Monte Walsh (1970)

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

It’s sentimental, ridiculously long and only occasionally funny

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

Blistering performances.

I waited a long time to see 'Monte Walsh', from having seen the trailer when it first came out & thinking it did not look all that good. Over the years I kept hearing tales about it's qualities and had to take a look.The first half had the look and feel of a 70's John Wayne punch 'em up western without the Duke anywhere to be found. I almost gave up till it took an unexpected turn towards the profound. Perhaps if this film's screenplay writers had stuck a little closer to Jack (Shane) Schaefer's original writing, it might have told it's story of the last days of the American west more convincingly. The marvelous French Jeanne Moreau tries hard to make her character's sorry life believable but I'm feeling she may have thought the role a little below her best interests. Her character, as Monte's long time 'girlfriend' (with a shady past time) actually gives this film it's most tragic moments - she brings this story to it's ultimate finale. Marvin as Monte, has some effective moments but the screenplay wavers too much between slapstick and tragedy, letting both he and the always reliable Jack Palance down. A spectacular but overly grotesque horse breaking scene in the last half looks more like an attempt at lifting the films otherwise deliberate pace. Some good elements unfortunately don't add up to an entirely satisfying story about the dying lifestyle of the west. Ex director of photography William Fraker tries his hand at his first directorial effort and John Barry's score adds some class to an otherwise 'should have been better' movie.A few reviewers tend to like this effort, and if you enjoy 70s American westerns this could entertain you. The available DVD is of good visual quality and that always helps.....KenR

Monte Walsh is the debut feature of cameraman-turned-director William A.Fraker. It stars Lee Marvin (Monte Walsh) & Jack Palance (Chet Rollins) as two ageing cowboys who find that the era of the cowpoke is coming to an end; and that work for them is now very hard to come by. Adapted by David Zelag Goodman & Lukas Heller from Jack Schaefer's novel, Monte Walsh is a gentle but astute telling of men who have outlived their time (think Will Penny/Ride The High Country). Though very sedate in pacing, and almost elegiac in tone, the film constantly remains interesting because the characters are so well written. That they are given quality portrayals by Marvin & Palance, the latter of which is nicely cast against type, is possibly of no surprise to most genre fans. But both actors push themselves to really make the film work, even exuding believability in the process. Thus when the story takes its potent laced turns we are with them all the way, for better or worse.John Barry provides the music and the film opens with a delightful and ironic tune called "The Good Times Are Comin" sung by Mama Cass. The cinematography is by David M. Walsh, where he nicely manages to make the Tuscon part of the shoot blend with the emotional state of our protagonists. And decent support comes from Mitch Ryan too. There's also much humour in the piece, such as a cooks revenge that is laugh out loud funny. While there's action moments like a taming a bronco sequence to ensure the story is not solely interested in playing out as a sad atmospheric tale. But it's really all about Marvin and the character he plays, with Fraker guiding him to emotional depth, Marvin makes Monte Walsh an essential viewing for fans and interested newcomers alike. 7/10

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".

The cowboy way-of-life is quickly coming to an end, and Chet and Monte try to carve out a new life - with great difficulty.This movie has it all - authenticity, love, loyalty, and desperation. Treat yourself to one of the best movies ever made starring Lee Marvin and Jack Palance. This part of our U.S. history is accurately and lovingly recreated in this cinematic wonder. The cowboy has never been underrepresented in film, but this masterpiece shows us with thrilling detail the personal struggles that came with the end of their way of life. Monte Walsh is also an amazing allegory of the American way of life. Do Not pass this one up.