Š-DR-MONTE WALSH p17

18/07/2014 08:43 par tellurikwaves

Painful and Beautiful
10/10
Author: bill-461 from LA, CA
15 June 2000

This movie should be re-released. I can't help thinking that it came out at a time when we as a nation had our mind on other things. And that's a shame. I remember that I went to see it at one of the first multi-cinemas in Utah and What's up Tiger Lily was playing along side of it. My friend and I couldn't get in to the more risque movie (Utah---imagine that,) so we stepped into this one. And even an idiot in the ninth grade could be touched by this melancholy tale.

I love Lee Marvin and Jack Palance. And Mama Cass did this movie a great service with her song The Good Days are Comin'. Do yourself a favor and see this one. Your heart will hurt a little at the end, but it's a good kind of pain.

Š-DR-MONTE WALSH de W.A.Fraker (1971) p16

18/07/2014 08:17 par tellurikwaves

 
A Classic Western with an uncommon story line.
10/10
Author: Mike Steele from Broken Arrow, OK.
4 February 2003

I wish this movie was available on DVD. At the time this was made it was a very different western. Not the usual shoot-em-up. The story of a dying breed, it really speaks to us the situation of finding out the job you've done all your life is now somehow obsolete. I especially like the Mama Cass song and the John Barry treatment of it that is reprised throughout the movie. The only opportunities I've had to see this are the few times it has appeared on broadcast TV. I'm hoping the original wide screen version will someday be available on DVD. There is a CD out now with the soundtrack, but it is very hard to find.

Š-DR-MONTE WALSH de W.A.Fraker (1971) p15

18/07/2014 08:11 par tellurikwaves

One of Lee Marvin's best performances.
10/10
Author: PWNYCNY from United States
21 September 2009

When considering the acting career of Lee Marvin, the movie Monte Walsh must be included as an example of Lee Marvin at his best, Mr. Marvin gives a powerful, compelling and moving performance as an aging cowboy who has to deal with change. So strong is his performance that he carries the entire movie, which, given the outstanding supporting cast, including Jack Palance, Jeanne Moreau, Jim Davis and Mitchell Ryan, is saying a lot.

The story contains drama and pathos without becoming melodramatic or stagy and includes some spectacular cinematography which captures the essence of the open range. What makes this movie particularly wonderful is its unpretentious dramatization of relationships between people with whom the audience can relate and what happens to them as they try to adjust to a disappearing way of life. As the open range gave way to the fenced in ranches, an entire way of life disappeared. This movie is about what that change means to people and how it effects their lives.

Š-DR- MONTE WALSH p14

17/07/2014 09:58 par tellurikwaves

Elegy to the west.
10/10
Author: CarolHeron (FilmFreak) from Trenton, NJ
30 September 2004

Here's a case of Palance putting in a great supporting role like he has done so often, a truly selfless actor with a great humility.

Seldom does an actor allow himself to look as pathetic as Palance does in his performances. This is a great film, primarily due to the metaphor near the end where Marvin tries to tame a horse, frustratingly attempting to control the nature of all things around him. The austere writing and stilted acting lend to the overall tone, creating an elegiac western greatly under-appreciated in its time. One of those small, offbeat movies awash in a decade of so many sparkling little films, each challenging the strictures of Hollywood. I loved it.

Š-DR-MONTE WALSH de W.A.Fraker (1971) p13

17/07/2014 09:53 par tellurikwaves

Bittersweet Celebration of the American Cowboy
10/10
Author: Bob-45 from Savannah, GA
6 October 2008

When "Monte Walsh" appeared in 1970, I avoided it like the plague. "Who wants to see a movie about the end of an era?" I asked myself, conveniently forgetting how much I loved "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance." So, nearly 30 years later, Turner Classic Movies gave me the opportunity to correct what might have been a mistake. Had I erred in 1970? Well, yes and no. Yes, because "Monte Walsh" now joins my list of one of the five best westerns ever made; and, no, because at the tender age of 21, I would not have appreciated this masterpiece; which, in these especially troubled times, seems more relevant than ever.

