
When did the Wild West era start and end?
What became known as the Wild West began in 1865 and lasted until 1900. This time became notorious for gunslingers, Indian wars, gritty lawmen, dangerous outlaws, business tycoons, and American pioneers pushing to the edge of the continent. While the Wild West was not as wild as pop culture makes it look, it was certainly different from the culture on the east coast.
How deadly was the Wild West?
Deadly epidemics such as cholera, malaria, scurvy, and typhoid swept across the West, compounded by potentially fatal illnesses like diphtheria, fevers, influenza, smallpox, and tuberculosis. Add a good dose of everyday violence and other perils, and the early American West seemed like a virtual death trap.
What year did the Wild Wild West come out?
The Wild Wild West is an American Western, espionage and science fiction television series that ran on the CBS television network for four seasons from September 17, 1965, to April 11, 1969. Two satirical comedy television film sequels were made with the original cast in 1979 and 1980 and the series was adapted for a theatrical film in 1999.. Developed at a time when the television Western was ...
What was the peak year of the 'Wild West'?
The real wild west most often depicted was the time of the cattle drives and wild cattle towns. The truth of the matter is that period lasted only about twenty years. It started after the Civil War in 1866 when the demand for beef rose and wild cattle from Texas was t No, no, no, and no.
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Why did The Wild Wild West End?
The Wild Wild West ran for four seasons, from 1965–1969, and only met its end after Congress pressured networks to tone down violence on television.
What time period is Wild Wild West?
The Old West, also known as the Wild West or the American Frontier, was a period from the early 19th century to the early 20th century, when the western part of North America was colonized.
Was Wild Wild West A flop?
and produced on a $170 million budget (making it one of the most expensive films ever made when adjusting for inflation at the time of its release), Wild Wild West was a commercial failure, grossing only $113.8 million domestically and $108.3 million overseas for a worldwide total of $222.1 million.
When was the real Wild Wild West?
As far as a time period goes, we're talking about the 1850s, or pre-Civil War, all the way to 1900. "It was when the range was open and cattle could just graze anywhere," Anderson told Live Science.
When did the cowboy era end?
In reality, those guys were mostly illiterate cattle handlers or cattlemen. - Their era, called the Wild West or the American Frontier, lasted from right after the Civil War ended in 1865 until around 1895.
What caused the end of the cowboy era?
During the winter of 1886-1887, thousands of cattle died when temperatures reached well below freezing in parts of the West. Many scholars believe that this devastating winter was the beginning of the end for the cowboy era. Cattle drives continued, but on a smaller scale, up until the mid-1900s.
How much did Will Smith get for Wild Wild West?
$7 millionHow much did Will Smith get paid for Wild Wild West? Smith made $7 million for Wild Wild West, but he wishes that he hadn't.
How much did Wild Wild West Cost?
170 million USDWild Wild West / BudgetWith a budget totaling a whopping $170 million, "Wild Wild West" was at the time the third most expensive movie ever made, trailing behind "Waterworld" and "Titanic." Fortunately, "Wild Wild West" was able to make its money back at the box office, but critics hated it, audiences hated it, those involved hated it, and ...
What role did Will Smith turn down for Wild Wild West?
A throwback report shows how Smith turned down playing Neo in The Matrix franchise, to pursue a role in Wild Wild West. Last year, Reeves, who took on the role in place of Smith, thanked the Fresh Prince of Bel Air star for snubbing the part, and allowing him to take centre stage in the franchise.
Who was the baddest cowboy ever?
John Wesley HardinOccupationgambling/card sharp, cowboy, cattle rustler, lawyerKnown forvery young outlaw and prolific gunfighterSpousesJane Bowen Carolyn Jane "Callie" LewisParent(s)James Gibson "Gip" Hardin Mary Elizabeth Dixson5 more rows
Who was the first cowboy in history?
VaquerosCowboys have been, and continue to be, an important part of the West. Vaqueros were the first cowboys. Vaquero culture in North America goes back as far as the 1680s.
Do cowboys still exist?
But the American cowboy is still alive and well -- and it's not too late to join his (or her) rangeland ranks. Across the West -- and even in New England -- real ranches, rodeos and cattle drives aren't just preserving the frontier spirit, they're actively practicing it. Many are open to the adventuresome traveler.
When did the Wild West start and end?
The Wild West began in the 17th century and ended around 1912 when the last of the western territories were admitted to the Union as states.
What started the Wild West era?
