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A remarkably ambitious and engrossing project, this 1978 televisionminiseries ran 26-and-a-half hours, cost a then-enormous $25 million, and involved 4 directors, 5 cinematographers, and somewhere in the neighborhood of 100 speaking parts. Based on James Michener's panoramic bestseller about the settling of the American West--as reflected in the history of a fictionaltown called Centennial, Colorado--the story begins in the late 18th century and ends with a typical 20th century conflict over land usage.Centennial, however, largely concentrates on various memorablefrontiersmen, trappers, Indians, ranchers, cowboys, and farmers from longago. Richard Chamberlain shines as the pioneer Alexander McKeag, RobertConrad does some of his best work as French-Canadian Pasquinel, andperformances by Alex Karras, Chad Everett, Sally Kellerman, Raymond Burr,Richard Crenna, David Janssen, and Dennis Weaver effectively add to atapestry of adventure, tragedy, violence, and dubious Western progress.Produced at a time when TV networks were in the throes of acknowledgingAmerica's history of racial injustice, the program paints a starklyvillainous portrait of opportunists exploiting and destroying Indians in the name of manifest destiny. While the project's great length might make onewary of diving in, Centennial is the sort of carefully paced dramathat makes one care about the intertwined destinies of unique characters and how they illuminate America's past. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (55)

Magnificent epic equals magnificent story
As a longtime fan of James Michener I have enjoyed many of his works but none of them has been so well represented on film as Centennial. The book was super but was erratically paced and jumped back and forth in history. The miniseries, however, is wonderful. The casting of the characters was right on in both the main and supporting roles. Robert Conrad gave his best performance as the complicated French trapper Pasquinel. Richard Chamberlain was the perfect Alexander McKeag and Gregory Harrison did a terrific job in his ability to cope with his character's aging from a inexperienced farm boy to a likable everyman to an aging hero. Michener's story explores the discovery of the west and shows us heroism and cowardice, greatness and pettiness and is a superb history lesson which everyone will enjoy. The series presents this story in the form of characters you will grow to like, admire, love, hate and remember. People I've watched the series with have shown deep emotion and cried through the depiction of the Indian massacre (actually the Sand Creek Massacre but renamed for the story). They came to admire Dennis Weaver as the cattle drive boss R.J. Poteet and the young cowboys he helped turn into men. You will see characters grow and change. You will identify with many and feel sad as they age and die. Throughout, however, you will be entertained and you will have a greater appreciation of the people who framed the American West.

Memorable, if overlong western epic
The mammoth western epic "Centennial" has always deserved a storied place in television history.

This ambitious effort, based on the James Michener novel of the same name, attempts to cover the history of the state of Colorado, from the days of the Native Americans to the political/environmental dealings of modern times. Clocking in at 24 hours, it's probably safe to say that rarely has so much effort been put into the television medium. Unfortunately, "Centennial" would have been better served to cut it's running time in half.

The first five episodes of "Centennial," dealing with the settling of the American frontier and the eventual clash between pioneers and Native Americans, are some of the finest hours ever produced for television. This 1978 miniseries provides an early sympathetic view of the Native American, from the appealing chief Lame Beaver, played convincingly by Michael Ansara, to his daughter Clay Basket sympathetically played by Barbara Carrera. Throw into this mix the stormy relationship of trappers Pasquinel (Robert Conrad) and McKeag (Richard Chamberlain), and you have great drama on the untamed frontier. Their lives, and the rustic, changing world in which they live, makes for terrific historical fireworks.

Of course, Conrad's performance as Pasquinel, a colorful and memorable character if ever there was one, is one of the finest of his erratic career. As soon as his character leaves the film, there is an emptiness to the drama which is never quite replaced. And this emptiness damages the overall memory of this western epic.

Episode five, which details the disturbing true-life incident of the Sand Creek Massacre, in which hundreds of Native Americans were brutally murdered, is probably the last hurrah of "Centennial." The film soon switches gears to detail ranching life, farming struggles and the Depression. But the sense of wonder and awe seems to disappear, as the film wallows in a series of cliches (Brian Keith as the town sheriff is almost laughably bad) which resembles poor soap opera. The characters are not as multi-dimensional, and certainly not as inspiring.

"Centennial" rebounds somewhat during the twelth and final episode in which the valid question is raised as to what type of industry is best for the state of Colorado -- living off the land as our ancestors did, or mining the countryside for its resources. David Janssen is superb as a ranch owner and descendent of Pasquinel. His brooding intensity practically washes away the bad taste left from the frustrating boredom of the previous four episodes.

"Centennial" boasts one of the most extraordinary casts ever assembled for a motion picture. Almost too many to mention, some nods of respect must be given to Conrad, Chamberlain, Janssen, Chad Everett, Richard Crenna (in a particularly villainous role), Carrera, Lynn Redgrave, Gregory Harrison and Dennis Weaver (absolutely terrific as trail boss R.J. Poteet).

Appropriate kudos must be given to the beautiful cinemaphotography and the exciting musical score of John Addison.

"Centennial," essentially is a television history of the United States, from the early settlers to modern times. No stone is left unturned in this epic journey, and if the ambition was a bit more than these filmmakers could actually achieve given the restraints of the budget and the limitations of its marathon length, one can forgive these starry-eyed dreamers for losing steam during the final episodes.

