Open Range Essay

1029 Words5 Pages

Open Range began in the state of Montana in 1882. The plot of this particular movie was about a group of cattlemen who were led by “Boss” Spearmen. Charley, a hired hand, had been riding with Boss for ten years. He struggled with his past of being a soldier during the Civil War and felt guilty about the numerous men he had killed. Button, a small-framed, sixteen-year-old boy did not speak a word of English when he was hired by Boss. Button was a boy who was always looking for excitement in the quiet, simple life of the West. Contrastingly, Mose was unbothered by most matters of life and content with any given situation. He was large and shabby, yet kind and soft-spoken. They were leading a herd of cattle and set up camp in an open field. Before the men could continue their journey, Boss sends Mose to gather supplies from the town near their campsite. When he fails to return the next day, Boss and Charley set off to find him. As it turned out, Mose was badly beaten and being held in the town’s jail. He …show more content…

Charley and Boss would stop at nothing to protect their honor and keep their lives. They took upon themselves a fight against nearly two dozen men with only one meager supporter; the owner of the livery who was also considered the old, crazy coot of the town. They wanted vengeance for their friends who had been with them through the worst. While on the topic of friendship, this brings about yet another recurring theme: friendship. Without companionship in the open West, a man could get lost within his own mind. They forget that life isn’t as simple as cows and grazing int the open fields. Charley, Boss, Button, and Mose were part of a brotherhood that looked out for one another no matter what the circumstance. At the end of the movie, Charley and Boss decided to quit the cattle business and buy a saloon; symbolizing the life-long friendship the two men had

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