A friend recently told me I need to start golfing. Before I priced clubs or thought about lessons, my sneakerhead brain went straight to footwear. That search led me to the Reebok x MANORS Club C Revenge Golf ‘Espresso’ (100284837) and ‘Legacy Green’ (100284838), both priced at $130. I’ve worn Reebok since the ’90s, through my G-Unit sneaker phase and, more recently, the Shaqnosis Low. Golf is new territory for me. Reebok isn’t.
Key Facts at a Glance
Detail
Information
Collection
Reebok x MANORS Golf
Sneakers
Club C Revenge Golf ‘Espresso’ (100284837); ‘Legacy Green’ (100284838)
Release Date
September 30, 2026
Release Time
10 a.m. ET
Sneaker Price
$130
Where to Buy
Reebok
Why the Reebok x MANORS Club C Revenge Golf Got My Attention
Reebok x Manors Club C Revenge Golf Shoes ‘Espresso’
Reebok h/t Shoe Sagas
MANORS is a golf lifestyle brand with a modern approach to what players wear on and around the course, making Reebok a natural sneaker partner. The Club C Revenge Golf keeps the low-profile shape that makes the Club C easy to wear, but adds a leather upper, EVA midsole and lugged rubber outsole with non-metallic spikes.
Reebok describes the idea as style from the course to the clubhouse. That’s exactly what I wanted from my first golf shoe: something functional without abandoning my sneaker identity.
What’s in the Reebok x MANORS Golf Collection?
Reebok didn’t stop at footwear. Its U.S. lineup currently features 13 listings across seven styles, giving me enough pieces to build the entire fit before I even buy the clubs.
Reebok x MANORS Product
Price
Club C Revenge Golf Shoes
$130
Men’s Tour Shirt
$160
Men’s Polo
$105
Men’s Quarter-Zip Pullover
$140
Men’s Mockneck Polo
$125
Men’s Pique Polo
$120
Men’s Retro Crown Cap
$60
Several pieces come in multiple colorways, including greens, browns and neutral tones that coordinate easily with either Club C.
The United Kingdom of Golf is starting to feel like its own little universe. Volume II features some crowd-favorite @manorsgolf pieces, two new @Reebok Club C Revenge colorways, and another ridiculously good campaign.
I don’t want to start golfing and suddenly dress like somebody else’s idea of a golfer.
Golf and sneaker culture have crossed paths for years. Nike has translated familiar sneakers for the course, while Michael Jordan’s love of golf helped make Jordan Brand golf shoes feel completely natural.
Reebok and MANORS enter that same space through familiar Reebok DNA and understated golf apparel.
Would I Wear Reebok x MANORS?
Absolutely. I’m not going to pretend I can evaluate golf performance like somebody who plays 18 holes every Sunday. I can judge sneakers, comfort and style, and the Club C Revenge Golf gives me a familiar starting point.
My friend still has to help me with my swing. Reebok may have already handled my first golf fit.
Back in the early 90s, Martin Lawrence found himself entertaining millions on a weekly basis with his TV sitcom. Over the course of five seasons, Martin managed to build a legacy that still stands the test of time and is, without a doubt, one of the greatest Black comedy shows ever. Now, over thirty years later, Martin is finally getting a long-overdue spinoff — The Varnell Hill Show. Debuting on September 1 on Paramount+, it follows a late-night talk show host “fighting to stay relevant in an ever-changing television industry,” despite his stubborn commitment to his own ways of entertaining and doing business.
The sequel series is not only unique given the amount of time that’s lapsed between when the foundational show ended in 1997 and now, but it’s also rather interesting because it’s based on Tommy Davidson’s Varnell Hill, a character that appeared just twice in Martin (Season 2 Episode 11 and Season 2 Episode 12). However, as fans are likely to tell you, Davidson’s Hill created a hilarious story arc. Take a look at one scene where Davidson nearly made Lawrence break character in front of a live studio audience.
