The Lonesome Dove mini-series contains every core element of a classic story of the mythic Old West: romance, tragedy, courageous and independent yet very human heroes, vicious yet believable villains, plenty of action, and the overall grit and determination of frontier life. These elements are all woven into an enthralling story centered on an epic journey across the American frontier--a cattle drive from Texas to Montana undertaken shortly after the Custer massacre. The movie is extremely faithful (in plot, dialogue, and characterizations) to the excellent novel by Larry McMurtry, and especially benefits from McMurtry's genius at narrative and story construction. What makes the film even better are the truly exceptional performances by the first rate cast, that includes Robert Duvall, Tommy Lee Jones, Robert Ulrich, and Anjelica Huston, and the great musical score, which won a well-deserved Emmy. This is the kind of film about the Old West that only comes along once in a blue moon, and lovers of Old West stories and movies (as well as real-life cowboys) watch it over and over. In my view, it ranks above even the classics of Western film, including Red River, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, and Shane--and I love all of those films. Even though it is over six hours long, and technically a TV mini-series, it should be considered a great film.
245 Reviews
Ambitious, close-to-legendary TV epic based on Larry McMurtrey's sprawling, episodic novel, a worthy cousin to "Giant."
gbrumburgh13 May 2001
Little did I realize when I picked up the videotape of `Lonesome Dove' that I would be pitching a tent myself, camped out in front of the tube for most of my Saturday (6 hours, not including pauses for bathroom breaks, meals, letting the dog out, etc.). It certainly rearranged all my weekend priorities, but it was well worth the sacrifice after all the hoopola I've heard regarding this movie. It is a must experience.
Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones top-line an outstanding cast in this epic-proportioned western which should have been worthy of a cinematic release for it captures beautifully the look, the feel and the time of the Old West as never before.
In a nutshell, it relates the tale of two former Texas Rangers, Woodrow Call (Jones) and Gus McCrae (Duvall), both getting on in years, who manage a dusty but comfortable living running a cattle company just outside rundown Lonesome Dove, Texas. A third ranger, Jake Spoon (Robert Urich), returns from up north, on the lam for an accidental murder, and perks Woodrow's interest in being the first to take a herd into the mostly unsettled northern region of Montana, while laying claim to an area considered `perfect cattle territory.' He convinces relaxed old-timer Gus, who is content these days with a bottle of whiskey and a whore, to join him for one last thrill to recapture their old "Texas Ranger" glory days and shake up their too sedentary lives.
Re-stealing horses and a herd from Mexican bandidos, they sign on a team of men to undertake the arduous journey eventually braving about every type of adversity imaginable. When it's not windstorms and snake-infested waters threatening life, limb and livestock, they have murderous horse thieves and vengeful Indians to contend with.
What makes `Lonesome Dove' stand out proudly is not only its rich, panoramic beauty and intriguing story-lines, but its caring, sharply-defineated characters that keep this six-hour plus movie from ever wandering off. These are people you become fascinated with; people that you want to know as much as you can about even minor characters stay with you here, such as the desponding, thick-accented bar-owner who carries the torch for one of his whores, or the spiritual cook who passes out whittled amulet-like carvings to the cattle team. When asked why he doesn't ride horses, he simply responds, `We are all animals. How would you like it if someone rode on you?'
An intricate, finely-tuned subplot weaves in and out of the main Woodrow/Gus narrative. A northern sheriff July Johnson (Chris Cooper), accompanied by his stepson, reluctantly takes off to Texas after Jake Spoon for the accidental murder of the town's mayor, but gets sidetracked halfway when he learns his new wife Elmira (Glenne Headley) has abandoned him and the boy in her obsession to find the no-account man she left behind.
The acting is superb all around, especially by those mentioned above. They give this movie such heart and scope. Also contributing greatly are Diane Lane as the town whore who seeks a better life; earnest Ricky Schroeder as the youngest member of the team whose family tree is questioned; Danny Glover, the wise and dedicated team scout; Barry Corbin as the slow-thinking undersheriff; Frederic Forrest as the murderous redskin Blue Duck; Angelica Huston as Duvall's kind-hearted former flame; Steve Buscemi and Frederick Coffin as a pair of lusty lowlifes; Nina Siemaszko as a scrappy backwoods waif, and others too numerous to name. But Tommy Lee Jones and, especially, Robert Duvall are the heart and soul of this piece. They limn characters so fascinating and complete, they just stand apart from the rest. Gus McCrae, in particular, will be remembered as one of Duvall's proudest creations.
So, if you are into all-day campouts that will make you feel you yourself have been on a trek, `Lonesome Dove' is your ticket. It is wondrous entertainment that now lies in the miniseries Hall of Fame along with "Roots."
Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones top-line an outstanding cast in this epic-proportioned western which should have been worthy of a cinematic release for it captures beautifully the look, the feel and the time of the Old West as never before.
In a nutshell, it relates the tale of two former Texas Rangers, Woodrow Call (Jones) and Gus McCrae (Duvall), both getting on in years, who manage a dusty but comfortable living running a cattle company just outside rundown Lonesome Dove, Texas. A third ranger, Jake Spoon (Robert Urich), returns from up north, on the lam for an accidental murder, and perks Woodrow's interest in being the first to take a herd into the mostly unsettled northern region of Montana, while laying claim to an area considered `perfect cattle territory.' He convinces relaxed old-timer Gus, who is content these days with a bottle of whiskey and a whore, to join him for one last thrill to recapture their old "Texas Ranger" glory days and shake up their too sedentary lives.
Re-stealing horses and a herd from Mexican bandidos, they sign on a team of men to undertake the arduous journey eventually braving about every type of adversity imaginable. When it's not windstorms and snake-infested waters threatening life, limb and livestock, they have murderous horse thieves and vengeful Indians to contend with.
