At Last! One of the most eagerly requested movies gets a Region 1 DVD release. For many years now collectors have been hollering for LONELY ARE THE BRAVE (1962) to be issued. So Universal have finally seen the folly of their ways and here it is in a splendid 2.35 sharp as a button Monochrome widescreen presentation that everyone will adore. Although there is in existence a reasonably good Region 2 version from Spain it cannot compare to this new release.
Kirk Douglas is terrific in the story we all know and love of the free- spirited latter day cowboy who resents the conventions and restrictions of the modern day west ("everywhere you go, keep out, stop, no entry, go away, get lost", drop dead"). The wire cutters he carries in his saddle-bags gets plenty of use! On the run from the law because of a misdemeanour he takes to the hills with his faithful horse Whiskey in an attempt to escape into Mexico. But the rough terrain and upward climb is not easy particularly for a man on horseback. In a wonderful scene where he realizes he would make it without the animal he leaves Whiskey and begins to climb a cliff. But looking back at her and with that soulful look in her eyes as she watches him climb he just can't do it. He comes back down to the horse mumbling..... "you're worse than a woman".
It is one of Douglas' best and most likable roles! Being alone for a good portion of the movie he dominates the screen. It is an admirable and engaging performance plus his expert handling of the horse is quite remarkable. Giving excellent support is Walter Matthau as the pursuing but compassionate sheriff Morey Johnson ("ye son of a gun - ye made it"!). John Schillart gives an amusing turn as the guileless deputy. "Judas priest Morey!" he exclaims as the sheriff bumps his way along the rough trail at speed in the jeep. The female lead is taken by a young and quite beautiful Gena Rowlands as the wife of Douglas' jailed best friend. However the relationship between her and the cowboy is kind of puzzling! The kisses and clinches to my mind appear a tad steamy for a pair who are supposed to be just good friends.Hmmm! Also in one of his early roles is George Kennedy as a sadistic guard and watch out for the late Bill Bixby as the helicopter pilot. The only drawbacks I found in the picture is the over emphasis on the Carroll O'Connor character as the truck driver. After all the horse could have been hit by a motor cycle and end up the same way. Also the great scene where the cowboy makes that dash for the trees under gunfire and in the ensuing shot rides into a indoor exterior. Wow! I thought they had stopped using indoor exteriors by 1962! Also I thought the downbeat ending somewhat severe for what is essentially a light hearted drama and we never do learn what becomes of our cowboy!
Sharply photographed in Panavision by Phil Lathrop the film based on the novel "The Brave Cowboy" by Edward Abbey had a fine screenplay fashioned by Dalton Trumbo. David Miller - who never really distinguished himself except maybe with "Sudden Fear" (1953) - does a nice job in the director's chair and composer Jerry Goldsmith provided a wistful score with one of his early efforts.
Surprisingly there is no trailer but the extras do have two interesting featurettes. One called "Lonely Are The Brave - A Tribute" has contributions from Steven Spielberg, Michael Douglas, Gena Rowlands and a very aged Kirk Douglas. The other, blandly presented by some record producer, shows Jerry Goldsmith at work scoring the picture.
AN EXCELLENT ISSUE OF AN OVERDUE AND MUCH VAUNTED CLASSIC!
Kirk Douglas is terrific in the story we all know and love of the free- spirited latter day cowboy who resents the conventions and restrictions of the modern day west ("everywhere you go, keep out, stop, no entry, go away, get lost", drop dead"). The wire cutters he carries in his saddle-bags gets plenty of use! On the run from the law because of a misdemeanour he takes to the hills with his faithful horse Whiskey in an attempt to escape into Mexico. But the rough terrain and upward climb is not easy particularly for a man on horseback. In a wonderful scene where he realizes he would make it without the animal he leaves Whiskey and begins to climb a cliff. But looking back at her and with that soulful look in her eyes as she watches him climb he just can't do it. He comes back down to the horse mumbling..... "you're worse than a woman".
It is one of Douglas' best and most likable roles! Being alone for a good portion of the movie he dominates the screen. It is an admirable and engaging performance plus his expert handling of the horse is quite remarkable. Giving excellent support is Walter Matthau as the pursuing but compassionate sheriff Morey Johnson ("ye son of a gun - ye made it"!). John Schillart gives an amusing turn as the guileless deputy. "Judas priest Morey!" he exclaims as the sheriff bumps his way along the rough trail at speed in the jeep. The female lead is taken by a young and quite beautiful Gena Rowlands as the wife of Douglas' jailed best friend. However the relationship between her and the cowboy is kind of puzzling! The kisses and clinches to my mind appear a tad steamy for a pair who are supposed to be just good friends.Hmmm! Also in one of his early roles is George Kennedy as a sadistic guard and watch out for the late Bill Bixby as the helicopter pilot. The only drawbacks I found in the picture is the over emphasis on the Carroll O'Connor character as the truck driver. After all the horse could have been hit by a motor cycle and end up the same way. Also the great scene where the cowboy makes that dash for the trees under gunfire and in the ensuing shot rides into a indoor exterior. Wow! I thought they had stopped using indoor exteriors by 1962! Also I thought the downbeat ending somewhat severe for what is essentially a light hearted drama and we never do learn what becomes of our cowboy!
Sharply photographed in Panavision by Phil Lathrop the film based on the novel "The Brave Cowboy" by Edward Abbey had a fine screenplay fashioned by Dalton Trumbo. David Miller - who never really distinguished himself except maybe with "Sudden Fear" (1953) - does a nice job in the director's chair and composer Jerry Goldsmith provided a wistful score with one of his early efforts.
Surprisingly there is no trailer but the extras do have two interesting featurettes. One called "Lonely Are The Brave - A Tribute" has contributions from Steven Spielberg, Michael Douglas, Gena Rowlands and a very aged Kirk Douglas. The other, blandly presented by some record producer, shows Jerry Goldsmith at work scoring the picture.
AN EXCELLENT ISSUE OF AN OVERDUE AND MUCH VAUNTED CLASSIC!