All that being said, before the premiere of The Varnell Hill Show, I got the chance to speak with series stars Emmanuel Hudson and Benji Brown, who portray AJ Hill and Big Chris, respectively. Hudson has spent years cracking jokes on Nick Cannon Presents: Wild ‘n Out, and Brown is a veteran stand-up comedian who became a viral sensation with his Kiki persona. The two opened up about their new series and shed light on what it was like to work with Lawrence (who is an executive producer on The Varnell Hill Show) and show lead Davidson. Which, based on our discussion, sounds like a remarkable time.
Brown and Hudson’s Excitement about a Show “30 Years in the Making”
MIAMI, FL – SEPTEMBER 05: Comedian Benji Brown performs during the Best of the South Comedy Show at James L Knight Center on September 5, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Vallery Jean/FilmMagic)
Photo by Vallery Jean/FilmMagic
Men’s Journal: Now that the show’s premiere is finally here, do you have anxiety about a sequel of this caliber, or just excitement?
Brown: I more so would say, we got some great anticipation, excitement about it. You know, a year ago we filmed this. And so it’s full circle. Been a long time coming. Found a home on Paramount Plus. And, you know, we couldn’t be more excited than what we are right now. I mean, it’s just amazing, all the feedback from social media and all of the Martin and Varnell Hill fans throughout the years. It’s been 30 years in the making, and we’re excited to be a part of it.
Hudson: I feel the same way. At first, when I got on set, I had a little bit of anxiety, especially being able to work with two of my favorite childhood comedians growing up, which was Tommy Davidson and Martin Lawrence. So when I got the call to even audition for it, I was kind of shocked.
So I did the audition. Of course, I thought it was terrible because I had to do it on the cell phone. I had to call my barber to read with me over speakerphone while he at work. And when I sent it in, I’m like, man, I ain’t gonna get it. Four days later, I get the call saying that I got it.
I met Martin for the first time in my life on set. Turns out he was a fan and everything. So that was pretty dope to be able to experience that. Now that we’re at the finish line, I’m more excited, more than anything.
Martin Lawrence Being an Emmanuel Hudson Fan Shocks Emmanuel
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 20: Martin Lawrence attends the Premiere of Lionsgate’s “Michael” at Dolby Theatre on April 20, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Julian Hamilton/FilmMagic)
Photo by Julian Hamilton/FilmMagic
Men’s Journal: Well, Emmanuel, speaking to your background on Wild ‘n Out, did you take any of your experience from it into the Varnell Hill Show?
Hudson: Oh man, to be honest with you, I don’t really think about it, man. I just be myself. But that was actually one of the things that Martin said to me. He was like, ‘Yo, man, I’m, you know, I’m a big fan.’ And Benji is actually the one that pointed it out to me.
Brown: Eman just kept catching his [Martin Lawrence] eye. You could just see it, and he’s excited. And so that was cool to be on set of Varnell Hill and to see it, you know, play out in front of you, where I’m behind the scenes watching Martin go crazy over this guy.
I’ve been a fan of his [Emmanuel Hudson] myself, watching on social media. And then, you meet people that you admire, and it’s everything that you expected and more, like, wow, down to earth, all the talent in the room. And I ain’t gonna lie, [smirking] I told myself if I had that kind of talent, oh, man, I’d be walking around arrogant around here. But he’s just so humble and down to earth. And that speaks to how the entire cast is. It was amazing.
Hudson: [Laughing] I ain’t gonna lie. Y’all getting the exclusive just like I am.
Martin Lawrence’s Advice to Benji Brown
MIAMI, FL – JANUARY 14: Comedian Benji Brown perfoms onstage at the Miami Festival of Laughs at James L Knight Center on January 14, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Johnny Louis/FilmMagic)
Photo by Johnny Louis/FilmMagic
Men’s Journal: Benji, you’re walking into this project where Martin and Tommy are legendary stand-up comedians who made it big on stage and on TV. Did they give you any advice on how to transition your stand-up comedy talents from the stage to the small screen?
Brown: Yeah, it’s night and day. Stand-up is like being on the island by yourself, like Cast Away with Tom Hanks. You and the volleyball, or that stool is the island, that stage is the island. It’s not a team effort on stage.
