The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Directed by Sergio Leone, 1967
R; 180 minutes

“Art it is, summoned out of the imagination of [Sergio] Leone and painted on the wide screen so vividly that we forget what marginal productions these films were.” — Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Set in the Southwest during the Civil War, a mysterious stranger named Joe (Clint Eastwood) and a Mexican outlaw, Tuco (Eli Wallach), form an uneasy partnership. They develop a scheme: Joe turns in the bandit for the reward money, then rescues him just as he is being hanged. When Joe's shot at the noose goes awry during one escapade, a furious Tuco tries to have him murdered. However, the men abruptly re-team to beat out a sadistic criminal and the Union Army in the search for $20,000 that a soldier has buried in the desert.

The “My Favorite Films” series features tales of romance, humor, suspense, satire, and heroism with films since 1945. These films may hold special memories for you—no matter how many times you see them, they continue to draw you in once more. While many of these films are available through streaming, it's always more fun to see them in the theatre.

This November, join us as we ride through the wild, rugged terrain of the American West. Saddle up for a cinematic adventure that proves the West is wild, wonderful, and timeless—because in these films, the frontier never truly fades.

Make a day of it at the Modern and include extra time to visit the galleries. Enjoy lunch in Café Modern and then settle in for an afternoon screening, or plan for a coffee break afterwards with fellow film enthusiasts.

Screenings are at 2 pm most Wednesdays in the auditorium. Tickets are $5 (FREE for Modern members) and are available at the Museum’s admission desk or online here.