J. W. Coop
| J. W. Coop | |
|---|---|
 Film poster | |
| Directed by | Cliff Robertson |
| Written by | Gary Cartwright Cliff Robertson Bud Shrake |
| Produced by | Bruce Graham Cliff Robertson |
| Starring | Cliff Robertson Geraldine Page Christina Ferrare |
| Cinematography | Frank Stanley |
| Edited by | Alex Beaton |
| Music by | Don Randi |
Production companies | Robertson and Associates |
| Distributed by | Columbia Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 112 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $736,000[1] |
J. W. Coopis a 1972 AmericanWesternfilm set in the world of the modern American rodeo circuit. It stars and was directed byCliff Robertsonwho also co-produced and co-scripted the film.[2]Featuring footage from actual rodeo events, it was made with the cooperation of the Rodeo Cowboys Association (which became theProfessional Rodeo Cowboys Associationin 1975).
Plot[edit]
J.W. Coop is an ex-convict making up for lost time. His dream is to be the bestrodeocowboy,and the film follows his competitions on the circuit. He drives a convertedambulanceand sleeps outdoors. Along the way, he meets ahippiegirl named Bean, who joins him on the rodeo circuit.
As Coop's winnings grow, he and Bean are able to start sleeping in hotels, and Coop starts dreaming about settling down on a ranch. Bean is too independent to share his domestic dreams, but she loves sharing in Coop's journey.
At the national competition, Coop places second and breaks his leg. To Coop, second place is as good as last. The film ends with him riding a particularly vicious bull with his leg still in a cast. Coop stays on for the full8 seconds,but his hand remains caught in the rope, preventing him from dismounting. The bull tosses him around and gores him. The film ends with Coop bleeding heavily on the side of the arena.
Cast[edit]
- Cliff Robertsonas J.W. Coop
- Geraldine Pageas Mama
- Cristina Ferrareas Bean
- R. G. Armstrongas Jim Sawyer
- R. L. Armstrong as Tooter Watson
- John Crawfordas Rancher
- Wade Crosbyas Billy Sol Gibbs
- Marjorie Durant Dye as Big Marge
- Paul Harper as Warden Morgan
- Son Hooker as Motorcycle Cop
- Richard Kennedy as Sheriff
- Bruce Kirbyas Diesel Tanker Driver
- Judy Farrellas Barmaid
- Larry Mahanas Himself
- Lowell D. Smith as Flankman (Golden State Rodeo Co.)
Critical reception[edit]
Stanley KauffmannofThe New RepublicdescribedJ. W. Coopas "poor."[3]Writing inThe New York Times,Vincent Canbyfound the film to be "very fine, almost elegiac."[2]