And then when you get on a set or scripted project, you got castmates and cast members that, you know, it’s ‘teamwork, make the dream work,’ to speak. And you’re right. Martin and Tommy and different ones, they’re veterans. They got so much experience. I lean on Martin for the simple fact that we’ve been touring together for like 10 years.
The cool thing is, when it came to Varnell Hill, he’ll [Martin Lawrence] just tell you, ‘Man, just have fun, you know. Just have fun.’
His main thing is to have fun and let your hands go. He’s a boxing fan, so he always gives me those boxing [metaphors]. ‘Let your hands go.’
Emmanuel Hudson Is a Lyricist and Benji Brown Talks Return of Kiki
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 29: Emmanuel Hudson speaks during 2023 A3C Conference day 1 on September 29, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)
Men’s Journal: Given the level of comedic talent on set, I have to ask. Who caused the cast to break character the most and erupt into laughter?
Hudson: I’m gonna go with Tommy, man. You gotta go with Tommy, like first and foremost… On set, you just don’t see it coming. He just does what he wants. Like, I’m watching him on set, they’re trying to tell him what to say and how to do. He’s like, ‘No, I got it. I’m gonna do it like this. Just watch, just watch. You guys, just watch.’ You don’t know what he’s gonna do.’
Men’s Journal: Emmanuel, aside from the new show, I’ve noticed you’re quite the gifted rapper, and the spelling bee you do with your brothers on social media is quite funny. Should fans expect new music and more content with your family?
Hudson: Of course, man. Yes. Shout out to my Hudson brothers, man. We’re finally coming together as brothers, as a family, and seeing what we can explore. And it just so happens that we don’t know how to spell.
But yes, you can definitely expect more content from me and the brothers. Definitely more music. As a matter of fact, I dropped a single the other day called ‘Heed the Woes.’ That video is out now. And then, I just finished the video to one of my songs called ‘Emmanuel.’ [Hudson releases music under the name Kosher.]
Men’s Journal: And Benji, looking at stand-up, should fans expect to see more shows? Also, because I personally got introduced to you via your viral character Kiki, should we anticipate Kiki making a bolder appearance in the future?
Brown: You know, Kiki came early 2000s, mid-2000s. It was just really something to do. It was just a hobby, you know, bored. And I was like, let me see if I can do this voice and that voice. And I began to put a face to the character and vice versa. And it kind of grew wings or grew legs and ran.
So there’ll be more content coming with the Kiki as far as sketch comedy and even potentially being written to some scripted shows, like a Varnell. I got my first comedy special in the works. And that’ll be executive produced by Martin Lawrence. And so I’m excited about that. And more touring to be announced.
Once again, The Varnell Hill Show streams on Paramount Plus. You’ll need a subscription to the service to watch all of the episodes.
In 1946, a film that was helmed by a director that Steven Spielberg deeply respects was released. After The Best Years of Our Lives won a slew of major awards and accolades, including several Academy Awards, it was just ranked as the greatest World War II film ever produced.
Who Just Ranked ‘The Best Years of Our Lives’ the ‘Best World War II Movie of All Time’?
Hoagy Carmichael as Uncle Butch Engle, Harold Russell as Homer Parrish, and Dana Andrews as Fred Derry in The Best Years of Our Lives.
Photo by John Springer Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images
After it originally premiered on November 21, 1946, one of the most acclaimed films of its generation just received a new accolade nearly 80 years later. On August 13, 2026, Entertainment Weekly updated its ranking of the “23 best World War II movies of all time,” with The Best Years of Our Lives topping the list at No. 1.
Directed by William Wyler, the film was based on a 1945 story titled Glory for Me and starred Myrna Loy, Fredric March, Dana Andrews, Teresa Wright, Virginia Mayo, and others. The Best Years of Our Lives focused on a trio of veterans attempting to rejoin society while coping with the physical and psychological trauma they suffered during World War II.
Long before it topped Entertainment Weekly’s recent list, The Best Years of Our Lives had already been receiving awards and accolades. At the 19th Academy Awards, it won seven Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor.
