strong, female characters. Kirk described the story as LONESOME DOVE meets WESTWARD THE WOMEN.
As a tribute to Burt Kennedy and those who love westerns, we decided to gather an all-star cast together for a live script reading on stage at the Autry Museum. It was a special western movie celebration and live script reading presentation for A WORD ON WESTERNS.
A good movie needs a good capable cast. Starting at the top and continuing through every part. We assembled a perfect cast of 19 actors and actresses, 17 of whom had previously joined Rob Word as guests on A WORD ON WESTERNS. The cast dressed for the part and, as you will see, had a blast reading and performing for a packed house of western fans.
Starring as the ladies were Stefanie Powers, Lee Purcell, Dana Sparks, Delanna Studi and Irene Tsu. Joining them on the cattle drive were Bruce Boxleitner, Jim Beaver and Bruce Davison. Along the trail, this group met an array of cavalry, lawmen, outlaws and others. They were our guest stars and are, alphabetically, Robert Carradine, Gregory Gast, Darby Hinton, Monte Markham, Wyatt McCrea, Chris Mulkey, Robert Pine, Rudy Ramos, Stan Rutledge, Peter Sherayko and Robert Woods.
Now, for the first time, all three acts of Burt’s script have been combined to present the reading as full length feature film. We think Burt Kennedy would have been very pleased with our presentation. Thanks to all involved for helping to make this special live tribute happen.
Now get ready to saddle up for Burt Kennedy’s epic tale, THE LADIES FROM LONESOME.
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5 окт 2024
