Monte Walsh
Monte Walsh
| 17 January 2003 (USA)
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Monte Walsh and Chet Rollins are long-time cowhands, working whatever ranch work comes their way, but "nothing they can't do from a horse." Their lives are divided between months on the range and the occasional trip into town. Monte has a long-term relationship with prostitute Martine Bernard, while Chet has fallen under the spell of the widow who owns the hardware store. Camaraderie and competition with the other cowboys fill their days, until one of the hands, Shorty Austin, loses his job and gets involved in rustling and killing. Then Monte and Chet find that their lives on the range are inexorably redirected.

Reviews
Softwing Most undeservingly overhyped movie of all time??
Dorathen Better Late Then Never
Derry Herrera Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.
Phillipa Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.
roycline One of the best cowboy movies ever made, plain and simple.
rustbeltrefugee I am evidently more fortunate than most reviewers in having seen, as an adult, both versions of this excellent and delightful story. While I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of both very much, I cannot say one is "better" than the other.Of the new film, one reviewer said, "It drags," another, "Too Slow." Come on folks! You must have been raised on a steady diet of "action adventure" westerns, where men are spectacularly killing each other in every scene. Would you really prefer to believe that the helicopter chasing Tom Cruise, clinging to the top of a speeding train (Mission Impossible) explodes in a fireball rather than the crashing boredom of being cooped up in a bunkhouse with a bunch of guys who have nothing better to do than master the ability of getting on each other's last nerve? Another comment, "Too pretty." As a resident of the Eastern slope of the Southern Rocky Mountains (4,000 feet) who has traveled through Montana, it really does look that beautiful. I see mountains (which are occasionally snow-covered) in any direction from my house and if I stand on my tiptoes I can see the Rio Grande from my front porch.I watched this film twice recently over the last three weeks. Between viewings, I read The Forgotten Founders: Rethinking the History of the Old West, by Stewart L. Udall. Udall does a fine job of correcting the horse manure that dime novels, Buffalo Bill, Hollywood and television have shown as "history." Wyatt Earp shot one of the Clantons in the back in ambush. Pat Garrett shot Billy the Kid (much more fiction than fact about him) in bed. Pat (buried in the Garrett family plot a few blocks from my home) was later shot in the back of the head while urinating during a carriage ride stop. Pat was such a rotten sidewinder that when his killer claimed self defense, the jury acquitted him, with a sentiment of "Thank you for providing a needed public service!" After seeing both excellent versions of this outstanding story, I must read the book. --J. D. Schultz Sr., Las Cruces, New Mexico.
ccthemovieman-1 This re-make of the 1970 version is considered just as good, if not better, by a lot of people who have seen both. I've only seen this one.I found it much slower than many westerns but still almost as interesting. What I liked best, I think, was the cast. It fascinated me, especially being a regular viewer of the CSI shows. There are two actors whom I've gotten to know well from those shows and they have roles in here: George Eads having a major part while Rex Linn (?) is in a lesser role. Tom Selleck as "Monte Walsh" is a natural for these westerns. He, like Sam Elliott, has that rugged cowboy appearance that make him look genuine. Isabella Rossellini is past her exotic days but she's always interesting as are the following: Keith Carradine, William Devane, James Gammon, Barry Corbin and Wallace Shawn. Yup, this is a very deep and diverse cast.You also get one of the better directors doing this made-for-cable TV movie in Australian Simon Wincer, who directed "Lonesome Dove." Plus, the film is based on a book from perhaps the most famous western author of all- time: Louis L'Amour.The story is not an upbeat one, but not overly depressing despite the fact that few people are left by the end of the film. Despite that sad content and a film that many might consider a bit slow or too talky, this film has enough going for it to recommend.
Ray Papa The scenery was beautiful, but I kept waiting for the action, as in Crossfire Trail. Things seemed to plod along, with a realistic setting and beautiful country throughout. This movie is rated a lot higher than Crossfire Trail here at IMDb, but I would reverse the ratings and, for a TV movie, rate Monte Walsh at a 5.
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