Additionally, the American Film Institute praised the film during its AFI 100 Years… series, which was designed to celebrate the best movies ever produced in the United States. In 2006, AFI’s 100 Years…100 Cheers featured it at No. 11 on the list of the most inspiring movies. One year later, in 2007, it landed at No. 37 on the 10th anniversary edition of AFI’s 100 Years…100 Movies, which was dedicated to the greatest American films.
Why Steven Spielberg Has ‘Always Admired’ the Director of ‘The Best Years of Our Lives’
In March 2009, Gwyneth Paltrow published a Goop article after asking Steven Spielberg to tell her what his five favorite films were. In response to that question, Spielberg clarified something. “These are not necessarily my all-time favorite films….but good choices to rent and enjoy!” Still, the fact that he included The Best Years of Our Lives among his five movies says a lot about how much he respects the film.
Years later, Spielberg brought up William Wyler, the director of The Best Years of Our Lives, during a 2018 interview. While promoting Ready Player One, Spielberg told The Los Angeles Times how much he respected Wyler and claimed he could never live up to him as a filmmaker.
“Among my favorite directors is William Wyler, who never came out of the same hole twice. I’ve always admired those directors who were able to so totally reinvent themselves stylistically. To be able to go from Mrs. Miniver to Ben-Hur, to go from The Big Country to Funny Girl — those were the directors I admired. I basically lit candles to the directors that I couldn’t pigeonhole. I’ll never be as good a director as William Wyler, but to be eclectic like he was — that was always something I wanted.”
Even though William Wyler isn’t a household name, the fact that arguably the most famous director of all time holds him in such high esteem speaks to why he perhaps should be. On top of that, Wyler was also nominated for 12 Best Director Academy Awards during his career, which is more than any other filmmaker in history.
Robert De Niro and Al Pacino rank among the greatest actors of all time, and both have starred in several classic thrillers throughout their careers, including multiple films together.
However, they each likely passed on roles they later regretted, and one particular film stands out because they both turned it down before it became a classic in the genre.
That movie was Misery, released in 1990 and directed by the great Rob Reiner.
“After a serious car crash, novelist Paul Sheldon (James Caan) is rescued by former nurse Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates), who claims to be his biggest fan,” the plot of the movie read. “Annie brings him to her remote cabin to recover, where her obsession takes a dark turn when she discovers Sheldon is killing off her favorite character from his novels. As Sheldon devises plans for escape, Annie grows increasingly controlling, even violent, as she forces the author to shape his writing to suit her twisted fantasies.”
Reiner originally offered the role of Sheldon to both De Niro and Pacino, but neither actor accepted it because they felt Sheldon’s character was too passive, while Wilkes offered a much more compelling part.
They had a point, considering Bates went on to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance.
Caan ultimately accepted the role of Sheldon and still managed to deliver a memorable performance, helping Misery become one of the most acclaimed suspense thrillers ever.
The film holds an impressive 86% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.8 out of 10 rating on IMDb.
Beyond De Niro and Pacino, other notable actors who reportedly turned down the role included Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman, Michael Douglas, Gene Hackman, William Hurt and Harrison Ford.
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With the end of summer fast approaching, one thing is flying off the shelves faster than at nearly any other point this year: trail running shoes and hiking sneakers. From Hoka to Merrell, people are pumped to get outdoors and on the trails now that the thermometer isn’t stuck at near-lethal wet-bulb temperatures. But for those looking for the unique zero-drop style of Altra, this pair of waterproof hikers that is 30% off during REI’s Labor Day sale is probably the best bet.
The Altra Olympus 6 Hike Low GTX Shoes are now $147 following a $63 discount. This shoe is a GTX, or Gore-Tex, creation that resists water. But there’s a lot more going on that’ll make this a favorite for hikers and trail joggers alike, and that comes right down to its Altra-brand DNA.
Altra Olympus 6 Hike Low GTX Shoes, $147 (was $163) at REI
Sizes Available: Sizes 7 to 13 are still available
Color Options: 3
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0 mm
Waterproofing?: Yes, Gore-Tex
Best Use Case: This is a great everyday trail-hiking shoe with excellent grip and a knee-preserving outsole.
Altra is known for its zero-drop style. With the exception of introductory shoes like the Altra FWD, which features a slight 4mm heel-to-toe drop for runners newly embracing the style, the brand’s shoes are largely flat-bottomed. Typically, this is to shift tension off the knees and onto the calves.
