classicsoncall Review of The Virginian

The Virginian (2000 TV Movie)

"There's a long list of consequences here..."

[8/10 · 8 January 2015]

I was surprised to learn of the many screen treatments the original work of literature had spawned, at least a half dozen going all the way back to the silent era. 'The Virginian' TV series was one that got by me during my youth, but having James Drury, that show's Virginian show up here in a brief role was kind of fitting. I liked this one, even though some of the casting was kind of suspect. I don't care for Bill Pullman so much and John Savage had more of a villain's look suitable for the Trampas character, but be that as it may, the players did a pretty good job in their portrayals. Steve's (Savage) day of reckoning with a noose caught me a little by surprise not knowing anything about the story, and further conveyed the idea of the main character as a principled individual who remained committed to a rigid moral code. I also enjoyed the dialog between the characters; I don't know if it was historically accurate or not but it certainly kept your attention. With exceptional Canadian Rocky Mountain locations and an engaging personal story between the principals, the movie offers a different kind of Western leading up to that final showdown in which The Virginian makes his stand for integrity and honor.