Amazon.com

Cromwell, Oklahoma, 1924: an oil boomtown full of saloons, cathouses, mud-and-crude-oil streets, bootleg whisky, and gun-toting roughnecks. Technology had overpassed the Old West, in the form of Model T's and oil rigs, but the mentality had stayed much the same. Add to that a population that's a bit tweaky from a combination of cocaine and morphine that had been going around, and you have a recipe for trouble. Enter Marshall Bill Tilghman, a contemporary of Wyatt Earp. Tilghman had made a silent film, The Passing of the Oklahoma Outlaws, and on the strength of his reputation had been called into service as chief of police in the hopes of restoring order to a lawless community. In this fact-based story, Sam Elliott plays Tilghman, a larger-than-life character who was one of the last of a dying era. Many Prohibition agents became renegades in the '20s; Tilghman's nemesis was Wiley (Arliss Howard), a rogue agent strung out on drugs and dealing in bootleg liquor himself. Howard's performance is as overwrought as Elliott's is restrained; together the two offset each other well. The flinty Elliott brings a measure of warmth to his role, especially in his relationship to his wife and kids; he's perfectly cast as the man on the cusp of a new age. As a modern-era Western, You Know My Name rises well above its made-for-cable roots to stand as a good character study and action picture. --Jerry Renshaw ... Read more

Reviews (6)

The Greatest of Us All
This movie depicts the final days of my distant relative, Bill Tilghman. Tilghman enforced the law from the 1880's, as Marshal of Dodge City through the Indian Territory days in Oklahoma to statehood and Roaring '20s gangsters.
At 70, he was about the only man left alive who had tamed a wild cowtown. The Governor called on him to bring law and order to Cromwell, the oiltown known as "the meanest town in Oklahoma." He did it, though did not live to see his work totally completed.
Sam Elliott does a wonderful job of portraying this lawman who was better known in his day than the Wyatt Earps and such we are familiar with today. While a few cinematic prerogatives were taken, William Kent Harrison stayed pretty close to history and clearly did a lot of research. He beautifully depicts the wonderment of an old West lawman coping with gangsters in T-model Fords and ignoring the ethics that characterized even such desperadoes as Bill Doolin in the 1890's.
Particularly interesting were the vignettes of Tilghman's 1915 movie, "The Passing of the Oklahoma Outlaws," which he and many of the people who were really there starred in.
In the early 1900's, famed lawman Bat Masterson was asked about the old lawmen of the West. Without hesitation, he said "Tilghman was the greatest of us all."

Very Inspirational
I loved the portrayal of a tough honest lawman who also showed a deep understanding of human nature. He was also a very warm family man. The way he handled the young man who wanted to become his assistant and how he became a role model for him while he was alive is interesting. I like certain westerns and this was a good one. I think Sam Elliott should have been aged a little more...it was too obvious that a young man was wearing props to make him look much older. I recommend this feel-good movie for a general audience.

One of the Great Modern Westerns
Sam Elliot is without a doubt the best modern western actor today. As with all his movies, he gives a stunning performance. While filled with a few historical flaws, it shows the general theme of Bill Tilghmans life. I admit that it would have been more interesting if they showed his earlier life and involvment with the likes of the Doolin gang. Some may say that is lacks a good plot, but the movie is a true story.

you know my name
Most of the reviews of this movie say it has a lousy plot, what few critics probably realize,however, is that it is a true story (some liberties were taken of course.). I am Bill Tilghman's great-great granddaughter, and I had some problems with the story, too, mostly in what they chose to portray. I think that the early days of Bill Tilghman's life were much more interesting than the last few months. It's too bad they didn't focus more on the material in the "Passing of the Oklahoma Outlaws" movie that Bill made with his partner, Benny Kent. Unless the audience knows a lot about Bill Tilghman, they wouldn't understand the "flashback" sequences. I also think Sam Elliott was mis-cast ! I have spoken to many living old-timers that knew Bill - they say he was a very unassuming and quiet man. He wasn't a tough guy at all. Still, I was glad the movie was made - many people never read history unless they've seen the movie first !

