Few actors are more synonymous with a specific genre than John Wayne is to the Western. Clint Eastwood and Henry Fonda might be a close second and third, but the Duke is the true Western icon.
Paired with John Ford, Wayne created a number of the most iconic movies the genre has ever seen, but his pairings with Howard Hawks also helped create two of the best movies in Western history.
Rio Bravo made its debut in 1959 and became an instant classic. Just seven years later, the two reconnected for a similar film that also ended up in the pantheon of best Westerns.
'El Dorado' Named Among Best Westerns
Rotten Tomatoes compiled a list of the best Westerns of all time and placed El Dorado at No. 18 on the list.
The film isn't dissimilar to Rio Bravo, but Hawks preferred it that way. The legendary director wanted to focus on the relationships between characters rather than a range war.
"Story? There's no story. You and Duke play two old cowboys," Hawks told Robert Mitchum, who later recalled, "He was right. It was all character development."
Hawks based his movie off of The Stars in Their Courses by Harry Brown and angered the author by straying from the source material, which unfolded as a Greek tragedy.
"I'm much more interested in the story of a friendship between two men than I am about a range war or something like that," Hawks said. "There's probably no stronger emotion than friendship between men. When it comes to Wayne and his relationships, that's better than the story... Any time you get somebody who's as good as Wayne and Mitchum, you're going to make better scenes than there are in the script."
James Caan Was Lied to?
By omission, at least.
Hawks refused to tell the newcomer that he was playing a comedic role in the film, allowing the youngster to play his part straight, by which he received laughs.
"It was Caan's first good part, and he accepted anything I'd tell him without any argument. He's a damn good actor, and we started rolling the more we got into it. He got a lot of laughs playing it perfectly serious. He didn't know he was playing a comedy," Hawks revealed.
"Not until he went to see the preview. He came up to me and said, 'Why didn't you tell me I was playing a comic part?' And I said, 'You'd have spoiled it. You'd have tried to be funny.'"
Just a few years later, Caan was nominated for an Academy Award for his work as Sonny Corleone in The Godfather.
One of the coolest aspects of music is seeing the work of one artist be sampled or repurposed by another performer in a completely different musical category. Perhaps nowhere is this more evident than rap music, which over the years has borrowed parts of songs from almost every genre you can think of.
In March 2005, rapper Beanie Sigel released his third studio album, The B. Coming. The project contained the song "Feel It in the Air," which peaked at No. 55 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and features a prominent saxophone sample from one of the most renowned sax players of the 1970s.
"Feel It in the Air" may have sounded familiar to 1970s music fans
Produced by Heavy D, who also wrote the lyrics with Sigel, "Feel It in the Air" borrows from a number of songs, including "Mind Playing Tricks on Me" by Geto Boys.
The unmistakable sax notes, which help kick off the song and set the tone, were taken from "Whole Lotta Something Goin' On," a 1979 track by British musician Raphael Ravenscroft.
Ravenscroft's voice is also sampled--he's the person saying "feel it in the air"---but the sax steals the show.
This shouldn't be too surprising though; after all, it was Ravenscroft who was responsible for "most recognizable sax riff in pop music history."
The iconic Raphael Ravenscroft and the best sax solo ever
While Ravenscroft recorded his own songs, he is best known for playing the sax on Gerry Baker's 1978 hit "Baker Street." The timeless riff has been described as “the most famous saxophone solo of all time" and "one of the most recognizable saxophone solos of all time."
In 2015, WatchMojo named Ravenscroft's "Baker Street" performance the No. 1 sax solo in pop and rock music history. Without question, it is the crowning career achievement for Ravenscroft, who passed away in October 2014 at the age of 60.
OluKai brought its first line to market in ‘06, and the Ohana flip-flops have been the brand’s bestselling sandals ever since. That star power means normally having to shell out $80, and many gladly will because of how comfortable they are. But during this year's annual Amazon Prime Day sale, OluKai is giving guys a chance to get a pair for 40% off until the sale ends on June 26.
The $80 OluKai Ohana Sandals are now selling for as low as $48 at Amazon while the sale is live. Only four colorways are listed at this price, but it applies to all sizes–a rarity for shoes on the site. These sandals continue to wow Amazon shoppers, earning the No. 8 overall ranking among the site's bestselling men's sandals.