Based on the first five episodes (11 hours) alone, "Centennial" is one of the finest works in television history. As a whole, the film sputters to a three-star rating. But for patient viewers, there are many diamonds to discover in the rough, unforgiving land known as "Centennial."

PLEASE HURRY WITH THE DVD!!!!!
THIS IS WITHOUT A DOUBT THE MOST INTERESTING,WELL MADE, DYNAMIC
WORK ON THE HISTORY OF THE THE WEST EVER MADE. NOT ONLY DOES IT SHOW THE MOVEMENTS OF THE DIFFERENT MEN AND WOMEN WHO HELPED MAKE THE AMERICAN WEST, BUT IS SHOWS IT IN A WAY THAT IT IS HARD FOR ANYONE NOT TO GET WRAPPED UP IN IT. IT IS REMARKABLY CLOSE
TO JAMES MICHENER'S WONDERFUL BOOK. IT WOULD BE A GRAVE MISTAKE
NOT TO PUT THIS MOVIE/MINI-SERIES ON DVD. TO ME THIS RATES WITH
"THE LORD OF THE RINGS" AND "HARRY POTTER" FOR INTERTAINMENT.
THIS A REAL WINNER.........

DVD NOW PLEASE!! C'mon Universal!
In my opinion the finest mini-series in the history of TV. Universal Home Video must give this the attention it so richly deserves!

Centennial
This TV series was screened once in the UK on Sunday afternoons. It was an epic of it day. It was and is a must view program for all the family. Once you start watching you'll be hooked. The first 3/4s of the series are definately the better part. There is lots of lush scenery and a stronge flowing story with plenty of action.

We seem to have been waiting for ever for it to come out on DVD anyone any idea who we can chase? The money is burning a hole in my pocket. Obviously this is based on the video ... Read more

Reviews (11)

"The Western Epic " Most Honest Portrail Ever!
Larry McMurtry, being a native Texan, wrote from the heart when he fashioned the characters of Lonesome Dove. In Lonesome Dove, you see true men and women of the West with the mannerisms and habits of genuine Texans. I was constantly reminded of men long gone that I had had the honor of knowing back in Texas. Men who were the real article as a cowman, rancher, or peace officer. They were men of my grandfather's and his father's time. Men who held their honor and courage in the most sacred place. Lonesome Dove illuminates brilliantly these character traits and the script certainly follows McMurtry's vision. It is Tommy Lee Jones and Robert Duvall though that help us see these authentic characters function in the real, basic, and heart-stopping beauty of the West. Whatever you do, do not deprive yourself of this experience. Tighten your cinch and come with grit teeth! It is a once in a lifetime event!

One of the Greatest Westerns Ever Made
I have never known anyone to have a dry-eye after watching this moving film. The characters are truly believable thanks to the stunning acting jobs done by Tommy Lee Jones, Robert Urich, and ESPECIALLY Robert Duvall. His characterization of Gus is, in my mind the role of a life time for any actor. Mr. Duvall rose to the occasion. The pain and heartache that these characters suffer is enough to bring anyone to tears. The movie is also beautifully filmed, with realistic sets and gorgeous landscapes. A must see for anyone who enjoys westerns. Get it! You won't be disappointed. Keep a box of kleenex close at hand when you watch it, though!! END

We Don't Rent Pigs
How many works of cinema are worth sitting through for 6 hours? Not many at all, but here you can't put it down. An unvarnished portrayal of the best and worst of humanity under harsh conditions. It makes you wonder where you would fit in, in this cinematic worldly epic. Most movie Westerns pale in comparison, especially the pop pseudo western bravado ones. Lonesome Dove finds the strength in humanity despite man's frail existence in nature. You don't have to like Westerns to love Lonesome Dove.

Lonesome Dove
Received tape in a very timely manner. Seller emailed to be sure I received item.(Very impressive.) Tape in excellent shape.
Lynne

A Magnificent American Epic
I certainly agree with the other glowing reviews of this movie but I would like to say that it is not simply the best western ever produced, it is, in my opinion, the best movie ever produced. I have seen it approximately 10 times and it is just as good each time as it was the first time. Rober Duval's acting is as good as it gets. Tommy Lee Jones is at his finest. The music is superb. The cimematography is excellent. The story is masterfully crafted and is based largely on real life characters. Charles Goodnight was the real life model for Woodrow Call and Oliver Loving, Goodnight's partner, was the model for Augustus McCrae. Duval, in playing McCrae, brings to life the character of the gallant old ranger and lover of all women with a degree of perfection of art that is unsurpassed in the history of movie making. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Finally a movie about the TRUE general Custer
I find that son of a morning star is the best cinema work about general Custer and the battle of Little Big Horn of the cinema's history ! All american people MUST see this movie for learning what was really the general Custer. I advise all people to see this movie, it is very very very very very good. If it will be more than 5 stars for rating it, it would have more ! GARY COLE IS WONDERFUL IN CUSTER, THE INDIAN ACTOR OF CRAZY HORSE TOO. ROSANNA ARQUETTE IS GREATLY IN LIBBY, AND THE LITTLE INDIAN GIRL TOO. SIMPLY THE BEST MOVIE ABOUT CUSTER, LITTLE BIG HORN AND THE INDIAN'S WAR !

Well Done!
This is as good a version of the Little Bighorn that has ever been done for film.

