Perhaps one of the most iconic actors in American history, James Coburn is credited with 174 film and television appearances throughout his long and successful career in the industry. He became the quintessential cowboy in many of his roles, but he was far from being typecast. Coburn could be as mean as a rattlesnake but he could also sport a suit and tie then turn on the charm that would make the ladies swoon. We pay homage to this great American actor with the top five James Coburn movies of his career.
The Magnificent Seven (1960)
Coburn played the role of Britt in this classic 60’s era western that was packed full of action and adventure. The film centers around an oppressed Mexican peasant village who were ravaged by marauders who posed a daily threat to their existence. They pooled their resources and hired a group of seven gunfighters to help them fight against the villains that were set to raid their homes. In addition to James Coburn, the all star cast included Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen and Charles Bronson.
The Great Escape (1963)
This World War II era drama adventure film took a historical event and plugged in an all star cast including James Coburn as Sedgewick “The Manufacturer,” James Garner, Steve McQueen and Richard Attenborough in the leading roles. The film told the story of a group of allied war prisoners who set about a daring plan for several hundred of their imprisoned men to escape from a German camp.
Our Man Flint (1966)
James Coburn stars in the leading role as Derek Flint in this high powered action adventure comedy. The story focuses on a group of scientists who sink to the level of eco-terrorism to attempt to rule the world by changing the weather. Daniel Mann directed Coburn and his co-stars Lee J. Cobb and Gila Golan.
Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973)
Coburn takes the lead as Pat Garrett who was hired by the elite New Mexico cattle barons who were tired of being deprived of their wealth by his old pal Billy The Kid. They employed Garret to take him down. Sam Peckinpah directs Coburn along with co-stars Kris Kristofferson and Richard Jaeckel in this action adventure western.
Maverick (1994)
James Coburn didn’t have the leading role in this film, that was Mel Gibson and James Garner who shared the honor as father and son, but whenever he made an appearance in a scene as the Commodore, he commanded the full attention of the audience. It was good to see him back in a role as a bad guy but he was as handsome as ever in his commodore’s suit, leading the famous riverboat poker tournament. Coburn has always done well in action adventure comedy films and this was no exception. In fact, he was brilliant.
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