The 1860s. The West had been expanding since the Louisiana purchase, but the era known as the Wild West did not begin until after the Civil War. The Civil War had changed everything in America. The South could no longer enslave human beings and soldiers that returned from war returned to a much different way of life.
Why was it called the Wild West?
The Wild West: The Wild West was so named for the lawlessness of the untamed territories west of the Mississippi River - the western United States during its frontier period. Summary and definition: The period of the Wild West was from 1865 - 1895, a period of thirty years.
What is the meaning of Wild West?
Definition of the Wild West : the western United States in the past when there were many cowboys, outlaws, etc. stories about the Wild West —often used before another noun Wild West storiesa Wild West show.
When did Wild West come out?
Warner Home Video released Wild Wild West on VHS and DVD on November 30, 1999, and on Blu-ray on May 29, 2011.
Where was the Wild West filmed?
Much of the Wild West footage was shot around Santa Fe , New Mexico, particularly at the western town film set at the Cook Movie Ranch (now Cerro Pelon Ranch ). During the shooting of a sequence involving stunts and pyrotechnics, a planned building fire grew out of control and quickly overwhelmed the local fire crews that were standing by. Much of the town was destroyed before the fire was contained.
How many Razzies did the movie Wild West win?
At the 20th Golden Raspberry Awards, the film was nominated for eight Razzies and won five, including Worst Picture and Worst Original Song (for the song "Wild Wild West" by Smith).
What happened to Gordon and West in The Wanderer?
West and Gordon stumble across Loveless's private railroad, leading to his secret industrial complex at Spider Canyon where they witness Loveless's ultimate weapon, a gigantic mechanical spider armed with nitroglycerin cannons. Loveless uses his spider to capture Grant and Gordon at the ceremony while West is shot and left for dead by one of Loveless's henchwomen after being caught sneaking in the spider. At his complex, Loveless announces his plan – to dissolve the United States, dividing the territory among Great Britain, France, Spain, Mexico, the Native American people and Loveless himself, but Grant refuses to surrender and Loveless orders Gordon to be executed. However, West – having survived being shot earlier – disguises himself as a belly dancer and distracts Loveless, allowing Gordon to free the captives.
How much did Wild West make?
Wild Wild West grossed $27.7 million on its opening weekend, ranking first at the North American box office. The film closed on October 10, 1999, after five months, having grossed $113.8 million domestically and $108.3 million overseas for a worldwide total of $222.1 million against a production budget of $170 million.
How does West survive the spider?
Both West and Loveless fall from the spider, but West survives by catching a chain dangling from the machinery. Grant promotes Gordon and West as the first agents of his new United States Secret Service.
When did the Wild West begin?
What became known as the Wild West began in 1865 and lasted until 1900. This time became notorious for gunslingers, Indian wars, gritty lawmen, dangerous outlaws, business tycoons, and American pioneers pushing to the edge of the continent.
What was the Wild West in the 1860s?
The 1860s. The West had been expanding since the Louisiana purchase, but the era known as the Wild West did not begin until after the Civil War . The Civil War had changed everything in America. The South could no longer enslave human beings and soldiers that returned from war returned to a much different way of life.
How many people died in the Great Plains in January?
January 12 – 13: A terrible snow storm called the “Schoolhouse Blizzard kills 235 people across the Great Plains.
What state was admitted to the Union in March?
March 1: Nebraska was admitted to the Union as the 37th state. March 30: The United States purchase Alaska from the Russian Empire for 7.2 million dollars. It became known as “Seward’s Folly.”. June 25: Lucien B. Smith of Kent, Ohio patents barbed wire fencing.
What were the names of the outlaws in the 1870s?
Names such as: Billy The Kid, Jesse James, Cole Younger, “Wild Bill” Hickok, George Armstrong Custer, Crazy Horse, and Sitting Bull begin to appear on the pages of history.
When did the cattle drives begin in Texas?
February 13, 1866: Jesse and Frank James rob their first bank in Liberty, Missouri. Spring of 1866: The period of the great cattle drives begins when Texas ranchers drive more than 260,000 head of cattle to assorted markets.
Where was the last stagecoach robbery?
December 5: The last stagecoach robbery in American history occurs at Jarbidge Canyon, Nevada, when three robbers hold up a U.S. Post Office Department stagecoach, shoot the driver, and steal $4,000 in cash. The criminals are captured without incident soon after
How many seasons did the Wild West run?
In combining cowboys with spy-fi, the show also pioneered the steampunk genre with its mid-19th-century gadgets. The Wild Wild West ran for four seasons, from 1965–1969, and only met its end after Congress pressured networks to tone down violence on television. Still, you can't keep a good man down.
