McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971) is a classic Western film directed by Robert Altman, known for its unconventional approach to the genre. The film stars Warren Beatty as McCabe, a charming gambler and small-time entrepreneur, and Julie Christie as Mrs. Miller, a shrewd and resourceful brothel madam.

Set in the early 1900s in a rugged, remote mining town in the Pacific Northwest, the story follows McCabe as he arrives in town with grand plans to build a successful business. He partners with Mrs. Miller to establish a saloon and brothel, seeking to profit from the town’s burgeoning economy. As their business grows, they become entangled in conflicts with powerful interests, including a large mining company that wants to take over the town.

McCabe & Mrs. Miller is notable for its distinctive style, including Altman’s trademark overlapping dialogue, naturalistic performances, and a soundtrack featuring songs by Leonard Cohen. The film subverts traditional Western tropes, focusing more on character development, economic struggles, and the harsh realities of frontier life rather than heroic exploits. Its anti-heroic protagonists, realistic portrayal of the Old West, and atmospheric cinematography have earned it critical acclaim and a lasting place in the Western genre.