What makes `Lonesome Dove' stand out proudly is not only its rich, panoramic beauty and intriguing story-lines, but its caring, sharply-defineated characters that keep this six-hour plus movie from ever wandering off. These are people you become fascinated with; people that you want to know as much as you can about even minor characters stay with you here, such as the desponding, thick-accented bar-owner who carries the torch for one of his whores, or the spiritual cook who passes out whittled amulet-like carvings to the cattle team. When asked why he doesn't ride horses, he simply responds, `We are all animals. How would you like it if someone rode on you?'
An intricate, finely-tuned subplot weaves in and out of the main Woodrow/Gus narrative. A northern sheriff July Johnson (Chris Cooper), accompanied by his stepson, reluctantly takes off to Texas after Jake Spoon for the accidental murder of the town's mayor, but gets sidetracked halfway when he learns his new wife Elmira (Glenne Headley) has abandoned him and the boy in her obsession to find the no-account man she left behind.
The acting is superb all around, especially by those mentioned above. They give this movie such heart and scope. Also contributing greatly are Diane Lane as the town whore who seeks a better life; earnest Ricky Schroeder as the youngest member of the team whose family tree is questioned; Danny Glover, the wise and dedicated team scout; Barry Corbin as the slow-thinking undersheriff; Frederic Forrest as the murderous redskin Blue Duck; Angelica Huston as Duvall's kind-hearted former flame; Steve Buscemi and Frederick Coffin as a pair of lusty lowlifes; Nina Siemaszko as a scrappy backwoods waif, and others too numerous to name. But Tommy Lee Jones and, especially, Robert Duvall are the heart and soul of this piece. They limn characters so fascinating and complete, they just stand apart from the rest. Gus McCrae, in particular, will be remembered as one of Duvall's proudest creations.
So, if you are into all-day campouts that will make you feel you yourself have been on a trek, `Lonesome Dove' is your ticket. It is wondrous entertainment that now lies in the miniseries Hall of Fame along with "Roots."
The Best Western Ever Filmed
Barky4418 August 2004
As a boy, I never liked western films. My father loved them all, all the John Wayne classics, the Spaghetti Westerns, the whole lot.
I despised them all. They were all the same. Same plot. Same rotten cinematography. Same unbelievable characters. Couldn't understand the attraction.
Then I saw Lonesome Dove. This film (actually a mini-series) is an absolute masterpiece.
It starts with the cinematography and locations. It was not your stereotypical Utah-canyon photography, it was the great plains, the Texas deserts, the wide rivers, the mesquite groves. Not marvelous vistas, but simple, real, gritty scenery. You can taste the dust of the panhandle and smell the Kansas plains.
Then there's the action. There's lots of it. Flooding rivers, driving rains, realistic fights, thundering cattle drives, horrible scenes of rape and torture (just under TV censor radar), plenty of death and sadness. All of it believable. All of it heart-tugging. All of it amazing.
But above all of these great features are the characters and the writing. Augustus McCrae and Woodrow F. Call have become two icons of pop culture, polar opposites who work well together and, in the end, are incomplete without one another. The supporting cast as well is fabulous, well written, patently interesting, and tremendously played. Even the evil characters are fascinating.
This is what television and film should be. It is very, very rare for anything of this quality to ever appear on the small screen, and with today's "reality TV" craze, it is even rarer still.
Buy the DVD set. You won't be disappointed. 10 out of 10.
Barky
I despised them all. They were all the same. Same plot. Same rotten cinematography. Same unbelievable characters. Couldn't understand the attraction.
Then I saw Lonesome Dove. This film (actually a mini-series) is an absolute masterpiece.
It starts with the cinematography and locations. It was not your stereotypical Utah-canyon photography, it was the great plains, the Texas deserts, the wide rivers, the mesquite groves. Not marvelous vistas, but simple, real, gritty scenery. You can taste the dust of the panhandle and smell the Kansas plains.
Then there's the action. There's lots of it. Flooding rivers, driving rains, realistic fights, thundering cattle drives, horrible scenes of rape and torture (just under TV censor radar), plenty of death and sadness. All of it believable. All of it heart-tugging. All of it amazing.
But above all of these great features are the characters and the writing. Augustus McCrae and Woodrow F. Call have become two icons of pop culture, polar opposites who work well together and, in the end, are incomplete without one another. The supporting cast as well is fabulous, well written, patently interesting, and tremendously played. Even the evil characters are fascinating.
This is what television and film should be. It is very, very rare for anything of this quality to ever appear on the small screen, and with today's "reality TV" craze, it is even rarer still.
Buy the DVD set. You won't be disappointed. 10 out of 10.
Barky
A Sad Western Well-Told
ccthemovieman-17 January 2006
Warning: Spoilers
This six-hour television mini-series was as good as advertised, which is saying a lot. I don't prefer long movies but this is very watchable. It's such an interesting story and so-well photographed that you don't mind the long length.
The acting is top-rate, led by Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones, with a deep cast that includes many well-known actors. As a male, I really enjoyed ogling Diane Lane and I've always liked Glenne Headley, too, although more for her voice.
Fredric Forest is absolutely brutal as the half-breed killer, one of the most unremorseful murderers I've even seen on film. Angelica Huston, Rick Schroeder, Danny Glover, Robert Urtich, D. B. Sweeney and Steve Buscemi all were superb, too.
The story has a great mix of drama, romance, action, sadness and just plain realism. The characters are bold and unrelenting and you find yourself getting wrapped up in this story and with these people, what they went through. It's just great storytelling but - as in real life - it isn't all roses; there's a lot of sadness here.
The acting is top-rate, led by Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones, with a deep cast that includes many well-known actors. As a male, I really enjoyed ogling Diane Lane and I've always liked Glenne Headley, too, although more for her voice.
Fredric Forest is absolutely brutal as the half-breed killer, one of the most unremorseful murderers I've even seen on film. Angelica Huston, Rick Schroeder, Danny Glover, Robert Urtich, D. B. Sweeney and Steve Buscemi all were superb, too.
The story has a great mix of drama, romance, action, sadness and just plain realism. The characters are bold and unrelenting and you find yourself getting wrapped up in this story and with these people, what they went through. It's just great storytelling but - as in real life - it isn't all roses; there's a lot of sadness here.