Gary Cole is very good- although he does not look like a horseman. Unfortunatly, Rosanna Arquette, who plays Libbie Custer the General's wife, seems just to be interested in collecting a paycheck. She is as wooden as it gets. However, I think David Strathairn, a regular of John Sayles' films, does an excellent job as Capt. Benteen. Although, the horrendous wig he is outfited with detracts from his performance, he does capture, IMHO, the cranky complainer personality of Benteen very well. (Anyone familiar with the writings of Fred Benteen can tell you he WAS angry with the world.)

"Son of the Morning Star" relied on the services of dedicated re-enactors who brought a sense of authenticity to the uniforms and equipment not seen in other Little Bighorn movie re-creations. Unfortunatly, although re-enactors are great at dressing their parts, they don't often look their parts- the 7th Cavarly was not as heavily populated with middle-aged, overweight men as "Son of the Morning Star" would have you believe.

Finally, the outfit Gary Cole is wearing for the Little Big Horn scenes is based on an actual photo. In 1875, a picture was taken of Custer at a picnic near Ft. Lincoln wearing a hat and a white buckskin jacket, which look alot what was depicted in the movie. Of course, we don't know if Custer wore that outfit a year later, but that photo shows that the producers for the movie just didn't make it up. However, the movie's Little Big Horn scenes show Gary Cole with his face shaven and hair immacutely clean, conditioned, and styled. Hardly realistic.

Custer: Symbol v. Human Being.
The purpose of "Son of the Morning Star," both the book and the miniseries, was to show that George A. Custer is not just a symbol, good or bad, for culural/political causes, but a human being with flaws and attributes. A previous review is a perfect example of the failure to see Custer as anything but as a symbol. To some people, Custer is the embodiment of the evils of Manifest Destiny. It's an ironic fate for someone who died in the most spectacular, albeit temporary, setback for Manifest Destiny.

Custer is a fascinating historical figure because of his symbolism. So many people have such strong feelings about him for what he represents, but so few people really know anything about him. Born the son of blacksmith in a rinky-dink Ohio farm community, Custer was no son of privilege. Yet he was a brigadier general at age 23, a major general at age 25, and fought with great courage and skill in America's most horrific war. It never ceases to amaze me how people throw slurs at the officers and men of the Indian fighting army, but ignore that a large percentage of those men fought with undeniable heroism to re-unite this country and free the slaves. Custer, Reno, Benteen, Cooke, Yates, Keogh, Tom Custer, Smith, and a number of other officers of the 7th Cavalry were all Civil War vets.

Attacks on Custer's courage for "fighting women and children" just demonstrates an ignorance of his Civil War combat record and the realities of Plains Indian warfare. Custer graduated college in June 1861 and a month later he saw action at Bull Run. In April 1865, he would receive General Lee's flag of truce near Appomattox. In between, he saw action in almost every campaign in the Eastern theatre of operations. Even after he became a general, he still exposed himself to danger and was often seen fighting in hand to hand combat. At Appomattox, his superior, General Sheridan awarded him the wooden table, upon which General Grant signed the papers of General Lee's surrender, as a gift of appreciation for his magnificent courage and leadership.

Yet people believe that such a ferocious combat commander reveled in fighting women and children! Plains Indians didn't fight like Rebels. They had a different concept of warfare from the U.S. Army- guerrilla tactics, hit and run. To the Army, the biggest difficulty of Plains Indian warfare wasn't fighting the Indians, it was finding them! In 1876, the biggest fear the U.S Army had was that the Lakota and Cheyennes would scatter before the Army could attack them and this mentality was the reason for Custer's decision processes on June 25. The Army had been forced to attack villages because this was the only effective method it had of forcing the Indians to stand and fight. Yes, women and children would die as a result and this was regrettable, but so were civilian casualties at Vicksburg and Atlanta. However, on June 25, 1876, the Army completely underestimated the Lakotas' and Cheyennes' willingness to stand and fight. Custer thought he would be pressing the issue, but instead had the battle dictated to him with catastrophic results for himself and his men. This "arrogance" was a mindset held not only by Custer, but the entire U.S. Army and they paid for it on June 25.

"Son of the Morning Star" was an attempt to present Custer and the Little Big Horn not just as symbols. Another reviewer mentioned "Little Bigman" as being a more historically accurate potrayal. That is absurd. While "Little Bigman" is a very entertaining film, it's as unrealistic as the 1941 movie "They Died with Their Boots On" which starred Errol Flynn. Flynn's Custer was portrayed as the ideal American military hero for a country that was preparing for World War II. In 1970's "Little Bigman," Custer is shown as a symbol of lunatic American imperialism as the country clashed over the Vietnam War. "Son of the Morning Star" was an attempt to show Custer as a human being without World War II or Vietnam era propaganda. This miniseries does take a lot of dramatic license with its subject, but in comparison to previous efforts on the Custer/Little Big Horn story it's refreshing in its candor.

