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Summary: The best mini-series ever made , western or otherwise.
Review: My favorite western of all time. Superb acting, magnificent scenery, and a story line to be envied by all. You don't have to be a "western" fan to enjoy this movie. The scene where Capt. Coll rides -off with Gus's body as the two women are left behind crying is an all-time classic. Duvall, Jones and Schroeder were superb !
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Summary: The best book has now been made into the best movie.
Review: I loved the book "Lonesome Dove" and now it has been made into a movie. Robert Duval gives his best performance to date, and everyone is fantastic in this made for TV movie.
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Summary: Best television western ever; one of top 5 westerns ever!
Review: When I viewed this movie on television (a process I loathe because of the endless commercial interruptions), I was so enthralled that even a break every 15 minutes did not interfere with my enjoyment. Robert Duval and Tommy Lee Jones are two of the best actors extant, and they give their talents full rein (pun intended) in this beautifully filmed western. Since the release of Shane way way back when, I have ranked only two westerns among the 50 best films of all time: Unforgiven and Lonesome Dove. They are equally lyrical and thought-provoking, yet action packed (as westerns are supposed to be). Definitely 5 stars!
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Summary: The best western ever made.
Review: My wife describes the relation between the two main characters as a love story. I may not agree with her assessment but these two lifelong friends have quite an adventure. Larger than life texas rangers go through one hell of a story. Book was great and the movie follows pretty close. Worth a watch or two.
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Summary: The best-developed, most real characters in a western EVER.
Review: My wife and I taped and have watched this 3-day TV epic at least 6 times and still get as captivated by so many great characters as the first time. I'm giving it to us for Xmas (sans commercials). Just one touching "Lorrie, darlin'" by a tender Gus says it all. You can taste the biscuits, and will probably NEVER see or read ANY comparable cowboy/indian fights or tortures...except maybe for (yoweeee!) real cliff-hangers at the hands of Ahumado in "Commanche Moon." I used to think I was born a century too late so I missed "Rangering" in Texas...NOT!During a 1991 Lonesome Dove reading and book signing in San Antonio, TX Mr. McMurtry read from 3 of the over 100 accounts of his Lonesome Dove characters' deaths...wish you could have been there. And, if you like Lonesome Dove you've gotta read "Commanche Moon" to see Gus and Call in their middle years. PS> Larry told me where Lonesome Dove really is...
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Summary: I CAN'T WATCH IT ENOUGH !
Review: THIS COULD BE ONE OF THE GREATEST WESTERNS OF ALL TIMES. RIGHT UP THERE WITH RED RIVER, HIGH NOON, THE SEARCHERS, TRUE GRIT, THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN. THE STORY HOLDS YOU IN YOUR SEAT FROM BEGINNING TO END. REGARDLESS OF HOW OFTEN I WATCH IT I FIND TEARS IN MY EYES AT THE ENDING. IT'S POWERFUL.
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Summary: The Television Mini-Series at its Very Best
Review: Lonesome Dove represents one of Television's best products. The produces started with a very good story and manage to transform it in to a very good script. The excellent script coupled with first-rate actors (Robert Duvall is superb) and high production values resulted in hours of compelling television, that is both intelligent (characters actually depth), action-packed, and engrossing. You don't find stuff like this on every night.
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Summary: One of the best things ever done for television.
Review: Although the phrase "made for television" conjures up the images of the tabloid story of the week and women-in-peril films; Larry McMurtry's epic novel "Lonesome Dove" would not have been given justice in any other format. Television allowed that magnificent work to be brought to life in some form resembling the novel. The six hour running time enabled character and storyline development that would not have been possible if the novel had been adapted for theaters. Although it does have the jarring breaks that marked where a commericial interuption had once been and it's share of television stars (Urich, Shroeder, Corbin); "Lonesome Dove" is movie big. Big stars. Wonderful cinematography. Great locations. An authentic look. A terrific score. The producers, cast, crew, and director went the full measure to ensure that this movie did not look or feel like a "movie of the week" production. Personally, I believe it, along with "Roots," to be the finest work ever done in the medium of television. It really does make you feel for its characters. The viewer will cheer and hope for them, and when tragedy occurs, as it does throughout the film, it will shake the viewer. Nobody is safe: comic relief characters, children, and, even, experienced Rangers. McMurtry drives home the message that death in the Old West could occur to anyone at anytime with shocking suddenness. In the end, Captain Call looks back and remembers his friends and comrades who did not return with him. As he does, tears come to the eyes of this taciturn character; and rest assured he is joined by many in the viewing audience.
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Summary: Only buy the DVD version!!
Review: If you made it this far, go a little further. Under "Explore this video" you will see the run time of the VHS tape is 240 minutes. The DVD run time is 360 minutes. Hmmmm....
Well, be warned, an intellectually challenged movie distributor has decided to edit 2 hours from Lonesome Dove! That is like touching up the Mona Lisa! This miniseries was unique and may never again be equalled, at least in the Western genre. It is 6 hours of riveting televison, and trust me on this folks, you can't find 5 minutes of this former miniseries to edit out. To cut anything out was a serious diservice to anyone who has not experienced this.
Probably what I liked most was the thoroughly convincing portrayals of this cast. There were none who did not project an aura of believability, and each was so convincing that you may forget you are sitting in front of your television. I remember the time I rented this 6 hour series in 1994 not knowing what to expect. What I found was I did not get up from my couch for 6 hours. I was moved by the entire movie, and rarely does any movie elicit emotion in me. Gus McRae and Woodrow Call, backed by an absolutely fantastic supporting cast, will bring your televison to life. Towards the end, when Woodrow is doing a favor for Gus, and doing so at the risk of his own life, the whole West hears of his exploits. In some dusty cow town somewhere, a local sees him, and reading of the story, questions Woodrow Call.
"Just why are you doing this anyway?" he asks. Call looks back and says "Because I gave him my word." The local, thinking for a second, looks back and says "I can see that you did" and walks away. It is a perfect description of the character of Woodrow Call. Maybe the best mini-series to ever grace televison. Just make sure you see all of it.
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Summary: The Return of the Western
Review: It's ironic that the western, a staple of TV until sci-fi eclipsed its presence, would find its home again on the small screen during a time when big budget westerns seemed to be biting the dust to space opera blockbusters. And that it would take an Australian to realize it. Director Simon Wincer's big-vista understanding of the genre is apparent throughout "Lonesome Dove," which also features some great performances by screen familiars Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones, even if the latter too often looks like a scowling Kenny Rogers here. This tale of an arduous cattle drive by two retired lawmen has the sweep and grist of such classics as "True Grit," "Red River," and "Once Upon a Time in the West," with which it shares many elements (the conversational style, the brutal drive, and the buddy relationship, respectively, the most obvious). And while "Lonesome Dove" doesn't really say anything new about the old west, it is entertaining and fares better compared to many westerns past in terms of presenting the ethnic diversity that history records. Look for many bravura--and few corny--moments like Captain Call's (Jones) reaction to a cavalry scout's whipping of Call's alleged son (a likable but sometimes too aw-shucks Rick Shroeder), MacCrae's (Duvall) gutsy stand against a pack of outlaws, and the touching and remarkably in-character last goodbye between the leads. Basil Poledouris, an underrated composer, provides a solid score. Of the episodes, only one stands out as pedestrian, making this a pretty good choice for viewers who want to savor their entertainment choice.
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