In 1880, a motley group of passengers takes the stagecoach from Tonto, Arizona to Lordsburg, New Mexico via dangerous Apache territory.In 1880, a motley group of passengers takes the stagecoach from Tonto, Arizona to Lordsburg, New Mexico via dangerous Apache territory.In 1880, a motley group of passengers takes the stagecoach from Tonto, Arizona to Lordsburg, New Mexico via dangerous Apache territory.
- Awards
- 1 win & 1 nomination
- Henry Gatewood - Tonto Banker
- (as Tony Franciosa)
- Martha
- (as Jesse Colter)
- Luke Plummer
- (as Alex Kubic)
- Chris
- (as Bob McLean)
- Lash
- (as Lash LaRue)
- Director
- Writers
- James Lee Barrett
- Ernest Haycox
- Dudley Nichols(1939 screenplay)
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaWillie Nelson was 53 when the movie was released. The real Doc Holliday died when he was just 36.
- GoofsEarly in the trip the coach driver and the sheriff take turns with the reins long enough for each to remove his coat. The sun is getting brighter and the idea is conveyed that it is getting warmer. Then, there is a scene, maybe when they pick up Ringo, when their coats are on their bodies again. However, immediately after that their coats are once more off.
- Quotes
Buck: Curly, I got me two rifles right underneath that seating area.
Marshal Curly Wilcox: You always keep two rifles under the seat?
Buck: Yes, sir. My wife cleans them and loads them for me. Now, a lot of men get fried chicken.
Marshal Curly Wilcox: You got a good wife.
Buck: Yeah, I know it. She used to ride shotgun for me. Then she said it got, uh, got too hard on her ovaries.
Marshal Curly Wilcox: [pauses] What's an ovary?
Buck: Well, near as I can tell, it's uh, you know, part of her machinery.
Marshal Curly Wilcox: Oh.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Light & Magic: On the Bucking Bronco (2022)
- SoundtracksStagecoach
Performed by Willie Nelson
Admittedly, when hearing of this 1986 film expectations were very low. As talented as these country and western stars are, the whole concept just screamed of one big gimmick that could easily have gone disastrously wrong. That it had a limited budget too further added to the intrepidation, which had potential to severely diminish the western atmosphere, which ideally should have excitement and tension which was likely not to happen with low-budget.
Seeing it, and judging it on its own merits, 'Stagecoach' (1986) turned out to be not as bad as expected with some serviceable things. As feared though, it is even more uneven than the 1966 version, has more (and bigger) flaws, it is a little gimmicky somewhat and even on its own merits many people (myself included) are likely to question the point of it or find any reason for it to be made in the first place.
Certainly, there are some good things. Things do pick up in the second half, where the pace is given a sharper kick and more happens while the build up to the climax and the climax itself are exciting and suspenseful. The soundtrack is infectious and a lot of fun, while the costumes suit the western genre well. Some of the performances are good. Anthony Newley clearly is enjoying himself in his brief appearance, while Tony Franciosa does his nervous act well, John Schneider is handsome and charismatic enough, Mary Crosby allures and Kris Kristofferson while not as charismatic as John Wayne has far more presence and likability (also appropriately stoic) than the wooden and vacuous Alex Cord.
However, Johnny Cash is somewhat stiff while both Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings look uncomfortable, Jennings actually looks as though he didn't want to be there and Nelson clearly had no idea how to portray the character. Elizabeth Ashley looks pained throughout too, exposing a limited acting ability, lack of experience and lack of connection with her character (which is admittedly not an interesting one in the first place).
Furthering hindering the film are in particular a long-winded and drawn-out script that veers on the preachy at times. The direction is pedestrian, aimless even in the first half and failing to inject any urgency until late into the film. The story lacks the fun and tension of especially the 1939 film, and lacks the necessary grit too making everything feel bland. It also really struggles to come to life in the first half, although improving in the climax and its build up. The limitations in budget hurt 'Stagecoach' (1986) also, with a choppy and drab look that was crying out for more majestic sweep and the production design looking like it was constructed in haste. This is sad because the scenery is actually quite nice.
On the whole, definitely could have been much worse but just didn't see the point. Interesting to see so many country and western stars together, who are very talented at what they do in their own way, but some fare significantly better than others while others flounder. 4/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- Dec 18, 2016
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Höllenfahrt nach Lordsburg
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
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