When did the movie Wild West come out?
There was a made-for-TV movie sequel in 1980. A decade after riding off into the sunset, Conrad and costar Ross Martin returned for More Wild Wild West, which also featured Jonathan Winters, Harry Morgan, Jack LaLanne and Joyce Brothers. The small-screen flick might have led to a revival series.
How many episodes did Artemus Gordon miss?
The man who played Artemus Gordon missed nine episodes in 1968 after suffering a heart attack. The actor was temporarily replaced by familiar faces like William Schallert and Alan Hale, Jr.
What was the Wild West pilot called?
Early in production, the pilot was called The Wild West. Playing off the character's name, The Wild West West was also up for consideration and thankfully scrapped. That's just confusing.
What genre was the Wild West in the 1960s?
In 1960s Hollywood, few genres were bigger than Westerns and spy adventures. James Bond and Clint Eastwood were the epitome of cool and manhood, so it was inevitable that someone would think to combine the two. The Wild Wild West can trace its origins back to Bond.
Who was born in James West?
Robert Conrad was born Conrad Falk and changed his name to hide. Conrad was the perfect man to play James West. The Northwestern University grad had a fascinating background, too.
Who created the Wild West?
The Wild Wild West can trace its origins back to Bond. The show's creator, Michael Garrison, was half of the duo that purchased the film rights to Ian Fleming's first Bond novel, Casino Royale, way back in 1954. They paid $600. A decade later, Garrison pitched the concept of "James Bond on horseback" to CBS.
When did the Wild West end?
The traditional image of the Old West, or the Wild West is generally thought of as starting right after the end of the Civil War and ending right around 1890, a date when the Department of the Interior declared all the territories closed.
How long did the Wild West last?
The real wild west most often depicted was the time of the cattle drives and wild cattle towns. The truth of the matter is that period lasted only about twenty years. It started after the Civil War in 1866 when the demand for beef rose and wild cattle from Texas was t
What was the third period of the Wild West?
The third period is the great expansion westward. The key events were the discovery of gold in the Black Hills and the opening of the Transcontinental Railroad. That puts the beginning as around 1874. You could put it back to 1873, when Jesse James robbed the first moving train in history. Many consider World War I to be the ending point. As a general rule, the Power Brothers shootout of 1918 near Tucson Arizona is considered the last Wild West gun battle. However, it could be argued that it continued at least until World War II. If you look at old movies with stars like Gene Autry, they are set in present time (1930s) not some Wild West past. The Tovrea Stockyards in Phoenix didn’t open until 1919 and the Fort Worth Stockyards had its peak year in 1944. There are too many famous people to mention from the third period. Let’s stick with Buffalo Bill, Crazy Horse, Geronimo and Wyatt Earp.
What was the Wild West?
The “Wild West” is generally understood as being limited to the period of time beginning after the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 and ending before the 1890 census. The 1890 census was a key event because, prior to that time, each census had shown a dividing line between settled areas and unsettled areas which could be seen in terms of population density. The 1890 census, however, showed no such dividing line, and it was therefore said that the frontier had closed.
Was the West peaceful after 1890?
This is not to say that after 1890, the West was peaceful. Things continued in a rough and woolly fashion for many years afterward in the more remote areas, especially along the border towns. Even as late 1916, the US Army was chasing Pancho Villa for raiding along the Texas border. They never caught him.
Who coined the term "wild west"?
The term “Wild West” was most likely coined by Edward C.Z. Judson, aka Ned Buntline, in one of his earliest writings about the West, possibly in his novelette, Norwood, or one of the others. It’s possible that he didn’t invent it, of course, but that’s the earliest use of the term that most scholars have seen, which was put the term’s first use long or about 1840, give or take.
Is the West still wild?
Parts of the West is still “wild” today.
TV Origins
The idea of a steampunk western action comedy blockbuster attempt based on a long-dormant TV series feels unfathomable from the vantage point of 2019, where contemporary blockbuster cinema’s iron-clad premises are built on franchises wherein each new film is like an added Lego piece placed onto a larger, ongoing structure — a savvy business plan that minimizes any cataclysmic outing to an “oh well, that was just a misstep” reaction that’ll be entirely flattened when the devout fanbase sees the next Lego piece in less than three months’ time..
Critical Reception
While that may be true for other perpetrators, it’s not reflected in Wild Wild West ’s negative reviews.