OluKai Ohana Sandals, From $48 (was $80) at Amazon
Best For: Beach, travel, all-day wear, house shoes
The Ohana’s contoured footbed is the main feature behind its two decades of success and popularity. Much like Birkenstock, it has a contoured footbed with built-in arch support, but on the Ohana, it's molded directly into the waterproof EVA material, designed to mimic the feel of wet sand underfoot. They’re light enough to pack, and the water-resistant straps and quick-dry lining handle moving from water to land without squishing.
Like many other Prime Day sales on more premium products, the Ohanas rarely fall below $60 if it isn’t a big event. $48 is also a very solid price for what are widely considered to be some of the (if not the) most comfortable flip-flops you can get in general.
OluKai’s sandals are definitely expensive, but the build quality makes up for it (and means they’ll last longer as well): “They are pricier flip-flops; however, they are of amazing quality and last a long time.” A second shopper wrote they’ve been wearing the same pair “around the house every day for about 10 years.”
Even when compared to other premium sandal brands, reviewers found OluKai’s usually win when it comes to comfort and support: “I’ve been using Reefs, but these sandals have better arch support in them, and the material is softer than the others.” Another reviewer said, “These feel like walking on a cloud. One day, I walked over 20,000 steps.”
Outside of Black Friday and OluKai’s own major sale events, Prime Day is really the best time to get a pair of Ohana Sandals, especially this time around at 40% off. Just make sure to grab your size before they’re gone.
Camping chairs have come a long way from flat nylon slung between aluminum poles. People want to be comfortable, which is why we're seeing a wave of outdoor seating products that are more in line with luxury goods. Usually, these elevated chairs are on the pricier side, but with Walmart’s Summer Deal event going on, you can get something like this cushioned, reclining camp chair for under $30.
The $52 Ozark Trail Reclining Glamping Chair is now just $25 at Walmart during the sale, and over 500 people have bought one in the last day alone. Leave it to Walmart to make something affordable and comfortable—this chair has earned an astounding 4.5-star rating with over 150 reviewers absolutely raving about its simple but luxurious design.
Ozark Trail Reclining Glamping Chair, $25 (was $52) at Walmart
The low-profile design of this chair makes it a sort of beach/camp chair hybrid, so it's a great pick if your summer has a bit of both planned. You get multiple reclining positions, and the oversized drink holder can hold a 30-ounce tumbler. A back storage pouch and padded shoulder straps give you space for your essentials and make it easy to carry. That said, it weighs ~13 pounds, which is on the heavier side for a packable chair, but reasonable given the sturdy frame.
Comparable camping chairs from the outdoor brands will run you anywhere from $40 to $80 at full price, on average—some even more. The powder-coated steel frame is also the same construction used on chairs that cost twice as much, making this $25 deal incredibly strong, especially when the competition at this price is a beach chair from CVS that won’t last the summer.
One helpful reviewer said the chair is “very comfortable” and “the pouch and backpack straps are really great.” A second shopper said they’re perfect for beach trips because they’re “lightweight and easy to carry.” That same shopper also said, “They dry quickly and are easy to wipe off when dirty.”
The rugged build quality and extras do add some weight, but one shopper wrote, “because it is very well-made, it is very heavy to carry on your back for very far.” That reviewer also wrote, “Hasn't stopped me yet, though,” and the chair only comes in at around 13 pounds.
It’s pretty rare to find a camping chair this solid for only $25, but the Ozark Trail Reclining Glamping Chair is an exception. Just be sure to jump on this deal soon, because over 500 have been bought in the last day alone, so it’s safe to say they’re going fast.
The music industry was dealt a devastating blow on June 22, as it was announced that music titan and legend Clive Davis had passed away at the age of 94. Per a story from the New York Times, Davis’ family confirmed that he died at his Manhattan home. This news comes weeks after reports surfaced that he was hospitalized and later discharged after dealing with “respiratory problems.” At the time of publication, an official cause of death was not listed.