But for trail running, I’d say there’s a lot more going on.
With that flat outsole, expertly lugged by Vibram, there’s also a much more even weight distribution going on underfoot. That’s going to get those stylish Vibram lugs into the terrain somewhat better, giving your foot a more balanced grip with each step.
One shopper said that these are their ideal waterproof sneakers to use as “double-duty for wet trails and dewy golf mornings.” They said the shoes offer great traction and stability, and their interiors have remained dry despite wet grass and moderate puddles.
Another left a review after wearing the shoes for an extended period of intense trekking. “Just came back from completing the Tour Du Mont Blanc! A 100-mile hiking trek through the mountains of France, Italy, and Switzerland. Super comfortable, no blisters, and the waterproofing helped a ton through many water crossings.”
The Altra Olympus 6 Hike Low GTX Shoes are $63 off at REI. This discount has proven to be very attractive to shoppers, who have bought through the entire collection of some key size and colorway combinations. Right now, however, you can still get the shoe in all sizes from 7 to 13 in at least one colorway. Naturally, that won’t last, so be sure to get yours sooner rather than later.
On September 1, 1902, Georges Méliès unveiled A Trip to the Moon (Le Voyage dans la Lune), a French silent short that would help redefine what audiences could expect from the new medium of motion pictures.
Inspired partly by Jules Verne’s From the Earth to the Moon and Around the Moon, the film follows astronomers blasted toward the lunar surface inside a cannon-fired capsule. Its famous image of the capsule striking the Man in the Moon’s eye has since become one of cinema’s most recognizable images.
Méliès was not simply its director. He wrote, produced, and designed the production, while also appearing as Professor Barbenfouillis. The approximately 14-minute film combined theatrical sets with trick photography, dissolves, superimpositions and other effects that made fantasy appear possible on screen.
The film’s importance extends far beyond its age. Méliès helped move cinema away from simply recording events toward constructing elaborate fictional worlds, making A Trip to the Moon an important milestone in narrative filmmaking and an early foundation of science-fiction cinema.
Its popularity was international, while its spectacular production and visual experimentation influenced generations of filmmakers.
Yet its journey was not uninterrupted. After Méliès retired, the film fell into obscurity before being rediscovered around 1930. An original hand-colored print was found in 1993, eventually leading to the celebrated 2011 restoration that helped preserve its extraordinary visual character for modern audiences.
A Genuine Greatest-of-All-Time Contender
Its historical reputation is backed by major critical recognition. In The Village Voice’s poll of the 100 greatest films of the 20th century, A Trip to the Moon ranked No. 84, placing a 1902 silent short alongside landmark works by filmmakers such as Hitchcock, Eisenstein, Kubrick and Welles.
Its standing reaches beyond that ranking. In the 2012 Sight & Sound critics’ poll of the greatest films ever made, Méliès’s film appeared at No. 171, further establishing its place in the international canon.
More than a century after its release, A Trip to the Moon remains extraordinary not simply because it was early, but because it was imaginative. Its moon voyage, fantastical creatures and unforgettable imagery demonstrated that cinema could invent worlds rather than merely capture reality. That achievement is precisely why Méliès’s little lunar adventure continues to rank among the most consequential films ever made.
Thirty-seven years ago today, a heavy metal band released an album that changed the course of its career. Legendary rock group Motley Crue released its fifth studio album, Dr. Feelgood, on Sept. 1, 1989.
The record came after a turbulent period that forced the band to confront its substance abuse problems. In December 1987, bassist Nikki Sixx suffered a heroin overdose that left him clinically dead for two minutes before he was revived.
The incident became a turning point for the band and its management. In early 1988, Sixx, lead singer Vince Neil, guitarist Mick Mars and drummer Tommy Lee entered rehabilitation and group therapy.
The band then recorded their next album sober. Dr. Feelgood was the first Motley Crue album made without the members using drugs or alcohol.
Motley Crue photo shoot in the backstage area of the Moscow Music Peace Festival 1989.