Good cast, lousy script
Sam Elliott's portrait of Marshal Tilghman is splendid as ever his performances as a westerner are. But the script is really lousy. After a thrilling start sequence and a surprising film-in-film-montage the film is lacking the necessary straightforwardness that, e.g., "Last Stand at Saber River" makes a 5-star-western. There's lot of talking and too little action. Best example: the scene when riding Tilghman is chased by a car with gangsters. The car simply crashes downward a hill. There's no thrilling tension in that sequence. The authors and director John Kent Harrison were not able to turn the conflict between old-fashioned lawman Tilghman and the modern, organised and law-protected crime into a entertaining duel. It's a pity: A lot of good ideas and a stunning Elliott performance wasted by uninspired filmmakers. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In this Horton Foote (Tender Mercies) adaptation of the William Faulkner short story, an honorable prisoner put to work by the Red Cross rescues a pregnant woman grasping a tree just feet above the turbulent waters of the 1927 Mississippi flood. Having never manned a boat before and wildly off course, the convict (Arliss Howard, Full Metal Jacket) manages to convey Addie (Jeanne Tripplehorn, The Firm) in what amounts to a rowboat to New Orleans and then back home, while she gives birth and recovers on board their vessel. Along the way the pair manages to befriend Cajuns, conquer crocodiles, and fall quietly in love. This Hallmark Hall of Fame production directed by John Kent Harrison is suspenseful, moving, and, while leisurely paced, ultimately quite rewarding. Its lack of sexual content, violence (except to a few of the aforementioned crocs), or rough talk make it excellent family fare. --Kimberly Heinrichs ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A flood of emotion
This is one of the best of Hallmark. It's a story of a convict in the 20's in a Mississippi prison. The rains came and he was sent on a mission. Every time you thought things were going to get better, they got worse. This is a tale of two strangers caught in a situation beyond their control, and find the trust and faith that had been lost in their lives. Arliss Howard and Jeanne Tripplehorn were excellent and very true in their portrayals.

Tough and Sensitive a Great story meanders Ole Miss.
What do you get when you have a great story terrific acting and a director who nows about pacing .Well you get a great movie that will stay with you for years. Beatifully filmed this movie has everything . It is fable like and the pace is similar to listening to a great folk tune or folk story . It is just right. It really captures your attention and subsequently you care for these characters. Arliss Howards strong quiet lead and country looks pull this film above chick-flic status.
I feel Old Man is a companion piece to the Cohen brothers "O Brother where art Thou". See them both as a twinbill !

Outstanding Performances/Great story!
Arliss Howard and Jean Tripplehorn, two of America's greatest, but little known acting talents shine brightly in this quiet, intelligent film. It gets its Southern setting just right, with plenty of story, suspense and heart. Best of all is Howard's nearly wordless protrayal of a convict who has a profound sense of honor and loyalty. For fans of Les Miserables, Cool Hand Luke, Horton Foote and Shawshank Redemption. The best HHF produced yet! Highly recommended! ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Great Story, Great Actors
I was wonderfully surprised with this movie. It ran the gambit of emotions for me: laughing, crying... Frankie Muniz and Mathew Modine were EXCELLENT in their roles. The rest of the cast was great as well. The story was interesting all along and you felt warmth and compassion for the 'deaf man' as he grew in stature.

I've recommended this to anyone who'd listen. Good job!!!!!

VHS Much Better
I was waiting for the DVD format to become available as I loved this movie and was wearing out my tape from rewinding and fast forwarding to my favorite scenes.

The VHS version contains interviews with the actors and behind the scenes making of the movie footage. I guess I expected that if footage was on the video, then it would be in the DVD. Boy was I wrong.

The DVD version was good quality, but contained no extras whatsoever. So if you are like me and hoping to replace your VHS with the DVD, you'll be disappointed. Now I have two copies of this movie depending on if I just want to see a particular scene or the behind the scenes footage. I guess the VCR is sticking around a little while longer.

Not a good representative of the Deaf population
Even though the movie is touching, it doesn't represent the Deaf population. Many of them have told me that it is a good movie and wants me to watch it but they do not understand that it is not anything to do with the culture of the Deaf. If you want to understand the Deaf culture, watch the appropriate videotape such as "Children of a Lesser God" or "Love is Never Silent." I would heartily recommended this movie.