The best mini-series ever?
mattymatt3022 December 2003
I usually shun mini-series. Sooo long, sooo boring. Lonesome Dove is anything but. It's one of the most realistic, best character driven films ever made. Everyone is good, even Ricky (sorry, RICK) Schroeder, but Robert Duval is AMAZING. His Augustus McCrae is so perfect, that one would swear that Robert Duval is that character! He makes this film for me and I was really happy to hear that it was Duval's favorite character out of his long, excellent career. Lonesome Dove, which is so brilliant, should be on the list of anyone who likes westerns, and anyone who likes good filmmaking in general!
Sorry, but I've got a problem with this one -
I loaned it out to a friend. "Six hours?" he said, "I haven't got six hours to waste watching a movie."
Two days later, I got a phone call. "Thanks a lot, buddy," my friend told me, "I watched it all the way through, then started from the beginning and watched it again. Twelve solid hours! And I had other things to do, too!"
It's that good!
How in the world did they do it? How did they fight off the "helpful" execs who must have told them things like: "NO NO NO!. Cowboys never wore hats like that, or carried guns like that. And why don't you shoot it in places with more spectacular scenery, like the National Parks? And why do you insist on taking all that time introducing the characters? And why isn't there more quick draws and fancy gunplay? And how come the good guys don't triumph in the end? And you can't just kill off sympathetic characters like that! Haven't you people ever seen a western movie? YOU JUST CAN'T DO IT THIS WAY!"
But by some miracle, they could, and did.
The fact that Gus and Call ride past the Alamo WITHOUT SAYING A SINGLE WORD ABOUT IT, just stunned me!
Top notch everything! Go anywhere in it, pause it, turn off the color and feast your eyes on the most convincing presentation of the West as it appeared in the 1870s you'll ever see outside a museum.
I am in awe of this masterpiece.
Don't rent it, BUY IT.
rulerattray20 November 2001
Warning: Spoilers
- namely that "Lonesome Dove" made every other Western I've ever seen, even those I used to like, seem corny.
I loaned it out to a friend. "Six hours?" he said, "I haven't got six hours to waste watching a movie."
Two days later, I got a phone call. "Thanks a lot, buddy," my friend told me, "I watched it all the way through, then started from the beginning and watched it again. Twelve solid hours! And I had other things to do, too!"
It's that good!
How in the world did they do it? How did they fight off the "helpful" execs who must have told them things like: "NO NO NO!. Cowboys never wore hats like that, or carried guns like that. And why don't you shoot it in places with more spectacular scenery, like the National Parks? And why do you insist on taking all that time introducing the characters? And why isn't there more quick draws and fancy gunplay? And how come the good guys don't triumph in the end? And you can't just kill off sympathetic characters like that! Haven't you people ever seen a western movie? YOU JUST CAN'T DO IT THIS WAY!"
But by some miracle, they could, and did.
The fact that Gus and Call ride past the Alamo WITHOUT SAYING A SINGLE WORD ABOUT IT, just stunned me!
Top notch everything! Go anywhere in it, pause it, turn off the color and feast your eyes on the most convincing presentation of the West as it appeared in the 1870s you'll ever see outside a museum.
I am in awe of this masterpiece.
Don't rent it, BUY IT.
The Greatest Western of All Time
mssandlin6 March 2001
Larry McMurtry's wonderful story is beautifully and amazingly brought to the screen by director Simon Wincer. It assembles together one of the best casts in movie history. Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones are nearly perfect. Duvall has been quoted as saying that Gus McCrae was his favorite character he ever played. He is certainly mine. Angelica Huston is the perfect person to play Clara. It is almost like Larry McMurtry had some of these actors and actresses in mind when he wrote his novel. The only exception is Frederic Forrest as Blue Duck. He does a fine job with what he's got, but the man just isn't big enough or scary enough for this role. The story is incredible. The scenery is beautiful. Lonesome Dove is, in my opinion, the best western ever made. A definite must see for everyone.
Simply the best
secampbell12 January 2003
In my opinion, this is the best motion picture of all time! While it's a mini-series, I believe it matches up favorably (and surpasses) the best movies...Shawshank Redemption, Seven Samurai, Star Wars, Citizen Kane, and so on. The story, sets, acting, character development, music,....all amazing.
The production is as if you were plopped on a horse in the middle of a cattle drive in the old American West. Every detail was as if it was 1880...including dialogue, character depth...and the utter chaos and randomness of life.
While there are a couple special effects that might have been a little better, this work of art adds to life. When you have a block of time, watch it.
The production is as if you were plopped on a horse in the middle of a cattle drive in the old American West. Every detail was as if it was 1880...including dialogue, character depth...and the utter chaos and randomness of life.
While there are a couple special effects that might have been a little better, this work of art adds to life. When you have a block of time, watch it.
Defined my very idea of "friendship" at age 10.
VioleTAK23 February 2015
I was about 10 years old when I first watched Lonesome Dove.
My parents were away, working hard to provide for our family, and I was left at home with a few channel. To my blessed luck, Lonesome Dove aired in one of those channels. I watched the first part, and counted the days, hours, moments, for next week's part. I was only 10, but I knew I was struck by something meaningful... Among all the junk that was being aired in between, all the TV reporting of wars in my country, all the political corruption I cared nothing about... I will tell you this: Lonesome Dove gave me faith in humanity.
To this day, I can say this was the only cinematic film to ever truly touch my heart. I have seen many films/series since, but none has made an impact as beautiful and true as Lonesome Dove.
Gus and Call's friendship in this 4part masterpiece, has defined my very idea of what friendship could look like in real life.
Today I have a couple of dear friends. People I enjoy sharing my life with. People I'd follow to the ends of the earth if asked. And remembering dear old Gus and Call's journey, is something that brings tears to my eyes. For me... it was real. For me, their friendship was a lighthouse of hope. It was shining the words: "Never give up on your brothers and sisters, they are your light in the darkness".
To friendship!
