Mustang Country

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Ken R In 1976 this unexpected movie was as much a surprise as a refreshing relief from the grim gangster pics that had taken hold on the industry of the day. A well and truly retired Joel McCrea must have liked the script from writer/producer/director John Champion to allow himself to be lured back into the game he said he was through with - and at 69 he proved a formidable character to tackle such an active role. Being a professional horseman he makes moving at speed look as easy as an evening stroll! It seems the film was made to commemorate some Centenary celebration and was released in two versions – the best was released into cinemas as a support, at approx 80mins - while an extended version screened on TV, padded out with footage lifted from earlier McCrea westerns. It's as pleasing to the eye as it is unusual for its day and while slight in its overall story, is set in some of the most ruggedly beautiful country in Alberta - well photographed by J. Barry Herron (Orca ‘77). Within the opening section, there is an appearance of two guest stars, Patrick Wayne and Robert Fuller - who don't return for the duration but are used quite well. A one and only screen performance by a young native Indian lad, Nika Mina completes the rest of the cast as they search the hills for a precious wild Mustang. Random shots of animals existing in the wild are accompanied by a fine music score from gifted composer/arranger Lee Holdridge. There's a good song included by Denny Brooks ('Follow Your Restless Dreams') that's nicely featured in one section and closes the film. On the journey, a massive rogue Black Bear adds deadly excitement invading a barn the two central travelers take refuge in. McCrea followers will be pleased to see this sterling veteran performer in his final role. In 1976, this little film won a Western Heritage Trustees Award for outstanding family entertainment in a western motion picture (though I agree with other reviewers that this film, set in 1925, is more a ‘Wilderness' movie than a Western) Some DVD copies available are poor but It seems Universal have recently given this worthy picture a new DVD release – while I have not seen the quality, if taken from the original 35mm negative this should look visually perfect. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 12/30/21 Full Review Read all reviews

Mustang Country

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