Charming, funny, and touching
What the Deaf Man Heard is a poignantly funny story about a boy abandoned on a bus by his mother (telling you why spoils part of the plot), who tells him not to talk to anyone. When he reaches the end of the bus line, he doesn't talk, so the everyone in the town assumes that he is deaf and dumb. The bus station manager (Tom Skerrit) allows him to live at the bus station and becomes his surrogate father. There are too many funny parts to mention here, but as the events leading up to the boy, now a man (Matthew Modine), revealing that he really can hear and talk are funny and touching. James Earl Jones is fantastic (as always) as the only person in town to figure out the truth, though he keeps the secret for his own purposes. You'll laugh, you'll cry. It's better than Cats. You'll want to see it again and again.

Outstanding!
This is a show to be viewed by all, both young and old, big and small. It accentuates on kindness, hidden secrets, love, loyalty and don't forget, determination. I was impressed with it's quality and with it's humor and sentiment. I have only seen it once, when it was shown on television, but it has stayed with me for years, and will continue to be a desired DVD to add to our library. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A Quiet Bombshell
I can't say enough good things about this low-budget gem. Fine acting and a gripping plot make this a must see. Based on the story of a mulatto girl who returns to her father's plantation to take back what is hers, this tale uncovers many an ugly skeleton in America's closet. It shows better than any other drama(Amistad included!), the refined cruelties of slavery and the obnoxious ideology behind it. The girl, Miss Dickson, returns to a post-civil war Georgia beseiged with a bigotry almost as appalling as slavery itself. Denied the land and house rightfully left to her by her slave-master father(superbly portrayed by the stellar Sam Waterson), she enlists the help of a noble lawyer, who dares to serve justice and not Jim Crow. Together, they trudge towards a final victory which takes Miss Dickson back through the ravages and diappointments of time, where ever since childhood, her 'blackness' and mother's identity have been kept in secret. The film does an amazing job of mixing the past with the present, making them appear indivisible. Resented and rejected by the other slaves, she tries to 'pass' into the white world, which ultimately scorns her, once her 'secret' is divulged. The Miss must confront who she is and that means acknowledging and accepting her slave mother. These scenes between mother and daughter are particuarly poignant and moving. The film shows just how much degradation you had to endure if you were a black woman in 19th century America. Perhaps the best performance of the film was that of Julia, Miss Dickson's mother. The dignity of her character still managed to shine, despite all the endless humiliation she had to suffer. Unlike most slave-period dramas, A House dares to show how whites were also prisoners of their own system of prejudice, one that forbid interracial love. But not rape. The film artfully sculpts the amibiguous relationship between Waterson's character, David Dickson, slave owner, and that of Julia. Despite the brutal rape, the nature of his feelings for Julia remain a series of speculation....did he really feel something for her.....shame at what he had done.....affection....respect..... dependence.....we are never quite sure.....the film keeps you guessing. Like a good film should. If you want a great piece of drama that tells the ignominous story of American racism as it really was and unfortunatley, still is, then A House Divided is the one to watch.

A House Divided
I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. I loved the candor with which the film portrays the characters and struggles they endured in the face of unflinching opposition. Although, these events took place during very racially charged times Miss Julia, Miss Dickson and Mr. Daly quitely and courageously pursued and obtained justice. I was pleasantly and refreshingly surprised to get to the end of the movie and find it based on a true story!

Good movie, no civil war...
This movie was excellent, in fact i would give it 5 stars if it had any war scenes. If you are looking for an action packed movie, this is not the one to buy. If you are looking for a sentimental movie about the civil war, the this IS you movie. It is from the SHOTIME network and is a very racially inclined movie. It has some harsh veiws of slaves. Still I see no reason for the movie to be rated R. It has one sex scence, but for the most part it is clean. The only foul word is 'n....'

A Great Movie
I really enjoyed this movie. It is based on a true story. David Dickson is a brave man who willed his fortune to his daughter. His daughter was the product of an affair with his slave. He angered his family and the town that he lived in but justice prevailed and his daughter was giving the fortune that rightfully belonged to her. The movie offers an intriguing view of the times before and after the civil war and it is a great testament to the love a father has for his daughter. This is a great movie worth watching.