Not the true Custer
This is a terrible and unaccurate portrayal of one of history's most overblown "heroes," George A. Custer.
He was a butcher and a madman who did most of his "Indian fighting" against women and children as the Seventh Calvary rode them down in ambush attacks in their village. Custer was one of the biggest contributers to America's own version of the holocaust which we conviently tend to ignore. Custer is not someone to glorify as this miniseries tries to do on the heels of the Indian freindly "Dances With Wolves." This seems to be more of a PR move to appease those appalled at 'Wolves' notion that the U.S. army at the time were less than honorable.
Rodney A. Grant from that film (Wind In His Hair) plays exceptionally the role of Crazy Horse, but his screen time is cut embarassingly low. Custer on the otherhand, is played up like a Tall Tale from the western drugstore dime novels. Here he's romanticized as a great guy, but this just ain't so.
The novel "Son of The Morning Star" from which this miniseries is supposedly based, gives a more realistic portrayal of the real Custer. His Indian name translation, "Son of the Morning Star," is actually another name for the devil in American Indian lore.
Skip this movie and read the book, or "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" by Dee Brown. It's an historical chronicle of the destruction of the American Indian. It's difficult to read because it's so shocking and sad, but every American should read it. "Little Big Man" starring Dustin Hoffman gives a much more accurate version of the Battle of the Little Bighorn and of Custer.

Release this to DVD now!!!!
A very well done production even though two of the main characters were miscast.
One of the best Custer films made but with many inaccuracies and typical Hollywood foul-ups.
But still, very entertaining.
This needs to be released onto DVD uncut and with the making of the movie A.S.A.P. ... Read more

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Sergio Leone's trilogy of operatic spaghetti Westerns with Clint Eastwood made the former TV star into an international sensation as the scraggly, silent Man with No Name, a wandering rogue with a scheming mind and a sense of humor drier than the dusty, wind-scoured desert. With A Fistful of Dollars, a blatant rip-off of Kurosawa's cynical samurai hit Yojimbo, Leone transforms the Western hero into a crafty mercenary. The follow-up, For a Few Dollars More, teams Eastwood up in an uneasy alliance with Lee Van Cleef in a tale of revenge, but the masterpiece of the set is The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, an epic scramble for buried gold set against the violence of the Civil War. In this film good is a relative term as three criminals make a series of tenuous partnerships broken in double-crosses and betrayals in Leone's epic vision of the American southwest as endless deserts and clapboard towns infested with gunmen. This was a new kind of Western: cynical, violent, stylish, and austere. Eastwood's rough face and squinting eyes fill the widescreen frame in massive close-ups while Leone stages action in bold compositions on empty streets and stark landscapes. The guns ring out in cartoonish exaggeration, and the music, an eclectic, electric mix of buzzing guitar, human voice, and harmonica by Ennio Morricone, sets the whole thing in a world pitched between myth and modernity. Leone's shot-in-Spain trilogy ushered in a flood of Italian spaghetti Westerns, but none hold a candle to Leone's stylish classics. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (33)

Simply Amazing
These three movies bring a completely new spin to the American west. No longer can you think of westerns as movies with the John Wayne like hero who always does what is right. In these movies, Clint Eastwood is nearly as bad as the men he fights. The camera work of Sergio Garcia provide for some tense moments and classic shots that you can't forget. Added with the music of composer Ennio Morricone, these movies began their own genre, the "spaghetti western" and launched Clint Eastwood's career. The shots of Clint squinting into the sunlight, the cut shots combined with the loud and unusual music of Morricone create some of the most memorable moments in film. For anyone that likes Clint Eastwood or just good, intelligent, and captivating action movies this box set is for you.

Clint Eastwood: The Man With No Name - A Trilogy
Clint Eastwood is the "man with no name." Italian director Sergio Leone directed what many believe are to be the Top 3 films of all time! Beginning with "A Fistful of Dollars" (copied from the Japanese samurai film "Yo Jimbo") Clint Eastwood rides into a town with two bosses. "For A Few Dollars More" betters on the first. Includes Lee Van Cleef as supporting actor. Two Bounty Killers team up to kill a common foe: One wronged by Indio, the head bank robber. "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" is the best of the lot, complete with a haunting musical score by Ennio Morricone. Who could forget the shrilling cry in the opening credits? "Ahh-ee-ahh-ee-iii! Wa...Wa...Wa..." The collaboration of Sergio Leone and Ennio Morricone is what makes these films work. "Spaghetti Westerns" don't waste time with the conventional "cowboys and indians." They focus more on the loners, the gunslingers, the bandits. This DVD Trilogy is the DEFINITIVE COLLECTION. Includes original theatrical trailers, bonus footage, behind the scenes, and much, much more! For more film/music greats look for Leone and Morricone collaborating on "Once Upon A Time in the West" (starring Charles Bronson, Jason Robards, and Henry Fonda), "A Fistful of Dynamite" aka "Duck You Sucker" (James Coburn, and "Once Upon A Time In America" (Robert DeNiro, James Woods). These films are the best, the peak in Western Cinemas.

Make Sure You Buy It.
These 3 films were the first 3 westerns I ever watched and boy was I impressed. I never even liked westerns before I watched the famous "Spaghetti Westerns". The acting is great, cinematography spectacular and the music is well-crafted. My only complaint is the clean-up on the pictures during the transfer to DVD but it has little impact on the overall quality and enjoyability of the movies themselves. After watching these 3 excellent and well-written films I watched Hang Em High which was also another excellent western with Eastwood. So buy these 3 films in an affordable 3-pack. Well worth your time and money.

The greatest westerns ever made - all in one box set
Sergio Leone's "Man with No Name" trilogy is classic. It made both Leone and composer Ennio Morricone famous, elevated Clint Eastwood into stardom, and invented the "spaghetti western". Now western fans can own the entire series in one DVD set.