Wild Wild West: Conclusion
Wild Wild West doesn’t play as laborious as critics reported in 1999, which was most likely a reaction preemptively fed by disconcerting reports of the film’s bungled production and an anticipation built off the success of Men in Black.
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Overview
Plot
In 1869, four years after the end of the American Civil War, U.S. Army Captain James T. "Jim" West and U.S. Marshal Artemus Gordon hunt for ex-Confederate General "Bloodbath" McGrath, responsible for a massacre in New Liberty where West's parents were killed. President Ulysses S. Grant informs the two about the disappearances of America's key scientists and a treasonous plot by McGrath and gives them the task of finding the scientists.
Cast
• Will Smith as U.S. Army Captain James "Jim" T. West
• Kevin Kline as U.S. Marshal Artemus Gordon/U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant
• Kenneth Branagh as Dr. Arliss Loveless
• Salma Hayek as Rita Escobar
Production
Variety first reported in January 1992 that Warner Bros. had optioned the film rights to Michael Garrison's television show The Wild Wild West, and hired Richard Donner to direct a film adaptation from a screenplay by Shane Black that would have starred Mel Gibson as Jim West (Donner coincidentally directed three episodes of the original series). However, Donner and Gibson left the project to work on a film adaptation of Maverick in 1994. Nonetheless, the project continued in th…
Release
Upon release on June 30, 1999, alongside Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures' R-rated animated film South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut, several news reports arose stating that adolescent moviegoers purchased tickets into seeing the PG-13-rated Wild Wild West in theaters, but instead went to see South Park. This was a result of a film industry crackdown that made sneaking into R-rated films tougher for children, as proposed by U.S. President Bill Clinton at the t…
Reception
Wild Wild West grossed $27,687,484 during its opening weekend, ranking first at the North American box office, with a total of $40,957,789 for the Independence Day weekend. The film closed on October 10, 1999, after five months, having grossed $113,804,681 domestically and $108,300,000 overseas for a worldwide total of $222,104,681 against a production budget of $170 million, making it c…
Soundtrack
A soundtrack containing hip hop and R&B music was released on June 15, 1999, by Interscope Records and Overbrook Music. It peaked at number four on both the Billboard 200 and the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.
Video game
An action-adventure video game titled Wild Wild West: The Steel Assassin was developed and released by SouthPeak Interactive on December 7, 1999, five months following the film's release.
Timeline
- What became known as the Wild West began in 1865 and lasted until 1900. This time became notorious for gunslingers, Indian wars, gritty lawmen, dangerous outlaws, business tycoons, and American pioneers pushing to the edge of the continent. While the Wild West was not as wild as pop culture makes it look, it was certainly different from the culture...
The 1860s
- The West had been expanding since the Louisiana purchase, but the era known as the Wild West did not begin until after the Civil War. The Civil War had changed everything in America. The South could no longer enslave human beings and soldiers that returned from war returned to a much different way of life. Native Americans became the next target of conquest for the expanding A…
The 1870s
- The 1870s saw the rise of the outlaw and some of the bloodiest fighting in Native American history. Names such as: Billy The Kid, Jesse James, Cole Younger, “Wild Bill” Hickok, George Armstrong Custer, Crazy Horse, and Sitting Bull begin to appear on the pages of history. The first train robberies occur and cattle towns such as Abilene, Kansas begin to spring up. The transcon…
The 1880s
- The 1880s would see the west begin to become a bit more domestic and by the end of the decade Native Americanshad mostly been relegated to reservations and no longer roamed freely as they had for generations. Outlaws still roamed, but lawmen such as Wyatt Earp and Pat Garrett had hunted down many of the notorious outlaws and killed them. Billy The Kid, Jesse James, Johnn…
The 1890s
- The Wild West era is usually cited as ending in 1895. It marked 30 years after the Civil Warhad been fought and much of the west had now been settled. America began to debate social issues such as voting rights for women and the Temperance movement. Although not as wild as it once was the west still had its moments. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were still active and re…
The 1900s
- At the turn of the century America looked much different than it had a century earlier. The Gilded Age had seen the rise of business tycoons such as Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, and J.P. Morgan. Electricity and even automobiles began to stretch to the West and Theodore Roosevelt had ushered in an era of nationalism not seen since before the Civil War. Labor unions were bein…
The 1910s
- The era of the Wild West was over, but a few remnants remained. The last stagecoach robbery occurred, but with the modernization of law enforcement the age of the outlaw was over. By the end of the decade America had seen themselves go from a nation prone to isolation to a up and coming global power. World War 1was fought and America’s involvement resulted in the Leagu…