Legendary Rock Band Motley Crue Scored Its Only No. 1 Album With Dr. Feelgood
The group hired producer Bob Rock to oversee the project. The recording took place at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver, British Columbia. Rock structured the sessions so the four musicians recorded their parts separately, allowing them to focus on their respective performances.
Rock also used layered guitar tracks and other studio techniques to give the album a more polished sound. This helped create a different vibe from the band’s earlier releases.
The new approach paid off commercially. Dr. Feelgood became Motley Crue’s first and only album to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200. It held the top spot for two consecutive weeks and remained on the chart for 109 weeks.
The album produced five singles that received heavy radio play, including “Dr. Feelgood,” “Kickstart My Heart” and “Without You.” The title track peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the band’s highest-ranked single on the chart.
“Kickstart My Heart” also became one of Motley Crue’s signature songs. Sixx wrote its lyrics about his heroin overdose. Both “Dr. Feelgood” and “Kickstart My Heart” earned Grammy nominations for Best Hard Rock Performance but did not win.
Dr. Feelgood later won Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Album at the 1991 American Music Awards.
The record featured vocal contributions from several prominent rock musicians. Among them were Bryan Adams, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and Robin Zander of Cheap Trick.
Dr. Feelgood became Motley Crue’s most commercially successful album. The Recording Industry Association of America certified it six-times platinum in the United States.
Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.
Most outdoor patio furniture is surprisingly generic. That is to say that there’s largely no Patagonia or Craftsman in the outdoor furniture world, and if you’re concerned about long-lasting quality, you might be worried about what to expect from a brand with little to no reputational value on the line. If this sounds like you, or you just want a premium outdoor furniture set, check out this Better Homes & Gardens set. The Brookbury lives up to the brand’s reputation and is on sale for Labor Day at Walmart.
Best Use Case: This is a great set for large families and those who host get-togethers.
This is a very large set, including one of those L-shaped couches that people love so much for family gatherings and parties. A large wood-topped table and a sitting ottoman with a spacious storage area underneath complete the set marvelously. Though the set is water- and fade-resistant, a pair of included furniture covers will keep it looking pristine over the winter.
What makes this set worth it, in addition to its large size, is the 3-year limited warranty-backed 3M Scotchgard Protector. On the exterior, it provides the previously mentioned water and fade resistance (plus some stain-resisting power for our wine- and food-loving friends) while the interior is filled with a strong and supportive foam. On the Venn diagram that sorts outdoor furniture into “looks” versus “function,” this Better Homes & Gardens set fits firmly in the football-shaped wedge in between.
It’s also worth noting that this set has three different color options, each with a different wicker stain and an aesthetically matching cushion cover. The terracotta version will absolutely pop if you have any potted plants outside, but if you’re going for that easy-breezy coastal style, the white wicker and blue cushion style is going to exceed all expectations.
One shopper said, “The quality is amazing, it’s sturdy, and looks great!”
And because winter will be here before you know it, another shopper said, “The cover is a great bonus, and it is easy to put on and take off when needed.”
By the mid-1950s, Gary Cooper was already one of Hollywood’s most recognizable Western stars. But Vera Cruz gave him a very different kind of role.
The 1954 film, directed by Robert Aldrich and co-starring Burt Lancaster, is a darker, more cynical Western filled with mercenaries, double-crosses, and shifting alliances. It was also a movie that helped influence the Westerns that followed, including the work of filmmakers such as Sergio Leone.
StudioBinder now includes Vera Cruz on its list of the greatest Western movies of all time, highlighting the film’s importance to the genre.
But there’s an interesting twist to Cooper’s casting: According to Western historian Jeff Arnold, writer Borden Chase reportedly wrote the story with John Wayne in mind, presumably for the role that Cooper eventually played.
John Wayne Was Reportedly Considered for Gary Cooper’s Role
Vera Cruz follows former Confederate soldier Benjamin Trane, played by Cooper, who travels to Mexico after the Civil War and becomes involved with gunslinger Joe Erin, played by Lancaster.
The two men are hired to escort a countess to the port city of Veracruz, but their plans change dramatically after they discover that the stagecoach they’re protecting contains millions of dollars in gold.
