Woodyanders
1900. Wily train robber and desperado Harry Tracy (a superb performance by Bruce Dern) has outlived his era. Harry gets arrested, but manages to break out of prison. He goes on the lam with sweet, loyal gal pal Catherine Tuttle (well played by a luminous Helen Shaver) in tow and becomes the target of the largest manhunt in North American history. Director William A. Graham, working from a smart and literate script by David Lee Henry and R. Lance Hill, relates the gripping story at a leisurely, yet steady pace, offers a flavorsome evocation of the period, and delivers a thoughtful and touching cinematic eulogy on the death of the Old West and the outlaws that populated it. Moreover, there's a nice line in wry humor evident throughout, with a bungled train robbery rating as the definite comic highlight. Dern effortlessly carries the film in a rare substantial lead role; he brings a sly roguish charm and amiable quality to Harry which makes the guy easy to like and root for. The supporting cast is likewise excellent, with praiseworthy contributions by Gordon Lightfoot as Harry's hard-nosed nemesis U.S. Marshal Morrie Nathan, Michael C. Gwynne as Harry's awestruck, bumbling, untrustworthy partner David Merrill, Frank C. Turner as humble homesteader Eddie Hoyt, and Fred Diehl as no-count Governor Raymond Millhouse. Harry's romance with Catherine and the couple's encounters with several honest hard-working folks are extremely warm and moving. Harry's final face-off with a huge posse is also poignant and exciting. Both Allen Daviau's picturesque cinematography and the harmonic score by Micky Ebbe and Maribeth Solomon are up to speed. A neat and satisfying little sleeper.
jeremy3
This film was filmed mostly on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The scenery is beautiful. Bruce Dern plays Harry Tracy - the last great outlaw. It is 1900, and not only has he survived all other famous outlaws, but has a restless, free spirit and charm. Dern Tracy's could have been a Buddhist guru, because he doesn't seem to care about whether he lives or dies. Money is amusing, but not everything. He continues to rob banks, meeting people along the way. His nemesis is a federal Marshal from Utah played by Gordon Lightfoot. Lightfoot seems to fit into the role in a quirky way. He is understated. He doesn't say much, but seems to have one quality to his benefit - persistence, at all cost, to get Harry Tracy. Another character is a painter, who believes that he can be an outlaw. He is an incompetent outlaw, and because of this develops extreme jealously and contempt for Tracy. Lastly, there is the society woman, the daughter of the judge assigned to getting Tracy, who falls for Tracy's charm. This movie was quite good. I especially like the scenes of Portland and the prison. You really believed that the film captured to the most minute detail what Oregon looked like in 1900. I also like that Tracy was obsessed was his image and reputation with the public. It was as if he could sense that in only 10-15 years, Hollywood would start making films about outlaws like himself.
happipuppi13
Safe to say I don't know much about the career or films of Bruce Dern.I do however know all about the career of Canadian singer/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot,who plays the U.S. Marshall in the film,he's almost unrecognizable. He's the one in the picture to the left/right with the beard,mustache & hat. (I'm a major fan of his with every album he's put out.) Most remembered for songs like 1974's "Sundown" and 1976's "The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitrzgerald",this was his 1st and only foray into acting (except for an episode of ABC's "Hotel" in 1988). I can honestly say that he doesn't do too bad a job,although Mr. Lightfoot may tell you different. His character vows to hunt Harry down and bring him in.Trouble is,Harry always seems to be able to embarrass him by escaping just the same or making him look foolish in other ways.Still,I'm happy to say the now 67 year old (2005-2006) stayed in the music business and still draws a crowd. Besides,whoever said a Marshall had to be larger than life anyway? Hollywood?As for the overall movie itself,its really good! Harry Tracey is a robber,a killer and "Desperado" as they were called back then. Still,when he goes from town to town,people greet him like he's a celebrity. Which is true of most outlaws back then. Harry doesn't however just shoot down folks in cold blood,he only shoots those who may be trying to get him first.The sets fit perfectly with the era,making it historically accurate for 1899 to early 1900's. The cast does a great job at making this an exciting believable drama & love story. Although,I had a little trouble believing a man like Harry could have time to frolic on the beach with a woman he's fallen for though.Overall,it's a truly great adventure,love story and western...right up to it's great climax,which I wont spoil it for you but I will say the closing song "My Love For You" (by Gordon Lightfoot),plays over the end credits and while not available on record,tape or CD...it's a beautiful coda to all that you'll have watched. I have 2 copies of this on DVD,one open one not,re-titled: "Harry Tracy,Last Of The Wild Bunch" (Which he wasn't by the way) One star short of ten because there's no closed captioning/sub-titles on the DVD. (END)
forcevideo2003
I wasn't sure what to expect when I sat down to watch this, but it turned out to be very entertaining. Bruce Dern is a highly underated actor, and he makes the perfect "desperado" in this high-tension action/drama. The fact that it's all based on real events makes it even more gripping. The Macmillan Memorial Library has some great background information on Harry's crimes, his incarceration, subsequent escape, and the manhunt that followed. Supporting cast are good, and the scenery is spectacular at times. You can't sympathise with such a ruthless criminal, but you have to admire the way he evades his pursuers by every means available. You'll find yourself renting this one again in the future.
AD
