Stories

The Cowboys. The Searchers, McLintock! Rio Bravo. Hondo. INSP ranks 10 popular John Wayne movies. Which films made the list and how would you rank them?

Explore the unique on-screen bond between John Wayne and son Patrick Wayne through 10 memorable movies that span more than 20 years of film history.

By Darlene Cah Key Takeaways The Quarter Horse is the only breed that originated in America Quarter Horses have an innate “cow sense” Quarter Horse racing dates back to colonial times In the old days,…

By Robert Deason Key Takeaways Why he first appeared in credits with a middle initial Ford only took a drama class to overcome shyness The friendship that led to an amazing casting opportunity You know…

Discover the iconic horses Audie Murphy rode in Hollywood films, exploring their roles and significance in his legendary Western movie career.

Discover 10 fascinating facts about Western star Chuck Connors, from his dual-sport career to his iconic role in The Rifleman.

By Jay Coffin Key Takeaways Nelson’s early life and musical beginnings His influence on the Outlaw Country movement Personal challenges and overall legacy Willie Nelson is known not only for his distinctive voice and contributions…

Curious about the U.S. Cavalry? This Cavalry 101 guide explains its origins, key battles, legendary units, and lasting legacy in history and film.

By Reagan Johnson When it comes to Western icons, James Garner and Tom Selleck stand tall. Garner was the fast-talking gambler Bret Maverick and the no-nonsense lawman in Support Your Local Sheriff! (1969), while Selleck made his…

The 1979 movie Concrete Cowboys is not based on a true story, but rather is a made-for-TV film that follows a fictional portrayal of two friends, Will and Woody, who head to Nashville in search of fortune…

Overview  Known for his gruff, booming voice and burly appearance Claude Akins played mostly supporting roles in Westerns and war movies, with TV appearances including in 10 episodes of Gunsmoke and four episodes of Bonanza,…

By Reagan Johnson March is National Reading Month, making it the perfect time to crack open a classic Western novel. But let’s be honest—Louis L’Amour’s towering tales don’t need a designated month to shine. His stories…

By Reagan Johnson Cowboys of the Old West were known for their grit, hard work, and unshakable code, but that doesn’t mean they ignored signs and superstitions. After all, life on the frontier was unpredictable,…

Did the Duke, an American icon and one of the toughest men ever to be seen on the big screen, have a bestie?

Kirk Douglas left an enduring mark on the Western genre, bringing complexity and charisma to his roles. Here are seven of his best Westerns, ranked and celebrated for their gripping narratives and standout performances.

By Reagan Johnson The Western genre has gifted audiences unforgettable female characters who brought their own unique flair to the frontier. From television to the silver screen and beyond, many leading ladies have left their…

By Reagan Johnson Sam Elliott’s deep, resonant voice and rugged good looks have made him a Western icon. But towering over it all is another unmistakable feature: his height. You may be wondering, just how…

Key Takeaways Always focus on one particular mission There must be a general understanding of history Why we stop short of saying there are nine ingredients What are the key ingredients for making a great…

Gene Hackman Passes Away At 95 Gene Hackman was widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and versatile actors of his generation. He, along with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead on February…

By Darlene Cah Fifty is the new 30 as far as we’re concerned! Because these Westerns are as fresh and exciting as they were when they first hit the big screen in 1975. Posse Bad…

By Reagan Johnson One of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, Kirk Douglas, delivered unforgettable performances in classic films like Spartacus (1960), Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957), and Lust for Life (1956). Given his legendary status, it’s easy to see why many…

By Jay Coffin Key Takeaways: Griffith’s hometown in North Carolina inspired the fictional Mayberry He first gained national attention because of a monologue on football The Andy Griffith Show ran for eight full seasons Andy Samuel Griffith,…

By Reagan Johnson Glenn Ford remains one of the most beloved actors of Hollywood’s Golden Age, thanks to his unforgettable performances in classic Westerns. But was he really the fastest gun in Hollywood? Fans have debated this…

By Sophia Ulmer Set against the backdrop of a harsh yet seductive American West, Louis L’Amour’s collection of addictive, adventure-packed stories provides readers scores of rugged heroes, memorable shoot-outs, and high-stakes show-downs. If you’ve devoured…

By John McGran There was no CGI or AI when the opening credits of Gunsmoke unspooled for the first time on Sept. 10, 1955. The breathtaking 15-second opening sequence that features U.S. Marshall Matt Dillon racing across…

Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe—two Hollywood bombshells and superstars. They could have been bitter rivals. Instead, they struck up an unlikely friendship.

By Reagan Johnson In the spirit of Random Acts of Kindness Day on Feb. 17, we turn to the timeless wisdom of the Cowboy Code. Cowboys of the Old West lived by an unwritten set of…