According to TCM host, Robert Osborne, William Fraker directed only 4 films during his distinguished career, preferring his role as director of photography. If "Monte Walsh" is any example, then director Fraker missed his calling; as, "Monte Walsh" boasts outstanding ensemble acting, unusual unless the director is especially gifted. Many in this cast give the best performances of his or her career, particularly Jim Davis and Mitchell Ryan.

"Monte Walsh" should be the role for which Marvin is remembered, as "Chet" should be the role to remember Jack Palance. It's a joy and a privilege to watch Marvin and Palance interact, even more enjoyable than Marvin and John Wayne in their frequent pairings. The first two thirds of "Monte Walsh" is largely upbeat, even in the hard times portrayed, while the final third left me both numb and aching.

"I won't p**s on 30 years of my life," is one of the many profound quotations in "Monte Walsh." It defines Monte's code of honor; a decent, loving and honorable man unwilling to compromise who he is. I give "Monte Walsh" a "10".

Š-DR-MONTE WALSH de W.A.Fraker (1971) p12

17/07/2014 09:45 par tellurikwaves

A Sad Story Of An Aging Cowboy Who Must Adapt To A Changing West
10/10
Author: Steve Richmond (sfwr@earthlink.net) from Brea, Ca. USA
4 November 1999

Monte Walsh is one of my favorite Lee Marvin films.(il me faut bien avouer qu'à mon avis,il a joué dans beaucoup trop de films médiocres voire carrément mauvais-CAT BALLOU p.ex est une daube absolue) In this sad western, Lee plays a seasoned cowboy who must adjust to a changing West. Starring with Marvin are Jack Palance , who shows us a different side other than the heavy. Jeanne Moreau is wonderful as Marvin's girl. You will also enjoy the score and the singing of Mama Cass Elliott. It is a sensitive, touching story.

Š-DR- MONTE WALSH p11

17/07/2014 09:37 par tellurikwaves

Š-DR-MONTE WALSH de W.A.Fraker (1971) p10

17/07/2014 09:31 par tellurikwaves

"Nobody gets to be a cowboy forever."
10/10
Author: Ryan McNabb from riding fence
31 August 2002

So says Monte's friend as they sit on a front porch, wondering what they'll do now that their way of life is coming to a close. One of the most touching and poignant westerns ever made, "Monte Walsh" is a love poem written to a way of life that only lasted about 20 years, but defined much of American culture.

The cowboy period only lasted from about 1865 to 1885, and this film shows several friends who have been cowboys for most of that time, deeply in love with their work, who see it all ending, and are powerless to stop it. Barbed wire fence and one really hard winter (which really did happen, and single handedly changed the western cattle industry, and eradicated the cowhand) do away with their blissful existence, forcing them to confront themselves. What do they do now? It isn't always pretty, and the decisions they make when the chips are down tell you most everything you need to know about human nature.

The wonderful theme song by Mama Cass Elliot "The Good Times Are Coming" is just marvelous, and perfect for the film. All in all, one of the 5 best westerns ever made, and the absolute best one dealing with the working cowhand culture. Don't watch this movie if you are embarrassed about crying, because it will break your heart. Truly a work of art. The words "I rode down the gray" will haunt you for the rest of your life.

Š-DR-MONTE WALSH de W.A.Fraker (1971) p9

17/07/2014 09:17 par tellurikwaves

Sites externes

Miscellaneous Sites

• CD and LP.com - Soundtrack
• Indiemoviez (Spanish)
• SoundtrackCollector - Soundtrack Information
• tvfilm (Hungarian)

Photographs

• OutNow.CH - Image Gallery
• filmposter-archiv.de - German movie poster
• Theatrical Movie Poster

Š-DR- MONTE WALSH p8

17/07/2014 09:10 par tellurikwaves