Did Quentin Tarantino Borrow Plot Elements From An Episode Of ‘The Rebel’ For ‘The Hateful Eight’?
Here we go again. Anytime a new film by Quentin Tarantino surfaces, the hunt begins to find the various influences and elements he’s borrowed from other movies and television shows to put together his work. The filmmaker has always been candid about his influences, and is voluble on his inspirations. That said, Cowboys & Indians does point out some striking similarities between “The Hateful Eight” and a vintage TV series probably only your grandpa remembers watching.
**SPOILERS AHEAD** To start off with, the article’s author, Joe Leydon, wants to make it clear: “Please don’t misunderstand: We’re not accusing Quentin Tarantino of plagiarism.” He cites the long tradition of stories being “borrowed” and recycled, particularly during the days of ’50s and ’60s television. However, with that caveat out of the way, he points out the very, very close similarities between an episode of the short-lived, two season series “The Rebel,” and Tarantino’s upcoming western. Here’s a breakdown of the episode in question, “Fair Game”:
READ MORE: Watch: First Gun-Toting, Blazing Trailer For Quentin Tarantino’s ‘The Hateful Eight’
The entire setting, the manner in which some of the characters are trapped in the way station, an accused murderer among them, and somebody dropping dead via poison….even if you believe in coincidences, it’s a rather remarkable number of similar plot points.
Tarantino has previously named “The Virginian,” “Bonanza,” and no shortage of western TV shows where the characters would be taken hostage as helping to shape his new film. It might be time to add “The Rebel” to the list of shows he names as having watched. All that said, as we know from his other movies, Tarantino may sample and borrow, but what he conjures is usually distinctly his own. Either way, we’d like to hear what you think, so hit up the comments section below. [via Hollywood Elsewhere]
