What Westerns Have You Seen? Jan/Feb/Mar/Apr 2017 Edition

The Shadow Riders (1982)

The Traven Brothers.

The Shadow Riders is directed by Andrew V. McLaglen and adapted to screenplay by Jim Byrnes from the novel written by Louis L'Amour. It stars Tom Selleck, Sam Elliott, Katharine Ross, Dominique Dunne, Ben Johnson and Geoffrey Lewis. Music is by Jerrold Immel and cinematography by Jack Whitman.

A CBS TV production, The Shadow Riders has Selleck (Mac Traven) and Elliott (Dal Traven) as brothers, who even though they fought on different sides in the Civil War, there fondness for each other still exists. With the war now officially ended, the brothers meet up and head for the family home, here they find their parents telling of how their sisters and Dal's girlfriend Kate (Ross) have been abducted by Renegade Rebels. The men promptly set off in search of their loved ones... It's all very much standard stuff, both in plot telling and production values. Exuding very much a family feel, it's a disappointingly bloodless and sexless picture, with some cliché'd dialogue, poor musical accompaniments to certain scenes (tonally way off) and filler sequences thrown in for good measure. That said, it's very much a harmless piece, with the two male leads good company to share some time with, while Johnson and Harry Carey Jr. offer up a welcoming presence. Location scenery is also well photographed, keeping things airy, and ultimately it's a decent enough time waster for Western fans not expecting an under seen gem. 6/10

The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

Welcome back Spike!
And thanks Gordon for your work keeping this board going!

As for the Duke's oscar winner, it was a 3rd viewing and more enjoyable each time. Still prefer the Coen's remake though. 7/10


"He was a poet, a scholar and a mighty warrior."

Welcome back, my friend.

I rate The Shadow Riders slightly higher, mostly due to the cast - Sam Elliot, Katharine Ross, Ben Johnson, a cameo from Jane Greer, and a pretty good turn by good old Gene Evans as the villain. The writing is weak, and Andy McLaglen adds nothing to the production, but he's a serviceable hack. As you say, harmless, and a fairly pleasant distraction.

It suffers by comparison with the very fine 1979 mini-series The Sacketts, with a similar cast and similar L'Amour provenance. I would think most board regulars have seen this one, which features much better writing and a stronger supporting cast, including Glenn Ford.

Thank You, nice to see you still here.

I haven't seen The Sacketts , which is why I didn't mention it in my review for TSR, which I think is meant to be a sequel of sorts?

The cast definitely keep TSR watchable.

The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

Thanks Cobber

Ultimately Wayne's movie is all about The Duke's image, thus making it something of a beautiful picture. I do wish I could erase Glen Cambell out of it though!

I also prefer The Coen's version, magnificent film making.



The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

I haven't seen The Sacketts , which is why I didn't mention it in my review for TSR, which I think is meant to be a sequel of sorts?

The way I remember the story is that the cast had such a great time working on The Sacketts that they talked Louis L'Amour into writing The Shadow Riders; it's a spiritual sequel, but the story and characters are not connected in any tangible way.

The Sacketts is much better then TSR; I haven't seen it recently enough to post a review, but it is worth your time. Capsule review: despite some slow moments and the need for a little more action, the cast, story, and Western atmosphere make The Sacketts one of the better made-for-TV Westerns. The splendid cast of Western stalwarts includes Glenn Ford, L.Q. Jones, Jack Elam, Slim Pickens, Buck Taylor, Pat Buttram, and James Gammon.

Am always up for a Selleck duster! Tick has been sent.

Aussie

I like both versions and think it is hard to go wrong with either one. All the best for the new year my good fellow.