The Grey Fox

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The Grey Fox

PG

Released Mar 18, 1983

1h 32m

Western

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Popcornmeter

100%

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28 Reviews

78%

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500+ Ratings

In this film based on a true story, Bill Miner (Richard Farnsworth) is a fearless stagecoach robber in the days of the Wild West. After he is arrested and jailed for more than 30 years, he re-emerges into a bustling new world. But Miner cannot give up his old ways. Soon he pulls off a successful railway heist and goes on the lam in British Columbia, where he falls for bold photographer Katherine Flynn (Jackie Burroughs). But Miner was not built for settling down.

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Critics Consensus

The Grey Fox takes liberties with the real-life history that inspired it, but director Philip Borsos' aim is true -- as is Richard Farnsworth's work in the title role.

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Michael Phillips

Chicago Tribune

As drama, the story is genteel to a fault, with nothing provocative or troubling to disturb our enjoyment of the scenery. This limits the achievement. And yet it casts a spell.

Rated: 3.5/4

Jun 3, 2020

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Peter Rainer

FilmWeek (LAist)

Lyrical and almost rapturous. Farnsworth is extraordinary.

May 29, 2020

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Here's one of the loveliest adventures of the year, a movie about a stubborn, indomitable character who robs people because that's what he knows best.

Rated: 3.5/4

Oct 23, 2004

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Alexander Miller

Film Inquiry

The Grey Fox is sizzling with an indistinct charm in that it's a film that exists on its own terms.

Jun 23, 2020

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Luke Parker

Dr. Filmlove's Film Reviews and Ratings

It's an adventure as bountiful as any, set in a world where appreciation and innovation left the Wild West behind, but allowed its sentiments to linger a little while longer.

Rated: 4/4

Jun 18, 2020

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Dennis Harvey

48 Hills

Beyond its other pleasures, it's also a testament to the talent of first-time feature director Philip Borsos...

Jun 12, 2020

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Brad S. R

A beautiful western and the crowning jewel of Richard Farnsworth's career.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/26/25

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Alec B

A quietly romantic movie, which given that it's about a notorious criminal is quite the achievement. Farnsworth is the key here, as is totally convincing in the role. You can't teach the natural screen presence he had.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/01/25

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Toby B

never even heard of this movie before....SBS in Australia screened it on Viceland a TV channel in Australia. 100% is the only score I could give this film. Easily a movie I will never forget! Outstanding story...and he got away....(and you want him to! lol!)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/19/24

Full Review

Audience Member

I have been waiting 30+ years to see this film again. It finally has made it to Blu-ray. Who could fall in-love with Bill Farnsworth and Jackie Burrows. The cinematography is stunning, and the story makes me cry (in a manly appreciation way- Hahahah) every time. Basically I love this movie and you should see it!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/07/23

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robert m

American action movies about characters who are past the age of fifty are rare. This movie comes from Canada. It's a bit slow, and it's polite, and it's delightful.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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dave d

Beautifully shot and scripted, 'The Grey Fox', is a showcase of Richard Farnsworth who was born to play this roll. One of the best Canadian films of all-time, I found it funny that right after Siskel and Ebert reviewed this in 1983, they talked about a re-released picture with new footage and fully restored. That's how I came to this and boy am I lucky and little did they know. It's a subtle gem and it should be seen and luckily Kino Lorber is giving this a good firm push to as many people as possible. Final Score: 9.3/10

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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Phillip Borsos

Director

Richard Farnsworth

Bill Miner

Jackie Burroughs

Katherine 'Kate' Flynn

Wayne Robson

Shorty (William) Dunn

Ken Pogue

Jack Budd, Hotel Manager

Timothy Webber

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The Grey Fox: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

In this film based on a true story, Bill Miner (Richard Farnsworth) is a fearless stagecoach robber in the days of the Wild West. After he is arrested and jailed for more than 30 years, he re-emerges into a bustling new world. But Miner cannot give up his old ways. Soon he pulls off a successful railway heist and goes on the lam in British Columbia, where he falls for bold photographer Katherine Flynn (Jackie Burroughs). But Miner was not built for settling down.

Director: Phillip Borsos
Producer: Peter O'Brian
Screenwriter: John Hunter
Distributor: United Artists Classics
Production Co: Mercury Productions
Rating: PG
Genre: Western
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 18, 1983, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters): May 29, 2020
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 30, 2020
Runtime: 1h 32m
Sound Mix: Mono
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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