The series begins with A FISTFUL OF DOLLARS, the classic western that introduced us to Morricone's rolling, whistling score that is now associated with the genre; Clint Eastwood's cool performance of the lone stranger who takes down two feuding small town gangs; and Leone's masterful direction. Then we move on to FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE, in which Eastwood teams up with an old army colonel (Lee Van Cleef) to capture the bounty on an escaped prisoner. The series ends with THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY, undoubtedly the greatest western film ever made. Eastwood is flawless, Morricone's score classic, the action terrific, and Leone's direction extraodinary; you are absolutely glued to the TV screen throughout the entire 2 hours and 40 minutes. Cinema lovers everywhere and anywhere will not want to miss out on this excellent collection of the greatest western masterpieces of all-time.

Clint Eastwood at his Best
Three of the greatest westerns of all time. A+++ ... Read more

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Lonesome Dove began life as a Larry McMurtry screenplay written for the big screen, with John Wayne, James Stewart, and Henry Fonda in mind for the roles of aging Texas Rangers Gus McCrae, Woodrow Call, and Jake Spoon. That too-good-to-be-true project never happened, and McMurtry shelvedthe story for some years and then revived it as a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. The latter was subsequently adapted for the glorious 1989 televisionminiseries starring Robert Duvall as Gus, one of the most endearing andheroic figures to come out of Old West mythology, Tommy Lee Jones as theequally noble but taciturn Woodrow, and Robert Urich as their fallen comrade,Jake. Set in the late 19th century in a sleepy Texas town, we meet Gus andWoodrow long after they put their days of settling the West behind them. Busy as cattle ranchers yet spiritually idle, the two head out on one last great adventure to set down new stakes in Montana, a journey that is fraught with terribledangers, reunions with old loves, and unexpected collisions with destiny. An exemplary and moving Western drama with magnificent performances from Duvalland Jones (and great support from Anjelica Huston, Rick Schroder, DannyGlover, and Diane Lane), Lonesome Dove paved the way for threesequels, two of which are in this collection. Streets of Laredofeatures James Garner this time as Woodrow Call, who is hired by a railroad company to track down a young criminal and comes face to face with his ownpast. The other is Dead Man's Walk, a powerful prequel in which wemeet Gus (David Arquette) and Woodrow (Jonny Lee Miller) as young men and Rangers recruits, facing their first challenges together. The jewel in thecrown of this collection is the original film, but the other titles arehighly enjoyable and bring a sense of sweeping narrative to theproceedings. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (36)

Not Just A Western--A Film For Everyone
The all star epic of two Texas rangers seeking adventure and excitement of the unknown--Lonesome Dove definately approaches audiences with a method never done before. Its portrayal of triumph and tragedy; romance and misfortune; humor and satire;-- all against the backdrop of the mysterious frontier makes Lonesome Dove one of the most clever Westerns of all time. Lonesome Dove delivers more than the typical Western does; it delivers a story of growth, loss, and ambivalence--a story everyone will enjoy.

One masterpiece, one average, one mediocre.
LONESOME DOVE ~ This may be the greatest movie ever made. Both Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones give the performances of their careers as retired U.S. Marshals Gus McRae and Woodrow Call, and the rest of the star-studded cast shine, as well. The unique scenery of the film is absolutely breathtaking to behold. And the music . . . . . . . Basil Poledouris composes what may very well be the greatest film score of all time!! (In my opinion, the works of Mozart and Beethoven don't compare to this!) Director Simon Wincer went on to helm such fantastic Westerns as QUIGLEY DOWN UNDER, CROSSFIRE TRAIL, and MONTE WALSH. I could go on forever praising this gem of a film, but there are two other movies to review. So I'll sum it up in four words: sheer and utter perfection.

STREETS OF LAREDO ~ Though it can't possibly compare to it's predecessor, this makes for enjoyable Western fare. James Garner does a great job as Captain Call, though he can't quite fill in Tommy Lee Jones' shoes. The cast is above average here, too: Sam Shepard is awesome as Pee-Eye, and no matter how brief Randy Quaid's screen time, you can't take your eyes off him. However, I found Sissy Spacek to be whiney and quite annoying. I just recently found a similarity between this and the first film, plotwise: both update old, cliched Western plots (the cattle-drive in LONESOME DOVE and the bounty-hunter-gone-after-vicious-killer here) and update them with fine form. But this sequal doesn't do it nearly as well as the first. Oh, and that whole relationship between Call and that little girl was just weird and extremely out of place.

DEAD MAN'S WALK ~ Here's an idea: make a prequal to the Emmy Award-winning LONESOME DOVE. While this may work on paper, it doesn't on film. Mainly because you'd have to find actors who could successfully portray younger versions of Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones. David Arquette and Johnny Lee Millar just can't do that. While their performances are decent, you just can't manage to firmly believe that these two boys are Gus McRae and Woodrow Call. And who the hell made the casting decision for the younger Clara (excellently played by Angelica Huston in the first film)? She ... like few actors I have ever had to watch. Funny, though; all the lead actors are sub-par, but the supporting cast rules; F. Murray Abraham, Brian Dennehy (who is killed off far, far too quickly), and Edward James Olmos included. Though the music in this movie is good, it feels out of place. But by far the worst thing about this film is the ending; the last twenty minutes may be the most godawful I have ever seen. It totally ruins the whole dramatic impact of the actual Dead Man's Walk scene that takes place before it. This scene is without a doubt the best part of the movie, and is one of the best, most powerful I've ever seen. They should've just ended the movie after this scene, right before that final twenty minutes or so. It would've been a much better movie.

