I like this movie not because of the acting but because of the technical aspects. The movie takes place in the blackpowder era. I look for technical mistakes like using a 1873 Colt Peacemaker revolver in the 1860's or using a Winchester 1894 in the 1870's.
Cardiff used muzzle loading, blackpowder, Plains Rifle with a octagon barrel, percussion cap ignition, and looked to be about at least .50 caliber. A muzzle loader like that takes a cloth patch surrounding the ball and then a ball with a short projection that is used to start the ball down the barrel. That is called a ball starter and one the ball is started the ramrod takes over. On the chest of Cardiff was a white handled small knife. That is a patch cutter. The cloth patch is put in front of the bore and a ball put in. The excess patch is cut off using that knife.
Cardiff also used a Colt 1860 blackpowder revolver with percussion cap ignition. In the bar scene during the fight the person behind the bar pulled out a rolling block rifle ( you never see these in westerns). During the first shooting scene, Ben Johnson used a Winchester 1894 rifle with the front hand guard removed so it would resemble a Henry rifle.
Lastly, watching the movie was like watching a film of family members who are no longer living. These actors are movie icons the likes of which will never be seen again. They have gone to the great Big Wigwam in the sky!
Review of Wild Times
