The Cheyenne Social Club *** (1970, James Stewart, Henry Fonda, Shirley Jones, Sue Anne Langdon) – Classic Movie Review 3944

James Stewart and Henry Fonda star as ageing wandering cowboys who inherit a whorehouse – the Cheyenne Social Club of the title – run by its feisty madame, Jenny (Shirley Jones).

Prim and proper John O’Hanlan (Stewart) wants to close the whorehouse down, but lusty Harley Sullivan (Fonda) just wants to have fun.

Producer-director Gene Kelly’s 1970 comedy Western vehicle for the two beloved old stars is appealing and easy-going, though probably a bit too easy-going.

More comic wit in James Lee Barrett’s screenplay (from the novel by Davis Grubb) would have helped towards a better movie. But the attractive playing of the two old buddies, plus Jones, and Kelly’s pleasing direction certainly compensate.