Excellent for era.
I enjoyed the movie. I thouht the content was done well. I think all of the character performed well. I especailly like the way Mr Daly or (Charles Dubose) handle himself in the courtroom. He was professional through-out the movie. I'm 55 years Young.55 ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Beautiful Dreamers
This is a lovely life-affirming movie. It has everything: lovely screnery, poetry and great characters who are at once vulnerable, intelligent and courageous. It is the story of love between a husband and wife, and the dedication of a doctor to his patients under difficult circumstances. There is a triumph of goodness here that makes this movie very special.

an on-screen poem
sometimes i question if all films aren't just a form of escapism & a sad distraction from life... then my very essence swells & soars when encountering such beautiful & inspirational works as this! go ahead & rent it the first time, i can't imagine you won't be checking back here hoping to find a copy of your own to cherish & share with others.

beautiful dreamers
what a great movie. not only does it portray the subjugation and liberation of the female spirit but also a love and vitality for life that bridges traditions, systems and prejudices. great movie. i have it on laser disc and would like to get it on dvd and video.

Excellent, heartwarming
I've been looking to purchase this movie (on VHS or DVD) for a long time, but it always seems to be out of print. This is definitely one of my favorite movies of all time.

A work of art
This film is incredibly beautiful and touching. The characterdevelopment and performance by the actors is outstanding and the plotmoves along well. It is artistic and emotional without being sappy. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Description

One of the most epic adventure stories of all time comes powerfully to life in this original four-hour epic-series. Filmed inexotic locales with an international cast and featuring state-of-the-artspecial effects, Helen of Troy depicts one of the greatest battles everfought to win the love of the world's most beautiful woman. Though married to Menelaus, King of Sparta, Helen (Sienna Guillory) falls madly in love with Paris (Matthew Marsden) a handsome Trojanprince. Together, the lovers flee to Troy, where they are given safehaven by Paris' father, King Priam (John Rhys-Davies). Bent on bringing Helen back, the king's ruthless brother Agememnon (Rufus Sewell) leads the skilled Spartan army to the shores of the fabled city. There theGreeks lay siege to Troy, thus beginning one of history's most legendarywars which would ultimately decide the destinies of two empires. ... Read more

Reviews (73)

"The Face that Launched a Thousand Ships"
Homer's "Iliad" is perhaps the most famous piece of epic poetry in the world, chronicling the ten year siege of Troy and the actions taken by the brothers Menelaus and Agamemnon to win back Menelaus' wife Helen, stolen from her home by Paris, a prince of Troy.

In recreating the tale, the people at Hallmark have taken some liberties in presenting the story, some small and understandable, some large and baffling. Basically, if you're hoping for a loyal representation to Homer's text, this is not the movie to watch: despite the four hour running time a lot of material is omitted, the personalities of some characters are utterly changed, and fabricated events seem to have no real importance.

The story actually begins with Paris - his birth and his abandonment, leading up to the famous choice between the three goddesses: with Aphrodite promising the love of the most beautiful woman in the world, and to his reinstating as prince in Troy. In fact, he is given so much attention, that its a little confusing when his character drops somewhat from the action later on. Helen at this time is a reasonably young child (at least that's what everyone around her says - she looks pretty old to me), and is kidnapped by King Theseus, which eventually leads to his and her brother's death. Deemed cursed by her father, she is offered to the kings of neighbouring lands. Through a game of chance, she is given to Menelaus, though the timing could not be worse: soon after arrives a delegation from Troy, bearing with them Prince Paris...

In recreating the citadel of Troy and the landscapes of Greece, the film-makers triumph wonderfully: most of the special effects are just as good as one would expect on the big screen, and the scale of the movie is as huge as one would expect. Nifty camera movements, such as the vertical circling of the Trojan Horse to present its collosal size, are amazing, as are the shots of the armies and fleets moving toward Troy.

Characterisation suffers a bit, however. Out of everyone, Agamemnon goes from what could potentially be the most sympathetic hero out of everyone, to a mere brute. Through him, the siege does not become a war of pride to retrieve Helen, but to conquer for power and spoils. I love Rufus Sewell, and his grief in sacrificing his daughter is portrayed excellently by the actor (he admits to Helen that she and the city are not worth what he had to do), but the rape of Helen in front of the burning city took things a little too far. Scholars will be disguisted.