My parents were away, working hard to provide for our family, and I was left at home with a few channel. To my blessed luck, Lonesome Dove aired in one of those channels. I watched the first part, and counted the days, hours, moments, for next week's part. I was only 10, but I knew I was struck by something meaningful... Among all the junk that was being aired in between, all the TV reporting of wars in my country, all the political corruption I cared nothing about... I will tell you this: Lonesome Dove gave me faith in humanity.
To this day, I can say this was the only cinematic film to ever truly touch my heart. I have seen many films/series since, but none has made an impact as beautiful and true as Lonesome Dove.
Gus and Call's friendship in this 4part masterpiece, has defined my very idea of what friendship could look like in real life.
Today I have a couple of dear friends. People I enjoy sharing my life with. People I'd follow to the ends of the earth if asked. And remembering dear old Gus and Call's journey, is something that brings tears to my eyes. For me... it was real. For me, their friendship was a lighthouse of hope. It was shining the words: "Never give up on your brothers and sisters, they are your light in the darkness".
To friendship!
Lonesome Dove is the great American movie. Helluva vision.
djsmith7 November 2003
In the end it's how a movie touches your heart that is its measure.
The characters must touch you. The story, interesting in itself, must seamlessly direct those characters to be revealed for why they matter. The actors playing those characters need to be right. Or, as here, just damn perfect. Robert Duvall once said something like: sure the British can play Shakespeare. But they can't play Gus McCrae.
He's right. You can have the Hamlet DVD any day you want; I'll watch Lonesome Dove.
Robert Duvall is the anchor and the soul. Name a better performance. Anjelica Huston is the beauty. And somehow Tommy Lee Jones steals the movie.
A great story about great characters played by great actors.
The Godfather movies, as good as they are, have not the legend or the nobility of Lonesome Dove. Forget the usual suspects like Citizen Kane. This is the great American movie. Helluva vision.
The characters must touch you. The story, interesting in itself, must seamlessly direct those characters to be revealed for why they matter. The actors playing those characters need to be right. Or, as here, just damn perfect. Robert Duvall once said something like: sure the British can play Shakespeare. But they can't play Gus McCrae.
He's right. You can have the Hamlet DVD any day you want; I'll watch Lonesome Dove.
Robert Duvall is the anchor and the soul. Name a better performance. Anjelica Huston is the beauty. And somehow Tommy Lee Jones steals the movie.
A great story about great characters played by great actors.
The Godfather movies, as good as they are, have not the legend or the nobility of Lonesome Dove. Forget the usual suspects like Citizen Kane. This is the great American movie. Helluva vision.
Western Fans Will Like This More Than Casual Viewers
Theo Robertson14 October 2005
My dad who is an aficionado of the Wild West gave me a loan of the first series of DEADWOOD on DVD which I enjoyed immensely . He then gave me a loan of LONESOME DOVE a series that I had heard great things about but I had never seen mainly because I'm not much of a fan of the Western genre . Great things ? Just look at this page to see the reviews or the fact that this series has an average rating of 9.1 , I think only BAND OF BROTHERS has a better rating on this site . So over two consecutive nights I watched the series and have to confess I was slightly disappointed mainly down to the story and production values
The story rambles around with a lack of focus . The central plot itself revolves around two Texas Rangers Gus McCrae and Woodrow Call who decide to move cattle all the way from Texas up to Montana which has all the making of an epic journey , but we're then introduced to countless characters who flit in and out of the story many of who are killed off which left me wondering why they were included in the first place . If JRR Tolkien had been a fan of the Wild West this is how LORD OF THE RINGS may have ended up looking like ! I was also confused as to what sort of audience the producers had in mind since McCrae and Call leave Lonesome Dove with a couple of friendly pigs in tow , ala a Walt Disney family adventure then later on we're treated to some very cold blooded killings . At least DEADWOOD knows it's for adults only but LONESOME DOVE mixes violence with sugary sentimentality which gives it a jarring quality
As for the production values it suffers from one of those made for television feelings with scenes having the camera locked onto a medium shot far too many times . Director Simon Wincer should be excused much of the blame since he's almost working on a tight budget and he does try but unfortunately when he tries to film a beautiful breath taking scene like McCrae's riding over the crest of the hill pursued by Indians you notice the scene doesn't really come across as cinematic . About the only scene where everything does come together in a visual sense is the final scene right at the end
If it wasn't for the cast I would have certainly struggled with this because the cast are by far the best thing . Never mind Pacino and DeNiro , Robert Duvall is the greatest living American character actor alive today and once again he gives a greatly understated and consistent performance as Gus McCrae while Tommy Lee Jones ( An actor who can be very uneven ) gives one of his career best performances . Mention must go to many of the other cast members like eternal good guy Robert Urich being cast very much against type , DB Sweeney whose character is in love with a prostitute and most especially the then unknown Chris Cooper who gives a truly haunting performance as former lawman July Johnson . I wasn't too impressed with Frederic Forrest though since I don't think he made a convincing Indian and having a character who conjures up images of Donald Duck doesn't help at all
So as it stands the cast save LONESOME DOVE for the casual viewer , but it's almost certainly a mini series that will appeal to Western fans than to casual viewers and I'm looking forward to seeing the second series of DEADWOOD more than I am to RETURN TO LONESOME DOVE
The story rambles around with a lack of focus . The central plot itself revolves around two Texas Rangers Gus McCrae and Woodrow Call who decide to move cattle all the way from Texas up to Montana which has all the making of an epic journey , but we're then introduced to countless characters who flit in and out of the story many of who are killed off which left me wondering why they were included in the first place . If JRR Tolkien had been a fan of the Wild West this is how LORD OF THE RINGS may have ended up looking like ! I was also confused as to what sort of audience the producers had in mind since McCrae and Call leave Lonesome Dove with a couple of friendly pigs in tow , ala a Walt Disney family adventure then later on we're treated to some very cold blooded killings . At least DEADWOOD knows it's for adults only but LONESOME DOVE mixes violence with sugary sentimentality which gives it a jarring quality