In the end, it might be a good idea to just pick up a copy of LONESOME DOVE (be sure to buy the two-disc edition, which has far better picture quality than the single-disc flipper) rather than this entire boxed set. On the other hand, it looks great on your shelf, and comes with a free copy of the soundtrack to LONESOME DOVE.

LONESOME DOVE: * * * * *
STREETS OF LAREDO: * * * 1/2
DEAD MAN'S WALK: * * 1/2

One Of The Best Movie Series Around!
LONESOME DOVE is not only the finest western ever made. It may very well be the greatest motion picture of all time. The acting is perfect, and the musical score (by my favorite composer, Basil Poledouris) is the best ever written by ANYONE at ANYTIME for ANYTHING! The scenery is beautiful, and the storyline is pure gold, holding realistic humor, suspense, and drama like you've never experienced in front of a TV screen. This is far from your average cattle-drive flick! At six hours, LONESOME DOVE is an epic masterpiece that has yet to be topped. The only other film(s) that even come close is/are THE LORD OF THE RINGS.
Rating: 5 Stars

STREETS OF LAREDO, the sequal, is nowhere near as good as its predecessor. That said, it is most definitely a good film. This time around, James Garner replaces Tommy Lee Jones as Captain Call. Though he isn't as good as Jones was (he was perfect), Garner was the best choice for taking over the role. Besides him, the rest of the cast does pretty well. One big disappoitment is the music; there is NONE! Sure, there's a soundtrack, but you won't remember one second of it (it's that bland). Westerns are supposed to have good music! The storyline is pretty good, and holds a lot of suspense. The worst of it comes near the second half with Call and that little Mexican girl. That was just weird, and had no place in this film or any other western. Plus, it stole this subplot from Clint Eastwood's superior PALE RIDER. Overall, certainly not a bad movie, but it ain't all that great, either.
Rating: 3.5 Stars

The least of the trilogy, DEAD MAN'S WALK, is a prequal to LONESOME DOVE, tracking Gus and Call's earlier days as Texas Rangers. I must say, the best actors were the ones who were on screen from anywhere from five (Brian Dennehy) to twenty minutes (F. Murray Abraham), and all of it is very disappointing that they don't get nearly enough screen time. The two leads have to carry the immeasurable burden of filling in the shoes of Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones/James Garner, and I gotta cut 'em some slack for that. But still, the whole time they're just doing impressions of their characters' older selves. And that girl who played Clara [was bad]! The plot of DEAD MAN'S WALK is for the most of it handled with mediocrity, especially the ending! The last twenty minutes are the absolute worst I've ever spent in front of a TV screen. But the one section that actually has to do with the Dead Man's Walk is, on the other hand, one of the most emotionally powrful I've ever seen. This thirty minutes almost makes up for the entire four hour mess............almost.
Rating: 3 Stars

All three DVDs are bare bones, and what is there is just plain "BLAH". Sadly, LONESOME DOVE, by far the best of all, receives the worst DVD treatment in terms of picture and sound quality. This boxed set is only really worth getting if you're a diehard western fan and insist on owning the enture series.

Truly, the stuff of legends
For whatever reasons, many of those who compile a list of their favorite westerns omit this one. Perhaps because it first appeared as a mini-series on television. In any event, the omission is regrettable because (in my opinion) this film offers superior acting under Simon Wincer's capable direction, within a compelling narrative of epic scale and theme, with seamless coordination of Douglas Milsome's cinematography with Basil Poledouris' musical score. The mini-series was based on Larry McMurtry's novel, initially with a running time of 384 minutes and later reappeared in a 240-minute version now available on DVD. Either in the full or abbreviated version, it is unsurpassed by any other western and only a few come within a day's ride of it. Opinions obviously vary but I would include Shane, My Darling Clementine, The Outlaw Josey Wales, and Fort Apache among the "few" on my own list.

The primary narrative involves two former, retired, elderly but still vital Texas Rangers, Woodrow F. Call (Tommy Lee Jones) and Augustus McRae (Robert Duvall), who decide to embark on one last great adventure: Accompanying about 1,000 head of cattle on a 3,000 mile drive to Montana. Of course, they require time to assemble a crew and then the herd. (In the novel, McMurtry devotes the first 85-90 pages to introducing characters, relationships, background information, current situation, issues, etc.) Call and McRae are indeed an "odd couple" and yet they now share great mutual affection and respect as well as a lengthy and colorful history, some of which is revealed in the film. The two old comrades are certainly feisty, as indicated by McRae's reaction to a discourteous bartender in San Antonio and, later, by Call's reaction to equally discourteous horse traders. They may be senior citizens but have lost little of their lethal capabilities.

Space and inclination preclude identifying all of the many sub-plots, each of which is relevant to the main narrative. Two worthy of note in this brief commentary. First, Call's gradual but reluctant acceptance of son Newt (Rick Schroder), born out of wedlock to a prostitute with whom Call was briefly involved. The second focuses on Clara Allen (Anjelica Huston) with whom McRae once had a romantic relationship and of whom he remains especially fond. When he pauses to see her en route to Montana, he learns that her husband had been incapacitated (probably permanently) by an injury and Clara now manages the family's ranch while caring for her husband and raising their two daughters. McRae leaves her again, continuing on with the herd.