Paris also, goes from a rather cowardly youth, to every girl's dream: loving, romantic, protective of Helen, and so on. Achilles, Odysseus and Hector's roles are too short to be interesting. Menelaus is perhaps a bit young, rather than an imposing king in his own right, but his character is an intriging one, who is perhaps genuinely in love with Helen, but unable to show it. Two excellently portrayed characters are King Priam (John Rhys-Davis - could you expect anything less from him?) and Cassandra (who "Pride and Prejudice" fans will recognise as Georgiana) - her hysteria and terror are perfectly portrayed, as are her horrific visions.

But as the title suggests, it is Helen that the movie centres on, and I actually thought a rather good attempt was made to untangle her motivations and character. Tired of being a trophy bride, she seeks out true love, she tries to put an end to the war, she suffers guilt at the deaths of those around her, and seems reasonably perseptive. However, a more accomplished actress was needed to pull off this difficult role, something that new-comer Sienna Guillroy just can't do. Instead the director takes every oppurtunity he can to show off her bare bottom, even if its to the extreme of parading naked in front of an entire room full of soldiers.

It almost comes across as a preview to Wolfgang Peterson's epic movie "Troy", and so it would have been nice to have included some of the more mystical aspects of the god's involvement in the war, as "Troy" is also apparently stripped of their presence. All in all, a good production, but I have no wish to see it a second time.

Better than TROY !
This movie, although its less glamorous than the new Troy with Brad Pitt, is closer to the truth story. Menelaus and Agamemnon don't die in Troy just because they are the bad guys!!! Hello!!! Who wrote the script to the movie called TROY anyway? He was having a bad trip, I can tell you that! The only negative point in HELEN OF TROY is the almost bad acting and Achiles was bald??? C'mon give me a break! Better shoot some nice horror b-movies guys! You should better read the real thing!

Very well put together
I quite like this TV-Movie version of the story of Troy, and I'm glad I viewed it before watching the blockbuster version with Brad Pitt. Apparently this version is far more accurate and more closely aligned with Homer's Iliad and it gives a much better background in the story of Paris and Helen. Significant changes were made in the Brad Pitt version of the battle of Troy which made it hard for me to accept. However, since the actors are all good loking and the costumes are historically accurate, I'm willing to forgive this minor slight.

Watch this version as well to compare the difference. The battle scenes and special effects are B-rated compared to Peterson's version of Troy, but the story is more accurate and the acting is much better.

This Trash Departs From Homer to Depict Graphic Rape.
Boring, sadistic, exploitative version of story, altered to include graphic nudity and graphic rape of Helen. Disgusting!

prior reviews lack perception
I am sick and tired of these two-bit movie watchers that know nothing about good acting pretending to review a performance. In the process of reviewing this 3rd rate movie some people have seemed inclined to put down the theatrical release of "Troy". Wrong ! To the point: Brad Pitt. I have watched him give silly and idiotic performances and I have watched him give great performances the result of great focus. Troy is a great performance - period !!!. The problem that occurs is that just because people consider him good-looking they automatically feel that he can't act. To be honest, this time around Pitt looks much older than usual. The point is that once you get past the looks factor you have a deep, well-focused performance. Period ! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Cute movie!
I think this is one of the most adorable movies I have ever seen. I think as far as made for tv movies go this one is excellent! The actors were all great! Also what makes it such a good movie is that is a true story.

Typical Hallmark Hall of Famer, but Still Entertaining
The two leads in this (apparently true) tale of love, courage and sacrifice in war are very attractive and well suited to their roles. I had never heard of either Callum Blue or Barbora Bobulova but I would like to see more of them. The story of how an Italian village (or many of its inhabitants) hid a young English commando from the German occupiers is inspiring, if a little too neat in this presentation, and the photography of the surrounding Italian mountains and the village itself is lovely. I found it interesting that here, as in"Capt. Corelli's Mandolin", a recent movie,is presented the incongruous situation in which the Italians,part of Hitler's Axis presumably, are only too happy to lay down their arms at the first news of Allied successes and make common cause with the Americans or English, as the case may be, despite the presence of the Germans. At any rate, this makes for an interesting love story between the English commando and the young Italian girl whose family first befriends him. Worth watching.

This is the best movie....
This movie, in my opinion, was better than Pearl Harbor. I loved it! The ending is just.... so perfect, you'll cry. I can't say enough how much I loved this movie. If you liked Pearl Harbor (and even if you didn't!), you can't go wrong with this one!

