CheerupSilver Very Cool!!!

BootDigest Such a frustrating disappointment

BoardChiri Bad Acting and worse Bad Screenplay

Maidexpl Entertaining from beginning to end, it maintains the spirit of the franchise while establishing it's own seal with a fun cast

trz1951 One of my favorite westerns; also tops is another based on a Jack Schaefer novel: "Shane".The acting in MW and Shane is top-notch, and I can't think of better casting. Palance and Marvin are perfect. Everyone else, too. I'm not crazy about "The Good Days are Over," but it doesn't really get in the way.I'm finally reading the book. Wowee! What a gem. As I always do, I picture the actors in the movie as I read. Jack as Chet, Lee as Monte, Jim Davis as Cal -- perfect again. Really makes a book come alive to picture those guys as you read, much like Gregory Peck as Atticus.No, the book and movie are different. But there are two scenes in the movie, two of my favorites, that are in the book: cookie's EX-LAX revenge and the bunkhouse brawl.It says something about a book and a movie that you really care about the characters. Slash Y forever.Plus Chet was from Illinois, he was proud of that. He was more specific in the book: 40 miles west of Chicago. Me, too. I like the connection. P.S. Did you know that Hickok and Earp were Illinoisans?

Scott LeBrun Forget "Cat Ballou". THIS is the performance that should have netted Lee Marvin a Best Actor Oscar. He's simply wonderful as the title character, part of a romanticized Old West that can see that times are changing. There's not as much need for veteran cowboys like him and his good friend Chet Rollins (Jack Palance), so they have a hard time finding work. Finally latching onto some gainful employment with rancher Cal Brennan (Jim Davis), he finally feels ready to settle down with Martine Bernard (a radiant Jeanne Moreau), the love of his life. But making the acquaintance of short tempered Shorty Austin (Mitchell Ryan) will prove to be quite fateful indeed."Monte Walsh" is scripted by Lukas Heller and David Zelag Goodman, based on the novel by Jack Schaefer of "Shane" fame. It marked the directorial debut for noted cinematographer William A. Fraker, who handles the material with incredible sensitivity and poignancy. It's an often beautiful, lyrical film, if rather manipulative at times. It's quite bittersweet, so viewers should be prepared for some very sad moments. Still, it's got so much heart, and so much humor, that it just pulls you in and keeps you watching. It looks glorious, with production design by Albert Brenner and cinematography by David M. Walsh that is just perfect. The music by John Barry is lush and romantic.The film also shows us just how great Jack Palance can be. Far too often during his career he was locked into villain roles due to his looks, but he's just a joy, in one of his rare good guy roles. He and Marvin make for very believable friends, the lovely Moreau has much appeal, and Ryan (who's clearly playing younger than he actually was at the time) is a vivid antagonist. Ryan even gets an official "introducing" credit. And they're supported by many of the cream of the crop of American character actors: G.D. Spradlin, Michael Conrad, Bo Hopkins, John McLiam, Matt Clark, Billy Green Bush, Eric Christmas, Charles Tyner, Jack Colvin, and Richard Farnsworth.Well paced, with some good action, and violence that is effective without being particularly gory, "Monte Walsh" rates as a must see for fans of the cast and the Western genre.Filmed again in 2003, with Tom Selleck in the lead.Eight out of 10.

jmillerdp (Thematic SPOILERS)This is half of a great movie. The great half is the first, where we meet cowboys dealing with a time when their world is coming to an end. Corporations are taking over, and the work of the cowboy is needed less and less.The second half is where things go awry. The movie goes into formula mode. The greatness of the first half, with its quiet moments of reflection, and views of life on the range, go away. In their place is murder, heartbreak and revenge. I was very disappointed in the way the film went.Often-cinematographer William Fraker takes the Director's Chair here and does admirably. He is supported by David Walsh behind the camera. John Barry provides an excellent score. He would later earn an Oscar with "Dances with Wolves," and fans of that score can get more of Barry's work in the Western genre here. Barry strays into his James Bond score work occasionally here, which is distracting.The issue in this film is with the origin material. Jack Shaefer, who wrote the novel, also wrote "Shane." Maybe he wasn't ready to go without overt drama to make his point. That's too bad.****** (6 Out of 10 Stars)

Bob-45 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".