As the world looks back on Davis’ career, it goes without saying that he was one of the most recognizable names in the music business, yet he never released an album or a song. Instead, he helped discover and/or shape the careers of some of the biggest acts in history, helping them to amass millions of fans and solidly establish themselves as legends. From Whitney Houston to Barry Manilow, here are the biggest acts in history who owe a thank you to Davis in part for their careers.
Clive Davis’ Time with Columbia Records Sees Him Sign Aerosmith & More
Intense black and white live shot showing Steven Tyler mid-performance with raw energy and signature stage presence.
Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns
From 1967 to 1973, Davis served as the president of Columbia Records. During his tenure there, he was responsible for launching the careers of several major bands. We’re talking, Aerosmith, Chicago, Santana, and the greatest band of all time (in my opinion), Earth, Wind & Fire. And it was Davis who spotted Janis Joplin performing with Big Brother and the Holding Company, signed them all, and helped to launch Joplin’s solo career.
Speaking of solo artists, while at Columbia, he made sure to debut to the world big-name acts such as Bruce Springsteen, whom Davis signed to his first record deal. Davis also signed Billy Joel as a solo act, a move that sent Joel’s career into the stratosphere of success.
Clive Davis’ Golden Years at Arista Help Launch Whitney Houston
CLARKSTON - JULY 31: American singer and actress, Whitney Houston, performs at the Pine Knob Music Theater during her "Moment of Truth" world tour, on July 31, 1987, in Clarkston, Michigan. (Photo by Ross Marino/Getty Images)
From 1974 to 2000, Davis was in charge of his own label, Arista Records. Under the brand, Davis launched the career of “The Voice” herself, Whitney Houston. Without a doubt, the partnership between Davis and Houston goes down in history as one of the most important in music history. His guiding hand helped to make her voice one of the most celebrated in the world, with a roster of Billboard hits and albums, and a laundry list of awards and accolades.
Outside of Houston, Davis brought the wonderful talents of Barry Manilow to the forefront worldwide. Even if you aren’t in Manilow’s unique brand of pop, you likely know “Mandy.’ Under Davis' tenure with Arista, the one and only Kenny G was also discovered.
Clive Davis’ Third Act with J Records Launches Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, & More
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 19: (L-R) Clive Davis, Alicia Keys, Chance The Rapper and Swizz Beatz attend The Gordon Parks Foundation Awards Dinner and Auction 2026 at Cipriani 42nd Street on May 19, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for The Gordon Parks Foundation)
From 2000 to roughly 2011, Davis ran his company J Records following his departure from Arista Records. Davis’ third venture at running a major label proved no less fruitful, and exemplified that he never lost his ear for good music and talent. Under J Records, he launched the successful music careers of Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, and Fantasia. Additionally, in conjunction with A&M Octone Records, he helped to shape the debut album of Maroon 5.
Also, although it may not have been their first albums, with J Records, Davis released the final album of legend Luther Vandross (which won two Grammys), and Davis helped to relaunch the music career of Jamie Foxx with the commercially successful album Unpredictable.
Clive Davis’ Influence Has a Wide Scope
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 31: Clive Davis speaks onstage during the 68th GRAMMY Awards Pre-GRAMMY Gala & GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Avery Lipman & Monte Lipman on January 31, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Even if Clive Davis didn’t directly sign artists, he’s been a big reason why a number of them have still seen superstardom. While president of Arista Records, he had a joint venture with LaFace Records, where Arista served as the distributor for LaFace artists. This collaboration led to early success of LaFace artists like TLC, OutKast, and Toni Braxton, each act a musical juggernaut.
It should also be noted that Davis has a nearly 40-year creative relationship with the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. He signed her in the 1980s, and helped revitalize her career, making sure she stayed a relevant figure in music with hits like “Freeway of Love” and “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me).”
Rest well, Clive Davis. Condolences to his family and friends.
Screen legend Clint Eastwood is responsible for some of the best movies of all time, both as an actor and a director.
Eastwood starred in Unforgiven and the Outlaw Josey Wales, both movies that routinely score at or near the top of the best westerns and films ever made. However, he also starred in a dud so problematic that even Eastwood himself can't stand it. It's called Ambush at Cimarron Pass, and CBR puts it at #1 on the list of Eastwood's worst movies. You can watch the movie for free on YouTube and decide for yourself.