In Love and War
A miraculous true story of courage, determination and love in war-torn Italy.

While leading an ill-fated commando raid behind enemy lines during World War II, British lieutenant Eric Newby (Callum Blue) is captured and imprisoned. As Italy's fascist government collapses, the prisoners escape just ahead of the advancing German troops. When an injury leaves Eric stranded and on his own, a chance meeting with a young Italian woman, Wanda (Barbara Bobulova), saves his life.

Wanda and her family help Eric to hide, and she secretly teaches him Italian to conceal his identity and avoid recapture. As the two spend more time together, Eric discovers his feelings for Wanda have grown far beyond gratitude. This newly found love is shared by his beautiful rescuer.

Every day, however, the Germans seem closer to finding him. Wanda and her friends face increasing risks to find new ways to keep him safe. When fascist sympathizers lead the Nazis directly to Eric, he faces an agonizing choice. If he tries to escape, Wanda and all the people who have helped him will likely be killed. If he surrenders and is sent to a POW camp, he will probably never see Wanda again. Fate brought them together, but now one decision could separate them forever... ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Warm, like a favorite sweater.
Sam Elliott has the ability to both stamp his authority, and to give crediblity, to any film which includes him. For sleight of hand students it's always a genuine pleasure to watch the masterful card artistry of the great Ricky Jay (the cook). No camera tricks required here.

A wonderful and believable tale for the whole family.

Sam Elliott and The Hole in the Sky
This movie is something of a departure for Sam Elliott, but he, as always, pulls it off masterfully. Like fine wine, he just gets better with age.

I think that the great strength of the film is its mood. Rather than a rousing story, although the story is interesting enough, watching it is just a pleasurable experience. The characters are believable, the scenery incredible (although it was shot in Canada rather than in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness), and is suitable for the entire family.

If you are a fan of Elliott and/or just plain old good movies, then you should enjoy this one.

vociferious expostulation
Sam Elliott and Jerry O'Connell give an award winning performance. I wished there were more great movies like this today. Passion, suspence and humor are all apart of this great movie. This is a must see movie!

a well thought out story line
Great acting especially jerry o'connell he is a babe and i have a big crush on him im in love with him and i have loads of pictures of him. anyway back to the film was really supprised it has a great story line.

an outstanding coming-of-age movie
I am a grandmother but I absolutely loved this movie when I first saw it on TV. Sam Elliott is perfect for the ranger role but what is interesting is how Jerry McConnell has grown up into the man he has become. For all of you who saw Stand By Me you will remember him as the somewhat chunky klutz member of the group. He has changed dramatically and it was great to see him in this role.. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Beautiful Dreamers
This is a lovely life-affirming movie. It has everything: lovely screnery, poetry and great characters who are at once vulnerable, intelligent and courageous. It is the story of love between a husband and wife, and the dedication of a doctor to his patients under difficult circumstances. There is a triumph of goodness here that makes this movie very special.

an on-screen poem
sometimes i question if all films aren't just a form of escapism & a sad distraction from life... then my very essence swells & soars when encountering such beautiful & inspirational works as this! go ahead & rent it the first time, i can't imagine you won't be checking back here hoping to find a copy of your own to cherish & share with others.

beautiful dreamers
what a great movie. not only does it portray the subjugation and liberation of the female spirit but also a love and vitality for life that bridges traditions, systems and prejudices. great movie. i have it on laser disc and would like to get it on dvd and video.

Excellent, heartwarming
I've been looking to purchase this movie (on VHS or DVD) for a long time, but it always seems to be out of print. This is definitely one of my favorite movies of all time.

A work of art
This film is incredibly beautiful and touching. The characterdevelopment and performance by the actors is outstanding and the plotmoves along well. It is artistic and emotional without being sappy. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Beautiful Dreamers
This is a lovely life-affirming movie. It has everything: lovely screnery, poetry and great characters who are at once vulnerable, intelligent and courageous. It is the story of love between a husband and wife, and the dedication of a doctor to his patients under difficult circumstances. There is a triumph of goodness here that makes this movie very special.

an on-screen poem
sometimes i question if all films aren't just a form of escapism & a sad distraction from life... then my very essence swells & soars when encountering such beautiful & inspirational works as this! go ahead & rent it the first time, i can't imagine you won't be checking back here hoping to find a copy of your own to cherish & share with others.

beautiful dreamers
what a great movie. not only does it portray the subjugation and liberation of the female spirit but also a love and vitality for life that bridges traditions, systems and prejudices. great movie. i have it on laser disc and would like to get it on dvd and video.

