The Grey Fox

Play trailer

1:38

The Grey Fox

PG

Released Mar 18, 1983

1h 32m

Western

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

100%

Tomatometer

28 Reviews

78%

Popcornmeter

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.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Buy Now

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.

Read Critics Reviews

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

Full Review

Peter Rainer

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

Lyrical and almost rapturous. Farnsworth is extraordinary.

May 29, 2020

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

Read all reviews

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

steve d

Richard Farnsworth makes it watchable but that is about it.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

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

Sergeant Fernie

The White Buffalo

17%

51%

The White Buffalo

Watchlist

Heartland

100%

87%

Heartland

Watchlist

The Shootist

81%

88%

The Shootist

Watchlist

Comes a Horseman

67%

54%

Comes a Horseman

Watchlist

The Return of a Man Called Horse

55%

42%

The Return of a Man Called Horse

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

The Grey Fox: Trailer 1

1:38

View more videos

View more photos

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)

Most Popular at Home Now