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Since the early days of film, the Western genre has been a staple of the cinema world. Audiences around the world love tuning in for these stories of the West, often featuring cowboys, outlaws, and the sprawling settings of the American frontier. Of course, because of these factors, violence is often a very prominent element of these films. Many Western fans love when the dramatic showdowns between good and evil culminate in violent gunfights, explosions, and all-around calamity. However, it is essential to note that these aspects of the genre are not everyone's cup of tea.

Fortunately, there are still plenty of enjoyable Westerns that don't rely on these explosive elements. From beloved classics to modern stories, many films highlight the essential characters and settings of the genre without diving too deep into the violent side of life on the frontier. After all, even the most dedicated Western fans need...

Shirley Jones Movies: Innocent virgins and sex workers galore (photo: Shirley Jones and Burt Lancaster in ‘Elmer Gantry’) (See previous post: “Shirley Jones: From Book to Movies.”) I haven’t watched The Cheyenne Social Club (1970), a comedy Western directed by Gene Kelly, and starring 62-year-old James Stewart as a cowpoke who inherits an establishment that turns out to be a popular house of prostitution. Henry Fonda plays Stewart’s partner. And I’m sure Shirley Jones, as one of the sex workers, looks lovely in the film. Hopefully, director Kelly gave this likable, talented actress the chance to do more than just stand around looking pretty. But then again … For all purposes, The Cheyenne Social Club ended Shirley Jones’ film stardom; that same year she turned to TV and The Partridge Family. Jones would return to films only nine years later, as one of several stars (among them Michael Caine,...