As for the production values it suffers from one of those made for television feelings with scenes having the camera locked onto a medium shot far too many times . Director Simon Wincer should be excused much of the blame since he's almost working on a tight budget and he does try but unfortunately when he tries to film a beautiful breath taking scene like McCrae's riding over the crest of the hill pursued by Indians you notice the scene doesn't really come across as cinematic . About the only scene where everything does come together in a visual sense is the final scene right at the end
If it wasn't for the cast I would have certainly struggled with this because the cast are by far the best thing . Never mind Pacino and DeNiro , Robert Duvall is the greatest living American character actor alive today and once again he gives a greatly understated and consistent performance as Gus McCrae while Tommy Lee Jones ( An actor who can be very uneven ) gives one of his career best performances . Mention must go to many of the other cast members like eternal good guy Robert Urich being cast very much against type , DB Sweeney whose character is in love with a prostitute and most especially the then unknown Chris Cooper who gives a truly haunting performance as former lawman July Johnson . I wasn't too impressed with Frederic Forrest though since I don't think he made a convincing Indian and having a character who conjures up images of Donald Duck doesn't help at all
So as it stands the cast save LONESOME DOVE for the casual viewer , but it's almost certainly a mini series that will appeal to Western fans than to casual viewers and I'm looking forward to seeing the second series of DEADWOOD more than I am to RETURN TO LONESOME DOVE
Outstanding Film With Only Minor Flaws
rld7918 August 2006
Whenever Duval, Jones, Huston, Lane are on screen, the film is near perfect. You will not see a better Duval performance in any of his films - perhaps only equaled in a totally different character in "Apoclypse Now." It is the character that "Boss Spearman" became in Open Range." Forrest is one of the all-time vile, despicable villains. Early Cooper performance is also a treat. The relationships ring as true to life as you will find in any film, western or otherwise. These are people with whom you want to spend time. The action and plot lines are very solid. Some have said the storyline drags a bit, but for most it moves at a more than acceptable pace and sets a tone that is both comfortable and at the same time continues to build the anticipation for the various confrontations etc. You will not lose interest. The Urich performance is dwarfed by the others and makes that component of the story less than compelling. Any western movie fan who has not seen this film has not seen all the great western movies. Those who only enjoy westerns that transcend the traditional will not be disappointed. This is a real movie classic, with no need for the adjective "western."
Iconic Characters Lead The Way In This Epic Western Miniseries
zkonedog28 February 2017
Warning: Spoilers
There are many people who consider "Lonesome Dove" to be the greatest Western saga ever created. While I can't quite go that far in my praise for it, I will say that it was easily worth watching for the iconic characters (bolstered by incredible acting) it cultivates throughout.
For a basic plot summary, "Lonesome Dove" tells the story of Gus McCrae (Robert Duvall) and Woodrow Call (Tommy Lee Jones), two cattle ranchers who decide to leave their dusty Texas ranch and move the herd to Montana on the advice of fellow friend Jake Spoon (Robert Urich). Along the way, they deal with the harshness of the Old West territory, Indian warrior Blue Duck (Frederic Forrest), and (more importantly) cultivate new relationships. Lorena Wood (Diane Liane) is a prostitute who wants to turn over a new leaf and start a life with Gus, but first the old cowpoke must deal with his feelings toward old flame Clara (Anjelica Huston). A side plot sees a Sheriff, July Johnson (Chris Cooper), set off with his son Joe (Adam Faraizal) to hunt down Spoon, who murdered another in a dispute and must be given justice.
The reason "Lonesome Dove" is such an iconic miniseries is because it creates characters that seem so real. Often, westerns can fall into the "stock character" trap where the participants are a bit too cut-and-dry, or black-and-white. The exact opposite happens here, as pretty much each and every character is given something to do and room to grow.
That being said, the whole film pretty much revolves around Duvall's Gus, and fortunately that actor is up to the task. While the surrounding acting performances are also great, everyone else (as characters) are really defined by their relationship to Gus. I don't want to sound like I'm taking anything away from the film as a whole, but I was always invested when Gus was at the forefront (physically or emotionally) and that wasn't always the case otherwise.
The only criticism I have of "Lonesome Dove"? I felt that some of the subplots didn't live up to the main emotional backbone of the whole thing. I was underwhelmed by the July Johnson angle, I didn't like Blue Duck's character at all (it felt to me as if he were shoe-horned in because the producers thought an Indian presence was needed), and I felt that a bit too much time was spent on Dish Boggett (D.B. Sweeney), a ranch hand on the drive. The one sub-angle that works in spades? Newt (Ricky Schroder), Call's unrequited son. There was some real emotion there. Other than that though, I felt that those other auxiliary pieces (even if they were still well-acted, for the most part) distracted me from Gus, Call, and the really good material taking place on the cattle drive.
So, while I can't put "Lonesome Dove" at the tip top of my list, I enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to Western film fans. When Duvall, Lane, Jones, Schroder, and Huston were on center stage, this miniseries truly was as good as it gets. The interactions feel real, not derived, and there is real drama, both physical and emotional. It strayed down a few paths that didn't hold my attention (especially in the second and beginning of the third acts), but overall easily deserving of a solid 4-star ranking.
For a basic plot summary, "Lonesome Dove" tells the story of Gus McCrae (Robert Duvall) and Woodrow Call (Tommy Lee Jones), two cattle ranchers who decide to leave their dusty Texas ranch and move the herd to Montana on the advice of fellow friend Jake Spoon (Robert Urich). Along the way, they deal with the harshness of the Old West territory, Indian warrior Blue Duck (Frederic Forrest), and (more importantly) cultivate new relationships. Lorena Wood (Diane Liane) is a prostitute who wants to turn over a new leaf and start a life with Gus, but first the old cowpoke must deal with his feelings toward old flame Clara (Anjelica Huston). A side plot sees a Sheriff, July Johnson (Chris Cooper), set off with his son Joe (Adam Faraizal) to hunt down Spoon, who murdered another in a dispute and must be given justice.
The reason "Lonesome Dove" is such an iconic miniseries is because it creates characters that seem so real. Often, westerns can fall into the "stock character" trap where the participants are a bit too cut-and-dry, or black-and-white. The exact opposite happens here, as pretty much each and every character is given something to do and room to grow.