Even Clint Eastwood Hates His 1958 Movie, 'Ambush at Cimarron Pass'
Even Eastwood hates the movie. Ambush at Cimarron Pass "follows a group of American cavalry escorting a prisoner to a fort as they're ambushed by Apache. Later coming across a band of former Confederates, they reluctantly join forces in a bid to survive the journey through Cimarron Pass, facing off with superior Apache numbers," CBR explains.
Ambush at Cimarron Pass "has been acknowledged by Eastwood himself as not only the worst film of his career but one of the worst films ever made," CBR noted. "However, as one of the earliest films to cast him in a leading role, it's also an important chapter in his Western career."
After all, he made a lot of movies after this one.
What did Eastwood say about the movie? He opened up about it in 2015 while speaking to students at Loyola University.
"And then finally one day I started getting some parts and then I did a little film out at Fox called Ambush at Cimarron Pass. It was probably the worst film ever made and… But I had the second lead in it and an actor named Scott Brady was the lead," Eastwood told the students, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
"And the film was made in eight days. So it was really el speedo grande. And I saw it. I went to see it, it was playing a second feature in North Hollywood. I went to see it and I saw that film and I said I’m through. I’ve got to go back to school. I’ve got to do something else, I’ve got to get a job of other sorts. And then finally I accidentally ran into somebody out at CBS on Beverly Boulevard and they were doing a Western called Rawhide. And they cast me as one of the leads."
What Are Clint Eastwood's Other Worst Movies, Ranked?
What are the other worst Eastwood movies on CBR's list? In order after Ambush at Cimarron Pass:
2. The First Traveling Saleslady
3. Pink Cadillac
4. Lafayette Escadrille
5. City Heat
6. Cry Macho
7. The Rookie
8. Firefox
9. The Witches
10. Every Which Way But Loose, Any Which Way You Can
'Ambush at Cimarron Pass' Has a Dismal Rotten Tomatoes Rating
Director Clint Eastwood attends the 20th Annual AFI Awards at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, California.
(Photo by Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic)
Fans weighed in on the YouTube comment thread. "I have to agree with Clint this is a pretty bad movie I'll try to finish it but probably not, we will see," wrote one.
"What's with these OLD 1950's GARBAGE WESTERNS? These movies SUCK!" proclaimed another YouTube user. But not everyone agreed. "I think its a good little western," another fan wrote.
"The acting is as corny as the storyline. I felt embarrassed for the actors while watching this movie. Especially the ending. This is why the old studio contracts were so dumb and did great harm to the product," a fan wrote on the Rotten Tomatoes website.
In late April, Kevin, an adult animated sitcom created by Aubrey Plaza and Joe Wengert, debuted on Amazon Prime Video. The first season of the show covered eight episodes, all of which dropped on April 20.
Now, two months later, Plaza has confirmed the disappointing news that Kevin is not being renewed for a second season.
"Amazon Prime is not picking up Kevin for another season. Very disappointing since we were just getting going," Plaza wrote. "I want to say thank you to all the fans that watched our show and all of the incredible cast and crew that worked so hard to make this dream come alive…"
The show is named after the rescue cat Plaza and Wengert shared when they dated two decades ago. In her message on IG, the Parks & Rec star expressed hope that perhaps the series could get a second chance down the line.
"I remember on the early days of Parks & Rec when we all thought we would be cancelled because our ratings weren’t great. Our numbers," she wrote. "But we had some special humans over at NBC that believed in the show and let us grow and let audiences fall in love with our characters.
"I was hoping for this for Kevin but sadly we are living in a different time in our industry. I hope the machines won’t ruin everything. Maybe Kevin will find a new owner someday. Love you all very much. Meow."
What else to know
All eight episodes of Kevin are still up and available on Amazon Prime Video. Jason Sudeikis voices the titular feline character, who moves into an animal shelter in Astoria, Queens after his two owners split up.
As in real life, Plaza plays Kevin's former human owner. Gil Ozeri voices the owner of the pet rescue, with Amy Sedaris, John Waters, Aparna Nancheria and Whoop Goldberg all playing other animals.
The series holds a 60% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 62% score on Metacritic.
