Shooting Stars: Heroes and Heroines of Western Film

The cinematic cowpokes studied in this collection include William S. Hart, Ken Maynard, Randolph Scott, Gary Cooper, Gene Autry, John Wayne, Audie Murphy and Burt Lancaster. Western novelist Jim Miller analyzes Clint Eastwood's antihero character. Sandra Kay Schackel examines the stereotypical roles of women in westerns. Gary A. Yoggy surveys the genre on radio and TV. Michale E. Welsh offers a noteworthy study of the ""Western aura'' surrounding Ronald Reagan's political career despite the few westerns in his 54-film career. Although Henry Fonda remains conspicuously absent, history professor McDonald and his contributors present a lively and engaging group of critical essays and biographical portraits that corral major trends in western films. Photos unseen by PW. (April)