That being said, the whole film pretty much revolves around Duvall's Gus, and fortunately that actor is up to the task. While the surrounding acting performances are also great, everyone else (as characters) are really defined by their relationship to Gus. I don't want to sound like I'm taking anything away from the film as a whole, but I was always invested when Gus was at the forefront (physically or emotionally) and that wasn't always the case otherwise.
The only criticism I have of "Lonesome Dove"? I felt that some of the subplots didn't live up to the main emotional backbone of the whole thing. I was underwhelmed by the July Johnson angle, I didn't like Blue Duck's character at all (it felt to me as if he were shoe-horned in because the producers thought an Indian presence was needed), and I felt that a bit too much time was spent on Dish Boggett (D.B. Sweeney), a ranch hand on the drive. The one sub-angle that works in spades? Newt (Ricky Schroder), Call's unrequited son. There was some real emotion there. Other than that though, I felt that those other auxiliary pieces (even if they were still well-acted, for the most part) distracted me from Gus, Call, and the really good material taking place on the cattle drive.
So, while I can't put "Lonesome Dove" at the tip top of my list, I enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to Western film fans. When Duvall, Lane, Jones, Schroder, and Huston were on center stage, this miniseries truly was as good as it gets. The interactions feel real, not derived, and there is real drama, both physical and emotional. It strayed down a few paths that didn't hold my attention (especially in the second and beginning of the third acts), but overall easily deserving of a solid 4-star ranking.
The mini-series is slim pickin's compared to the original novel
flosfr399bc4 May 2008
Tommy Lee Jones and Robert Duvall are always fun to watch, but I was sorely disappointed by the series as a whole, coming to it immediately after reading the novel. Several of the minor characters (Clara, Blue Duck, Roscoe, Peach) seemed poorly cast, and were portrayed in a TV-stereotype Western manner. Several scenes are lifted right out of the novel, but the dialogue often doesn't make much sense, since the background story given in the novel is missing on screen. It would have made more sense--for an adaptation of an epic novel of this scope--to reduce the number of story lines and then develop them more fully, allowing for deeper character and story development all around.
The Power of Friendship
drjj715 December 2004
Warning: Spoilers
The bonds of friendship and camaraderie displayed in this movie are those born of deep, abiding respect. The central characters earn the respect of their friends over and over through sacrifice and courage, attributes which seem in short supply in these days of PC and hand-wringing hysteria.
I found this movie to be both inspirational and heart-wrendingly true to life. "But yesterday's gone and we can't get it back...", words from a man so shaped by his past but not controlled by it. The loss, the personal sacrifices all made out of a sense of honor and deeply held convictions. It makes me take a look at my own friendships and cherish them the more for having experienced so much of life with those few that are truly my friends.
I found one aspect of this movie particularly poignant. Gus' evaluation of Woodrow and his 'inhuman' ability to avoid his humanity. Woodrow's promise of a 3000 mile trek to bury his friend was honored but the promise to tell Newt that he was Woodrow's son was not fulfilled. Even as Woodrow cursed Gus' pride he continued to hold his own with unflinching tenacity.
It is a terrific movie with a wonderful cast, I can always overlook some bad acting in the overall context of a great film (Anjelica's accent was fleeting at best) and this is a great film.
I found this movie to be both inspirational and heart-wrendingly true to life. "But yesterday's gone and we can't get it back...", words from a man so shaped by his past but not controlled by it. The loss, the personal sacrifices all made out of a sense of honor and deeply held convictions. It makes me take a look at my own friendships and cherish them the more for having experienced so much of life with those few that are truly my friends.
I found one aspect of this movie particularly poignant. Gus' evaluation of Woodrow and his 'inhuman' ability to avoid his humanity. Woodrow's promise of a 3000 mile trek to bury his friend was honored but the promise to tell Newt that he was Woodrow's son was not fulfilled. Even as Woodrow cursed Gus' pride he continued to hold his own with unflinching tenacity.
It is a terrific movie with a wonderful cast, I can always overlook some bad acting in the overall context of a great film (Anjelica's accent was fleeting at best) and this is a great film.
Lonesome Dove set the bar.
gringo258026 January 2015
Having seen Lonesome Dove when it was aired for the first time on British TV way back it made a deep, deep impression on me. At that time for me "tele-series" meant mindless plots, cardboard by-the-numbers acting, zero surprises and predictability from the first scene. Then along came this wonderful gem with a tremendous story, powerful acting, sharp dialogue, savagery, tenderness, humor, pathos and bitter-sweet sadness. At last we had characters that we could care about, no JR's or Bobby's or the like, here we could care about what could happen next to these people. Now, Jan 2015, I am re-watching this classic on DVD and I convinced my wife (who doesn't like Westerns)to watch it with me. We finished part 1 last night and will now watch part 2...I can already sense her resistance weakening as she gets pulled into the story and realizes this is something special. I await her tears at the end and the rainbow that will appear over my sofa!!! The bar has never been raised higher than this.
One of the greatest stories ever filmed
zalitar3 April 2003
I remember the first time I saw Lonesome Dove I watched all six hours in one sitting. Big mistake. You need to take this one in doses. Watch two hours an evening for a couple of nights. That said, this is one of the most powerful films on love and friendship. The movie starts out in Lonesome Dove, Texas where Woodrow 'Cap'n' Call (Tommy Lee Jones) and Augustus 'Gus' McCrae (Robert Duvall) run a small outfit called Hat Creek Cattle Company and Livery Emporium who's sign proudly states "We Don't Rent Pigs! Goats Neither," and in Latin "Uva uvum vivendo varia fit." In the interest of not telling you everything, you'll have to watch the movie to see if it means anything.
Gus and Cap'n Call used to ride with the Texas Rangers years earlier with Joshua Deets (Danny Glover) and Jake Spoon (Robert Urich). Together these friends get the idea to have one last adventure and decide to take cattle ranching to the Montana Territory. They get together a herd of cattle and a ragtag bunch of cowhands, including young Newt (Rick Schroder) the orphan son of a woman whom both Cap'n and Gus had been in love with. Two of the finest performances ever given were in Lonesome Dove. Tommy Lee Jones has never been more effective in a part, and Robert Duvall's Augustus McCrae is probably one of the greatest performances ever.