There are so many perils along the way, several involving fatal or debilitating accidents. Many of the men are killed. It is beyond my comprehension to grasp the enormity and complexity of driving so many cattle for such a great distance under these conditions, amidst all the natural as well as human dangers. Devoting 240 or even 384 minutes suggests but hardly covers all that was involved. Nonetheless, Wincer, his cast, and his crew are to be commended for their magnificent achievement. What they had to overcome bears at least some resemblance to the epic tale they present so vividly and compellingly.

While seeing Lonesome Dove again recently, observing Call and McRae's once more, I was reminded of the final lines of Tennyson's Ulysses:

"Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved heaven and earth, that which we are, we are.
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."

A part of the movie is missing.
I would like to know where Maggie, and Call is in this movie. I understand they both had a daughter, so where in all three movies does this happen? I would like to have seen this part. If any one has a answer foe me, my E-Mail is SuttTerr@cs.com ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Best Mini-Series Ever Made
I have waited so long to see Captains And The Kings and when I saw it was finally out on video I was so thrilled!! I never had the privilege of seeing it when it first came out in 1976 but when I became a huge fan of Richard Jordan I wanted to see this more than anything else. And it was definitely worth the wait. Captains And The Kings is by far the best mini-series ever made. The acting in this was superb, Richard Jordan, Blair Brown, Perry King, Jane Seymour, Charles Durning, Henry Fonda, Harvey Jason, Vic Morrow and many others and the storyline was terrific. It certainly deserved all the awards it received, including a Golden Globe for Richard Jordan and a Emmy for Patty Duke. I am also a big fan of Blair Brown and she was excellent in this as well. But the one that was the most outstanding was Richard Jordan. He was brillant in this and he had me mesmerized during his entire performance. When we lost him in 1993, we lost a true treasure and there will never be another one like him. So I am certainly glad to see this finally out on video so that more people can enjoy this wonderful mini-series and the brilliant acting of Richard Jordan.

'A Terrific Mini-Series Captains and the Kings
Firstly, I would just like to say that I'm so glad to know that this fantastic Mini-Series is finally on Video? I have waited a long time for this? I have been an avid Fan of the Late Richard Jordan since I saw him in this epic Mini-Series back in the mid 1970's! I remember liking the Theme Music so much, that I even taped it on an old Tape-Recorder! Yes, I do agree with the other Reviewers of this Epic Saga, that yes, we have definately lost a great Actor in the Late Richard Jordan. I also was fortunate enough to purchase a second hand copy of the book! Now, I can't wait to receive the Video Set of this wonderful Series. There is not much information I find on Richard Jordan? Can anyone assist me?

Thankyou, Helen Harvey

An absolutely superb miniseries!
I first saw this wonderful miniseries when it made its debut on NBC in the fall of 1976, and I recently bought and watched the video set of the series. After so many years, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the late Richard Jordan's portrayal of Joseph Armaugh. Armaugh, the penniless Irish immigrant boy at the start of the series(It begins in New York Harbor in 1857) ultimately became one of the nation's most wealthiest and powerful men, and ultimately paid a heavy personal price for his arrogance, and obsession with attempting to make his eldest son the first Irish Catholic President of the United States. As you watch the series, you can't but help note the similarities between Jordan's fictional Armaugh and the real-life Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. Jordan should have received an Emmy for his fine portrayal of the hot-tempered and driven Irishman who wanted control over everything and everybody. Patty Duke was excellent as Joseph Armaugh's wife, who turned to the bottle to seek solace from a husband who did not love her, and eventually went insane when tragedy intervened and took a Son who died in the Spanish American war of 1898. Blair Brown did a wonderful job playing Joseph's mistress, whose failure to inform her son Courtney of the identity of his real father, resulted in tragedy for the Daughter of Joseph Armaugh. And the late great Henry Fonda had a brief role as an honorable and distinguished Senator who felt he had no choice but to take his own life after Armaugh's dispicable intention to blackmail the good Senator unless he dropped his support of a Labor reform bill (which would have cut into the profits of Armaugh, and his powerful cronies). Before the Senator died, he left Armaugh a message in which he cursed him and his family. And before the end of this series(It ends in the late Spring or Summer of 1912,) the curse robbed Joseph Armaugh of just about his entire family(and his only close friend) until he is seen alone sitting in his huge mansion, pondering the heavy price he had to pay. Other actors in the mini series include the late Vic Morrow (Sergeant Chip Saunders of the 1960s WW2 series Combat)as Senator Tom Hennessey, Armangh's detested enemy and ironically his Father-in-Law(whom he eventually destroyed!) and Robert Vaughn as Joseph Armaugh's business colleague, Charles Desmond. Desmond was one of the individuals who helped Armaugh to attain even more power by sponsoring his participation in a group of powerful and wealthy men who ruthlessly use their power to control events to gain even more wealth and power, regardless of the cost. And you'll discover as I did when I originally watched the series that anyone who opposes these men will pay a heavy and bloody price. A superbly acted, and fast-pace look at one man's attainment of wealth and power, and the tragic price ultimately paid. I strongly suggest that anyone who is even remotely interested in mid 19th to early 20th Century America buy this series based on Taylor Caldwell's novel as it effectively weaves fictional characters like Armaugh, and the others into the tapestry of American life from 1857-1912. A superb job all-around! Enjoy

forgotten classic
This mini-series is a great powerful story, with a fantastic cast which as far as I am concered, ranks up their with Rich Man, poor man , Roots and the Thorn Birds. They just don't make them like this anymore.