The story was written by Borden Chase, whose previous Western credits included Red River, Winchester ’73, and Bend of the River. According to Jeff Arnold’s research, Chase wrote Vera Cruz with John Wayne in mind, apparently envisioning him for the part that ultimately went to Cooper.
Cooper’s casting turned out to be particularly interesting because the character was considerably different from the traditional Western hero. Benjamin Trane isn’t exactly a straightforward gunslinger. He’s surrounded by characters motivated by money, power, and self-interest, giving the movie a much more cynical tone than many earlier Westerns.
Clark Gable Had a Warning for Gary Cooper
Cooper also received an unusual piece of advice before making the movie.
According to IMDb’s production trivia, Clark Gable warned Cooper against working with Lancaster after seeing the younger actor in From Here to Eternity.
“That young guy will blow you off the screen,” Gable reportedly told him.
The warning is particularly funny in retrospect because Lancaster and Cooper wound up sharing the screen brilliantly. Lancaster’s Joe Erin is deliberately more flamboyant and openly ruthless, while Cooper plays Trane with the restrained style that had become his trademark.
‘Vera Cruz’ Still Has a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes
The movie’s reputation has held up remarkably well.
Vera Cruz currently has a 93% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes from 14 critics, while its Popcornmeter score sits at 69% from more than 1,000 audience ratings.
The film was also a significant commercial success when it was released. Jeff Arnold reports that it was made for an estimated $1.25 million and ultimately grossed around $9 million.
More than 70 years later, Vera Cruz remains an important piece of Western history. It brought together two major stars, challenged some of the genre’s traditional ideas about heroes and villains, and helped lay the groundwork for the darker, more cynical Westerns that followed.
And considering Chase reportedly envisioned John Wayne in Cooper’s role, it’s one of those Hollywood what-ifs that makes an already fascinating classic even more interesting.
Some movie performances are so closely associated with a character that it’s nearly impossible to imagine anyone else playing the part. Bill Murray’s Dr. Peter Venkman is one of them.
The 1984 comedy, which has only become more beloved with age, nearly featured Robin Williams in Murray’s iconic role. ScreenRant lists Williams among the actors who were considered for major roles in the original Ghostbusters, offering a fascinating glimpse at what might have been.
Robin Williams Was Considered for Peter Venkman
Murray ultimately became the face of Ghostbusters as Venkman, the wisecracking paranormal investigator who approaches ghost hunting with considerably more skepticism than his colleagues.
But he wasn’t the only major comedian considered for the role.
According to ScreenRant, Robin Williams was considered for Peter Venkman, along with Tom Hanks. Both were already established comedic performers who could have brought very different energy to the character.
It’s particularly easy to imagine how Williams might have approached the part. His rapid-fire delivery and manic comedic style could have made Venkman a substantially different character from Murray’s famously laid-back, deadpan version.
Instead, Murray got the role, and his performance became one of the defining elements of the movie.
Rotten Tomatoes currently gives Ghostbusters a 95% Tomatometer score, with the site’s critics consensus specifically highlighting Murray’s deadpan performance alongside the film’s blend of comedy and special effects. Rotten Tomatoes also lists Ghostbusters as Murray’s highest-rated performance.
‘Ghostbusters’ Has Only Gotten Better With Time
Released June 8, 1984, Ghostbusters follows Venkman, Ray Stantz, Egon Spengler, and Winston Zeddemore as they launch a paranormal investigation business in New York City. What begins as a quirky attempt to make money quickly becomes much more serious when the team discovers a supernatural threat capable of unleashing destruction on the city.
The movie was already a major success when it arrived in theaters, but its reputation has endured for more than four decades. Collider recently included Ghostbusters among classic comedies that have aged particularly well, pointing to the film’s lasting appeal as audiences continue to revisit it.
And there’s plenty of evidence that the movie’s reputation hasn’t faded. Ghostbusters has a 7.8/10 rating on IMDb from nearly 500,000 users, while Rotten Tomatoes has collected more than 250,000 audience ratings.
The film was also selected for preservation in the National Film Registry in 2015, cementing its place in American movie history.