This is a sad movie. Full of love, loss, friendship, hope, and commitment, there has never been a better movie that embraces so many of the greatest aspects of the human experience. Definitely a must see.
Gus and Cap'n Call used to ride with the Texas Rangers years earlier with Joshua Deets (Danny Glover) and Jake Spoon (Robert Urich). Together these friends get the idea to have one last adventure and decide to take cattle ranching to the Montana Territory. They get together a herd of cattle and a ragtag bunch of cowhands, including young Newt (Rick Schroder) the orphan son of a woman whom both Cap'n and Gus had been in love with. Two of the finest performances ever given were in Lonesome Dove. Tommy Lee Jones has never been more effective in a part, and Robert Duvall's Augustus McCrae is probably one of the greatest performances ever.
This is a sad movie. Full of love, loss, friendship, hope, and commitment, there has never been a better movie that embraces so many of the greatest aspects of the human experience. Definitely a must see.
Sheer perfection. 6 hours and I wanted 6 more(or more)
compguys28 July 2003
Lonesome Dove has the uncanny ability, at a 6 hour length, to flow by as quickly as a 60 minute episode of "24". You never find yourself bored or looking forward to the next scene, as each scene you view is thoroughly engrossing in and of itself. Even without the tour de force performances by Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones, the remainder of the all-star cast is fantastic. With the 2 leads, you have an absolute western classic which stands up to any piece that John Ford put out.
Just as good now as it was when it first came out...
techiegurl27 August 2004
One of the rare mini-series made that actually can hold it's own against the book. If you have ever been disappointed with a movie after reading the book first, you will be in for a surprise with this one. It manages to have all the characters develop just as they were meant to in the book. It captures your imagination and sucks you into it so well, you actually feel for the characters. There is enough action for the guys and a touching love story for the women. Robert Duvall is perfect as Gus, he's funny and sweet, the heart of the movie. Tommy Lee Jones is the tough man Call, who demands nothing but respect. Diane Lane is the whore you can't help but want something better for. And Rick Schroder is far better than you could have imagined when he was doing "Silver Spoons" You can see how he developed into the character he now plays on TV.So if you love a good western and a good story, pop up some popcorn, recline back in your Lazy-boy and prepare to spend a few wonderful hours back in the old west.
Cut above the rest - but . . .
pfgpowell-119 November 2006
Warning: Spoilers
There is no doubting that Lonesome Dove does stand head and shoulders above the usual Western fare produced by Hollywood. Stylistically all that grit and dirt and its very unromantic portrayal of life and especially death in the West it reminds me of Sergio Leone's spaghetti Westerns. And thankfully there is none of that mawkish sentimentality so beloved by Yanks which all but ruins a film for me. My one quibble is the degree of coincidence in the film. And if it wasn't for its other major strengths, that would turn me off completely. Given the size of Texas, Nebraska, Arkansas etc., it is astounding how all the characters keep bumping into each other in the same neck of the woods, the same small town, the same farm. I thought the idea was that you could get lost in the West . . .
This is one of the greatest films of all time.
remthecoop18 August 2002
If you enjoy being touched and entertained by a movie, and yet you refuse to see this one because you "don't like westerns", then you are doing yourself the biggest disservice I can imagine. I GUARANTEE this film is not what you expect! I GUARANTEE you will be moved and affected by this powerful film. Hey, *I* have historically not enjoyed westerns, but this is quite possibly my all time favorite movie.
I almost want to say this is not a "western" - just an superb realistic adventure which happens to take place in the "west." It is an incredible story about real people living through a very true and difficult era of our country. (The late 1800's American West.)
The characters are REAL and HUMAN, often flawed and heroic at once. There is not a single moment in the film that feels forced or overly dramatized. The characters never do anything against their nature for dramatic effect.
"Lonesome Dove" is about people; about life; about love, faith, and perseverance in hard times. It succeeds in demonstrating these things through human drama, realistic adventure, and touching humor.
Just read the rest of the reviews about Lonesome Dove!
WATCH THIS MOVIE.
I almost want to say this is not a "western" - just an superb realistic adventure which happens to take place in the "west." It is an incredible story about real people living through a very true and difficult era of our country. (The late 1800's American West.)
The characters are REAL and HUMAN, often flawed and heroic at once. There is not a single moment in the film that feels forced or overly dramatized. The characters never do anything against their nature for dramatic effect.
"Lonesome Dove" is about people; about life; about love, faith, and perseverance in hard times. It succeeds in demonstrating these things through human drama, realistic adventure, and touching humor.
Just read the rest of the reviews about Lonesome Dove!
WATCH THIS MOVIE.
A grandiose story burdened with cliches
secondtake1 March 2023
Lonesome Dove (1989)
I understand that this is a beloved series, and that America-or at least "middle America"-sees this rough frontier world of ranchers and Indians in a sympathetic light. I also see that there is a stellar cast here, not just Danny Glover, Tommy Lee Jones, and of course Robert Duvall, but Chris Cooper, Steve Buscemi, and (toward the second half of the series) Anjelica Huston (who is not at her best).
I also see that the story is about a kind of love for friends, and family in a way, and of a feeling for the land and herding cattle, about life and death under the big sky. It has all these qualities that many people appreciate.
So what is my complaint? I think, first, to sum it up, it feels and looks and sounds like a "made for TV" movie. What do I mean? 1) The heavy fill light both inside and outside (to keep the dynamic range low for television screens of the time), 2) the dulled and echoed sounds for interior scenes, 3) the typically deep depth of field and tight cropping, and the langorous editing so that the run time is long (8 hours) for a story that might actually have been a stronger 2 hour movie.
