Rating: 
Summary: Still entertaining
Review: The waste he saw on the set of "Paint Your Wagon" supposedly inspired Clint Eastwood's tight economical ways when making his own Malpaso productions, and, of course, this film is usually considered on a par with "Heaven's Gate" as a costly disaster. It may have laid an egg at the box-office, but it's still a very entertaining movie whether approached as a musical or a lighthearted western. Lee Marvin and Clint Eastwood may not be the best singers in the world, but they sing well in character. Eastwood does a particularly commendable job on "Gold Fever," but Harve Presnell steals both stars' thunder with a knockout version of the best song, "They Call the Wind Maria." It's an entertaining show all around, and, because of its cast, possibly of more interest to film fans who don't necessarily enjoy musicals, as opposed to those that do.
Rating: 
Summary: The movie they tried to ruin
Review: "Paint Your Wagon" is almost a textbook case in how to ruin a film version of halfway decent musical. Take a minor Lerner & Lowe hit, blow it up all out of proportion, cast three non-singers for the main leads, and remove most traces of the whimsy and irony that made this moderately popular in the first place. That the result is STILL somewhat entertaining is almost a miracle. A lot of the credit has to go Lee Marvin, who plays his trademark drunken Westerner to the hilt. But Clint Eastwood and Jean Seberg are bland to the point of nonexistence. A standout (he's hard to miss) is Harve Presnell, an actual singer who belts out the movie's big hit, "They Call the Wind Maria" then promptly disappears. There's a lot of "what-in-the-world-were-they-thinking?" in this one. But it's still worth a couple hours of your time.
Rating: 
Summary: Misunderstood
Review: If you like Dirty Harry/Clint Eastwood westerns, I suggest staying away from this movie because you're probably used to lines like, "Go ahead, make my day." You probably can't imagine (or if you could, the thought would make you sick) a young and likeable Clint Eastwood who plays a guitar and sings love songs with an orchestra back-up, in a funny musical!
Maybe I'm wrong, but prove it.
Anyway, I liked it, and it's hard not to like this movie. It's funny! The lines are good. Joshua Logan directed it, a director with a great reputation.
The sound effects and music track sounds exceptional for a movie made so long ago, and this movie is a spectacle. For 1969, the music score is great. It's a Lerner and Loewe musical. The music score gets the complete workup. This was only a few years after "Gigi" and "My Fair Lady" won the best picture Oscar, and one can tell the effort and budget really shows in this movie.
The comedy actually works. It's about the California gold rush. 164 minutes, with an intermission too.
Here are two lines that made me laugh:
Two drunks talking, "What's a 'fornicater'?"
"I don't know, I'm not a religeous man."
Rating: 
Summary: Beautifully balanced Musical Western
Review: Moreoften than not, this movie these days is billed as a Clint Eastwood picture, and although he is the chief supporting actor, make no mistake this is Lee Marvins vehicle, through and through. Like others I first saw this at a tender age, yet even now still find myself watching it with great affection, and humming along to great songs like "They Call the Wind Maria". The power of this picture is the flexibility of the acting, the premise is quite simple, a wandering clutch of gold panners in 1800 something Californian wilderness, set up a small town to cater to the wild proclivities of the all male population. Jean Seberg as the second wife of a travelling Mormon turns the place on it's head, and is "sold" to Lee Marvin as a legal claim, much to the chagrin of the envious locals, including his partner, played by Eastwood. There is a strange melancholy to the back story of Marvins character which is elevated by some raucous singing, almost slapstick comedy scenes, and dry humour throughout. Although catagorized as a "Musical" you never really feel that way, and it's more of a comedy/action western that just has some great music and songs. Lee Marvins drainpipe rasping actually got him a No1 record with "Wandrin Star", and Eastwood's vocal input is enjoyable, albeit quaintly misplaced. It's interesting to note that Eastwood demanded a high fee at the time for fear that these singing poppinjay parts of his character, might irreperably damage his tough man image. There are some wonderful cameos from a host of well knowns, including an Almost psychotic Ray Walston as "Mad Jack Duncan", and few will forget Lee Marvins tutoring of the young Horton Finney (Tom Ligon), in the ways of the World. Not a short picture at 166 mins but worth it - a funny, sad, uplifting and at times bittersweet good old fashioned romp through the old west, Hollywood style. Well directed, written and crammed with talent. One of my all time favorites. Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Why, God?
Review: I understand a lot of you like this movie. I cannot say the same. Never much for musicals, and always big on Eastwood westerns- I nearly vomited when I saw this. Two of the coolest actors to ever star in a Western- together...singing?! I love Lee MArvin and Eastwood, but this movie was rediculous. I enjoyed the plot, sort of...it was just the absolute wrong movie for these guys. I hear who's in it, and I expect Hang 'Em High or High Plains Drifter, and an Ennio Morricone score. I got this instead. As you can see, I'd be dissapointed. It was even worse to see what everyone thinks is a joke from the Simpsons, is a real movie. Thumbs way down on this one. If you're into musicals, you might like it- if you're a movie person, don't subject yourself to this.
Rating:
Summary: Good Old Fun
Review: Wow, how can you not love Clint Eastwood's singing? This movie is fun and hilarious. A little action and a lot of laughter. The characters are witty and the plot is creative. I would recomend this movie to anyone, unless you don't agree with drinking, smoking and gambling. Just watch the movie and enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: "There will be three of us for supper."
Review: When first released--even in the era of "free love"--PAINT YOUR WAGON raised eyebrows. A major studio releasing a big budget musical about an immoral California mining town where two men are married to the same woman? How gosh!Cast aside any moral timidity and simply have fun watching this entertaining, rowdy film. Lee Marvin is a hoot as drunken, pretentious Ben Rumson--Clint Eastwood totally in over his head as the more down-to-earth 'Pardner.' Both actors share some memorable moments as they "partner up" on everything they own: including Ben's wife, Elizabeth (Jean Seberg, whose untimely death following the film's release was indeed tragic). The supporting cast, including Ray Walston and Tom Ligon, is outstanding; the "music"--if you can call it that--is uneven and very forgettable (with the glowing exception of "They Call the Wind Maria," sung by Harve Presnell). From brothels to bulls and bears, from gold dust to greed and lust, pull up a chair and let PAINT YOUR WAGON haul you away to No Name City.
--D. Mikels
Rating:
Summary: Great Fun!!
Review: This movie is a lot of frolicking fun, and was one of the most expensive musicals made in the 1960s. The characters are all "characters", especially Lee Marvin's. The music is dated but, good; and like a musical is supposed to do, keeps the story moving. Enjoy!!
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