C: The Quintessential Western
There are a few movies that draw me into them no matter how many times I have seen them. Some that come to mind: The Godfather (either of the first two); Ol’ Yeller; Casablanca. If any of these happen to be on the tube and I am passing through the room, I will be drawn to watch as long as I can, even if just a few minutes through a scene I recognize.
It happened to me again this past weekend. This time it was Lonesome Dove. Oh, my. When this mini-series comes on, I literally become absorbed in the expansive scenery, the exquisite McMurtry dialogue, the phenomenal acting. Robert Duvall will always be Augustus McCrae for me; Tommy Lee Jones is Woodrow Call. The rest 
of the cast is equally superb.
This movie moves me emotionally, and I’ve tried to pinpoint why. It is, in my opinion, the quintessential western saga; it is also quintessentially “American,” the embodiment of our spirit. The men are men, by golly; and the women, well they’re strong, honest survivors (except for that crazy Ellie…). I simply love, love this movie.
The storyline is based on the Charles Goodnight/Oliver Loving cattle drive in 1867 and incorporates historical figures and events.
The book is a wonderful read, too, winning the 1985 Pulitzer, as it should have.
How ‘bout some quotes:
“I hate rude behavior in a man. I won’t tolerate it. “ Woodrow Call.
“If you want any one thing too badly, it's likely to turn out to be a disappointment. The only healthy way to live life is to learn to like all the little everyday things, like a si
p of good whiskey in the evening, a soft bed, a glass of buttermilk, or a feisty gentleman like myself.” Augustus McCrae to Lorie
“He had known several men who blew their heads off, and he had pondered it much. It seemed to him it was probably because they could not take enough happiness just from the sky and the moon to carry them over the low feelings that came to all men.” (from the book)
“Occasionally the very youngness of the young moved him to charity--they had no sense of the swiftness of life, nor of its limits. The years would pass like weeks, and loves would pass too, or else grow sour.” (from the book)
sigh. to be able to write like that…
If you have not seen this movie or read the book, I highly recommend both.
I’m moving toward the weekend and glad to be doing it. You would not believe all the junk I am going through. Son pulled boxes down from the attic for me last weekend and I’ve been combing through them, trying to be ruthless to myself in throwing things away or piling them to the side for the church rummage sale. I am hoping to list the house in the next month, and I simply must weed things out. Right now the house looks like a bomb went off. It is amazing what we can accumulate.
C
Comments
All the best with clearing the house. I can NOT imagine doing the same here. It would be the same story that I know.
I love westerns and for some reason submarine movies!! I love Hunt for Red October.... can never get enough of Sean Connery as the Russian captain and Sam Neil as the Russian who want to marry an American woman and live in Montana! Also Das Boot and Ice Station Zebra with Rock Hudson.
Take care with the house clearing. I'm trying to do that one room at a time NOW, before we get anywhere near making the move to your neck of the woods.
Yeah, that is one of the handful movies that I will rematch. Dirty Dancing, O Brother Where Art Thou , Dirty Dancing and Steel Magnolias , Shawshank Redemption , Driving Miss Daisy-- those are the ones that I can watch if I happen to "catch them" on tv. I think "To Kill A Mockingbird" is THE movie that comes close to "doing justice" for the book.
Oh! October Sky??? is that the name of it...about the "Rocket Boys?" author is Homer Hickam.....a FABULOUS read and I RARELY will reread a book -- ??!? But I've read his....(and I remember he used a phrase that his mother used that I 've only heard my mother use "as long as Pat stayed in the army." LOL