From CBR · Nathan Johnson · · 1m 50s
10 Greatest Western Sidekicks Ranked
Western sidekicks who shaped film history, from loyal allies to tragic catalysts.
In brief
Western sidekicks who shaped film history, from loyal allies to tragic catalysts. Western sidekicks like Chickenfoot, Bull, and Doc Holliday defined iconic films through loyalty, pivotal decisions, and lasting impact. Originally reported by CBR.
Chickenfoot: Honesty Over Sparing Feelings
Chickenfoot, Paul Hurst's character in The Westerner, proves loyalty by questioning Judge Roy Bean without getting hanged.
“Chickenfoot is the only person in the town who openly questions Bean and doesn't get hanged for it”
Bull: Loyalty During J.P. Harrah's Crisis
Bull, Arthur Hunnicutt's character in El Dorado, holds the sheriff's office while J.P. Harrah struggles with alcoholism.
“Bull is the glue that holds the main crew of characters together in El Dorado”
Chihuahua: Key to O.K. Corral Climax
Chihuahua, Linda Darnell's character in My Darling Clementine, reveals James Earp's stolen silver watch connecting Clantons to murder.
“Chihuahua eventually reveals that James Earp's stolen silver watch connects the Clantons with James' murder”
Lone Watie: Humanity in Josey Wales
Lone Watie, Chief Dan George's character in The Outlaw Josey Wales, provides humanity to Josey Wales after losing everything to the government.
“Lone Watie retains his humanity, humor, and willingness to connect”
Stumpy: Protective Loyalty in Rio Bravo
Stumpy, Walter Brennan's character in Rio Bravo, protects John T. Chance and Dude from threats with unwavering loyalty.
“Stumpy never hesitates to open fire on anyone threatening his friends”
Pilar: Tragic Catalyst for Max
Pilar, Suzanne Pleshette's character in Nevada Smith, guides Max Sand through the bayou and dies from a rattlesnake bite.
“Pilar gets bitten by a rattlesnake due to Max's blind rage and lust for vengeance”
LaBoeuf: True Grit's Heroic Sidekick
LaBoeuf, Matt Damon's character in True Grit, executes a 400-yard rifle shot to save Rooster despite being injured.
“LaBoeuf executes a 400-yard rifle shot that takes down Ned Pepper, saving Rooster's life”
Sundance Kid: One-Half of Best Duo
Sundance Kid, Robert Redford's character in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, is the lightning-fast gunman for Butch.
“Sundance is the lightning-fast gunman, posing the physical threat that makes sure they survive”
Tuco: Loyalty in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Tuco, Eli Wallach's character in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, survives the film after Blondie secretly removes bullets from his gun.
“Blondie secretly took all of the bullets out of Tuco's gun”
Doc Holliday: Friendship as Ultimate Sidekick
Doc Holliday, Val Kilmer's character in Tombstone, proves friendship with Wyatt Earp by standing up for him against violence.
“Wyatt Earp is his friend”
The big picture
Western sidekicks like Chickenfoot, Bull, and Doc Holliday defined iconic films through loyalty, pivotal decisions, and lasting impact.