Excellent, heartwarming
I've been looking to purchase this movie (on VHS or DVD) for a long time, but it always seems to be out of print. This is definitely one of my favorite movies of all time.

A work of art
This film is incredibly beautiful and touching. The characterdevelopment and performance by the actors is outstanding and the plotmoves along well. It is artistic and emotional without being sappy. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

The Greatest of Us All
This movie depicts the final days of my distant relative, Bill Tilghman. Tilghman enforced the law from the 1880's, as Marshal of Dodge City through the Indian Territory days in Oklahoma to statehood and Roaring '20s gangsters.
At 70, he was about the only man left alive who had tamed a wild cowtown. The Governor called on him to bring law and order to Cromwell, the oiltown known as "the meanest town in Oklahoma." He did it, though did not live to see his work totally completed.
Sam Elliott does a wonderful job of portraying this lawman who was better known in his day than the Wyatt Earps and such we are familiar with today. While a few cinematic prerogatives were taken, William Kent Harrison stayed pretty close to history and clearly did a lot of research. He beautifully depicts the wonderment of an old West lawman coping with gangsters in T-model Fords and ignoring the ethics that characterized even such desperadoes as Bill Doolin in the 1890's.
Particularly interesting were the vignettes of Tilghman's 1915 movie, "The Passing of the Oklahoma Outlaws," which he and many of the people who were really there starred in.
In the early 1900's, famed lawman Bat Masterson was asked about the old lawmen of the West. Without hesitation, he said "Tilghman was the greatest of us all."

Very Inspirational
I loved the portrayal of a tough honest lawman who also showed a deep understanding of human nature. He was also a very warm family man. The way he handled the young man who wanted to become his assistant and how he became a role model for him while he was alive is interesting. I like certain westerns and this was a good one. I think Sam Elliott should have been aged a little more...it was too obvious that a young man was wearing props to make him look much older. I recommend this feel-good movie for a general audience.

One of the Great Modern Westerns
Sam Elliot is without a doubt the best modern western actor today. As with all his movies, he gives a stunning performance. While filled with a few historical flaws, it shows the general theme of Bill Tilghmans life. I admit that it would have been more interesting if they showed his earlier life and involvment with the likes of the Doolin gang. Some may say that is lacks a good plot, but the movie is a true story.

you know my name
Most of the reviews of this movie say it has a lousy plot, what few critics probably realize,however, is that it is a true story (some liberties were taken of course.). I am Bill Tilghman's great-great granddaughter, and I had some problems with the story, too, mostly in what they chose to portray. I think that the early days of Bill Tilghman's life were much more interesting than the last few months. It's too bad they didn't focus more on the material in the "Passing of the Oklahoma Outlaws" movie that Bill made with his partner, Benny Kent. Unless the audience knows a lot about Bill Tilghman, they wouldn't understand the "flashback" sequences. I also think Sam Elliott was mis-cast ! I have spoken to many living old-timers that knew Bill - they say he was a very unassuming and quiet man. He wasn't a tough guy at all. Still, I was glad the movie was made - many people never read history unless they've seen the movie first !

Good cast, lousy script
Sam Elliott's portrait of Marshal Tilghman is splendid as ever his performances as a westerner are. But the script is really lousy. After a thrilling start sequence and a surprising film-in-film-montage the film is lacking the necessary straightforwardness that, e.g., "Last Stand at Saber River" makes a 5-star-western. There's lot of talking and too little action. Best example: the scene when riding Tilghman is chased by a car with gangsters. The car simply crashes downward a hill. There's no thrilling tension in that sequence. The authors and director John Kent Harrison were not able to turn the conflict between old-fashioned lawman Tilghman and the modern, organised and law-protected crime into a entertaining duel. It's a pity: A lot of good ideas and a stunning Elliott performance wasted by uninspired filmmakers. ... Read more