One of TV' Best Acheivements
I was fortunate enough to see this when it first aired in 1976. The series was called "Best Sellers" which aired several best selling novels turned TV movie for the ABC 1976-77 Televison season. (TNT aired in the the late 80's and I was able to tape it, however after watching it so many times I have worn out my tapes). This was the first for the mini-series genre.
It was also one of the best. The cast starred Richard Jordan who at that time was up and coming. The supporting cast read like a Who's Who of television at the time. The plot is about a irish immigrant who come to America With his mother, brother and sister to join with his father who came ahead of them. However during the trip over Joseph's mother dies and he is left to care for his siblings. Once he arrives in America he finds that his father is also dead and he is now the head of the family. This is a duty he take seriously. He works hard and educates himself and becomes very wealthy in the process. Once you watch the first 20 minutes you will not be able to stop until you watch the entire series. As Soon as I saw it available on Video I bought it. I am now awaiting the DVD version. I will purchase as soon as it becomes available.

I only wish they would put the rest of the best seller series on tape of DVD. I would buy them all ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Action packed movies!
I love this collection of movies! John Wayne in my eyes was one of the BEST actors of his time, no make that the best. He had style that made his movies great that I have not seen anyone get close to. He was graceful and just a good actor!

Some of his best.
I have been a John Wayne fan for many years, and have seen almost all of his movies. All of the movies in this set are great, I think probably, some of his best ones. Two are especially favorites. I love ElDorado, even if it similiar to Rio Bravo. The characters are great. My favorite is The Shootist. The movie made me cry. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

YEE-HAH!
I love westerns and John Wayne is in most of the best, my favorite of these three is the Cowboys. It's about Mr. Anderson (John Wayne) who is short of cow hands. So he hires boys fresh out of school. Get ready for excitement and fun with these three wonderful movies. ... Read more

Description

"Gene Autry 4-Pack" includes the following four videos:

Reviews (1)

Corsicana Man Rates Movies
This collection is amoung the best i've seen ... Read more

Reviews (2)

THE RIFLEMAN.....CLASSIC WESTERN SERIES
The appeal of "The Rifleman" is the chemistry between
Chuck Connors and Johnny Crawford. In my opinion, this
is the reason this wonderful series has endured. The
black and white 30 minute series is action packed and
fast paced with sharp timing and dialogue and Connor's
portrayal as Lucas and Crawford's as Mark are touching
yet strong. It is obvious they held a deep affinity for
one another and it comes through beautifully.

I have all sixteen volumes and I wish they had the entire
'episode' output...but I'll take what I can get!

A must for all western fans and the uniqueness of the music
and production values are also worthy of praise!

A Great Western Series From TV's Classic Years
This four-volume set of "The Rifleman" episodes would be a great addition to your video collection. It contains 20 shows - each complete with their opening and closing credits. Details are given at the end of this review.

(NB: If you cannot justify buying the full set, the four tapes are also for sale as individual items.)

"The Rifleman" was one of the best Western series broadcast in those classic days when TV was proud to be black & white. It starred Chuck Connors as "Lucas McCain" - a widower determined to make a fresh start in life in New Mexico, along with his young son, Mark (played by Johnny Crawford).

Lucas carried a modified Winchester with a large ring mechanism that cocked the rifle by lever action. Viewers got a clear idea how it worked at the start of each episode - as the opening credits showed Lucas firing off a volley of shots while striding purposefully down Main Street.

Most shows had Lucas using his Winchester either to protect his own land, or to help the marshal rid the town of desperadoes. Inevitably this also gave Lucas an opportunity to teach young Mark the differences between right and wrong.

The quality of picture and sound on all these tapes is superb. The selected shows are ranged from the very first episode (from 1958, when Mark was 12 - and defenceless against baddies) through to the Fifth Season in 1962 (when Mark was a teenager looking to fight his own battles). My own favourites are the early shows, which were written and directed by a young Sam Peckinpah. However, the standards are consistently high throughout. I personally bought Volume One first - then Volume Two - and finally Volumes Three and Four. Looking back, I could have saved some cash by buying the box set in the first place - and that is my recommendation to you. Here are the details: . . . .

Volume One (from Season One) Sharpshooter (the first episode, with Dennis Hopper & Leif Erickson) - Home Ranch (with Harold J Stone) - End of a Young Gun (with Michael Landon) - The Marshal (with Paul Fix & Warren Oates) - Duel of Honor (with Cesare Danova & Jack Elam)

Volume Two (from Seasons One & Two) The Angry Gun (with Vic Morrow) - The Sheridan Story (with Lawrence Dobkin & Royal Dano) - The Money Gun (with John Dehner) - The Mind Reader (with John Carradine & Michael Landon) - Bloodlines (with Buddy Hackett, Warren Oates & Denver Pyle)

Volume Three (from Seasons Two & Four) Day of the Hunter - The Vaqueros (with Martin Landau) - Knight Errant (with Lawrence Dobkin) - The Long Goodbye (with Edgar Buchanan) - High Country (with James Coburn & Ellen Corby)

Volume Four (from Seasons Four & Five) Man from Salinas (with Robert Culp) - Two Ounces of Tin (with Sammy Davis Jr.) - The Deadly Image - Waste: Parts I & II. ... Read more

Description

Includes Randy Rides Alone, Rainbow Valley, Blue Steel and Lawless Range.

... Read more