The novel (Larry McCurtry's book of the same name) is about archetypes, which these days means stereotypes-well worn types. Furthermore, these are all "cleaned up" for television. This isn't really a gripe (I'm glad old school t.v. Is safe for kids), but it makes for a rosy view of a rough world. The prostitutes, the ranchers, and the general townspeople are given a "pretend" toughness. Even Duvall, to me, is a bit of a soft-scrubbed hero, likable and sincere, but restrained and incomplete.
Which brings the problem of the Indians-the Native Americans-who are either played by non-Indians, or are portrayed as brutish thugs, Western style. Even Danny Glover is somehow given a slightly secondary role, as in his first appearance when he's the one, as a black man, who has to put the horses in the stable. Mexicans barely appear, even though part of the movie is even set in Mexico. White folks? They act rough and earthy in a sanitized way. It really starts to seem like a parody. Except the actors aren't in on the spoof.
Oddly enough, the series is also slow in many parts. The dialog takes its time, the actions scenes quickly turn to a calm appraisal of the moment (the leading survivors have calm conversations about the mayhem or tragedy that just happened). The filming (camerawork) is not bad, but very straight forward, including the lighting (when needed). It feels like McCurtry (for the story) and the producers (for this version) all learned about the old West by watching movies. Old movies.
Death, by the way, appears often and is quite casually administered. This might be the most realistic aspect of the "film," but I don't know how to judge that. It certainly comes off a bit thin, without the life-and-death reactions you'd expect from at least some of the characters. There are exceptions, but few.
I have read some comments from people who object to some of these same things but come away saying it's still worth watching. Really? That's a painful way to look at things. I would say that about "Gone with the Wind" because, for me, the acting and story and filming make the somewhat racist story line bearable, and compensated. But I can't here. I'd avoid this mini-series, sentimental and false, and all for herding some cattle across several states that didn't used to belong to the ranchers in the first place.
Yes, this is big, heroic material. But you need a Texas Ranger/Manifest Destiny outlook to watch it without cringing. Or maybe just an interest in human love and interaction without strings attached. And history. And yes, it ends with a sunset.
I understand that this is a beloved series, and that America-or at least "middle America"-sees this rough frontier world of ranchers and Indians in a sympathetic light. I also see that there is a stellar cast here, not just Danny Glover, Tommy Lee Jones, and of course Robert Duvall, but Chris Cooper, Steve Buscemi, and (toward the second half of the series) Anjelica Huston (who is not at her best).
I also see that the story is about a kind of love for friends, and family in a way, and of a feeling for the land and herding cattle, about life and death under the big sky. It has all these qualities that many people appreciate.
So what is my complaint? I think, first, to sum it up, it feels and looks and sounds like a "made for TV" movie. What do I mean? 1) The heavy fill light both inside and outside (to keep the dynamic range low for television screens of the time), 2) the dulled and echoed sounds for interior scenes, 3) the typically deep depth of field and tight cropping, and the langorous editing so that the run time is long (8 hours) for a story that might actually have been a stronger 2 hour movie.
The novel (Larry McCurtry's book of the same name) is about archetypes, which these days means stereotypes-well worn types. Furthermore, these are all "cleaned up" for television. This isn't really a gripe (I'm glad old school t.v. Is safe for kids), but it makes for a rosy view of a rough world. The prostitutes, the ranchers, and the general townspeople are given a "pretend" toughness. Even Duvall, to me, is a bit of a soft-scrubbed hero, likable and sincere, but restrained and incomplete.
Which brings the problem of the Indians-the Native Americans-who are either played by non-Indians, or are portrayed as brutish thugs, Western style. Even Danny Glover is somehow given a slightly secondary role, as in his first appearance when he's the one, as a black man, who has to put the horses in the stable. Mexicans barely appear, even though part of the movie is even set in Mexico. White folks? They act rough and earthy in a sanitized way. It really starts to seem like a parody. Except the actors aren't in on the spoof.
Oddly enough, the series is also slow in many parts. The dialog takes its time, the actions scenes quickly turn to a calm appraisal of the moment (the leading survivors have calm conversations about the mayhem or tragedy that just happened). The filming (camerawork) is not bad, but very straight forward, including the lighting (when needed). It feels like McCurtry (for the story) and the producers (for this version) all learned about the old West by watching movies. Old movies.
Death, by the way, appears often and is quite casually administered. This might be the most realistic aspect of the "film," but I don't know how to judge that. It certainly comes off a bit thin, without the life-and-death reactions you'd expect from at least some of the characters. There are exceptions, but few.
I have read some comments from people who object to some of these same things but come away saying it's still worth watching. Really? That's a painful way to look at things. I would say that about "Gone with the Wind" because, for me, the acting and story and filming make the somewhat racist story line bearable, and compensated. But I can't here. I'd avoid this mini-series, sentimental and false, and all for herding some cattle across several states that didn't used to belong to the ranchers in the first place.
Yes, this is big, heroic material. But you need a Texas Ranger/Manifest Destiny outlook to watch it without cringing. Or maybe just an interest in human love and interaction without strings attached. And history. And yes, it ends with a sunset.
A True Horse Opera
dudleyclark8 April 2005
The only reason I'm writing this is to counterbalance some of the positive reviews. I sat through this picture because I had read somewhere that it limned the Charles Goodnight/ Oliver Loving story; however, with the exception of the amputation (historically, Loving's right arm), there is nothing here that qualifies as history. There are so many pre-40s Westerns that are better than this--just look at practically anything Ford made. His Calvary pictures were accurate in every detail. Not so, Lonesome Dove. But that's a cavil. The problem is that the writing is mundane and the directing is mediocre and uninspired. Of course, condensing such a long book would have to be a challenge, if not an onerous task. And in many places (as is the case with the character--played in an 'over the top' manner--of Blue Duck), the script wanders away from the original source material. This is truly DuVall's picture; all eyes are on him. He has the best scenes, the best lines; when he's off-screen, everything suffers. To say this is the 'best' or 'greatest' Western ever made is to display a serious deficit of interest in the genre; it only serves to reduce the values of Westerns, as well as dumb down a potential audience. This was a television movie, a shaggy dog tale, a mini series that had to fill a niche. This is not great Art, much less is it great cinema.
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