The Quick and the Dead

An almost unknown gem in western movie lore, this one outshines many others in all ares. Now, there is another movie with the same title and you DO NOT want to think one is a remake of the other. A brief review of the second title: it not only is stupid, but it stinks as well; review concluded. No, this is a presentation of a Louis Lamour story, and is one of the rare occasions when the movie is better than the book. Yeah, I know; who the hell am I to criticise old Louie? I'm the guy who read the book and watched the western, that's who. It is an HBO movie that turns out to be a happy convergence of talent that is serendipitous to say the least. The photographic direction, color and scene choice, lighting, sound, props, and plot movement are superb. The acting and character development are too good for such a small movie, and yet, there it is; a highly polished jewel for your enjoyment. This is one of the Sam Eliot westerns that would make up a great triad of westerns for a critics choice ( in my humble but correct opinion ). The other two being "Conagher", and "You Know My Name". Kate Capshaw is beautiful and sympathetic as a wife, mother and civilized counterpoint to Eliot's wilderness rough cut of humanity. Sam is as good as Randolph Scott as western individual, and the obvious temptation to overuse his portrayal was resisted to a fine point of excellence. Matt Clark plays "Doc Shabbit" the leader of a band of losers who are all too stupid and cheap to let live.Just when you want to laugh at their lack of smarts,however, their brutality catches up with them and they can't quite see it. The inevitable finish is not quite foregone, but carried through to no doubt.There are always small points of contention, to be sure ( as there are in all movies ), these are to be ignored in the face of the result. To wit: one great story of the old west. One thing I believe it helps to keep in mind is that life itself is confusing, messy and so imperfect as to be almost a joke (as are we all). Settle back and enjoy this rare treat for quality western lovers .... sammy.

It would take a book to say enough good about this movie.

Love the movie! It came in excellent condition and good service as well. If you like Sam Elliot… one of his best…

A great movie

This is a great movie, but the description describes the 1995 Sharon Stone / Russell Crowe version of "The Quick And The Dead". This version is about Sam Elliott helping a family being stalked by a gang of renegades...

If you believed great western films died with the passing of John Wayne, I have news for you - this western is every bit as good as those of the Duke. Based on a story by Louis L'Amour, "The Quick and the Dead" is a fast-paced western about Duncan and Susanna McKaskel and son who are traveling across the continent to settle near the Big Horn Mountains in 1876. Escaping their violent memories of the Civil War, they run into Wyoming Territory where a man (and in this case, a woman) settle their problems with a gun. They are befriended by a nomadic western ranger, Con Vallian, who is reminisient of John Wayne's character Hondo. Mr. Vallian (Sam Elliott), takes a personal interest in the wife of the pilgrims, Susanna McKaskel (Kate Capshaw). Not wanting harm to come to Susanna, Vallian becomes their guardian angel, as they are pursued by eight ruthless theives that are intent on taking everything they own and having their way with Susanna. Sam Elliott's role as Vallian is an admirable 5-star performance, which establishes him as a premier western star in the post John Wayne era. Sheperd brings his character to life with his deep resonant voice, his glowering smoldering eyes, and his ruggedly handsome good looks. Elliott's Vallian is a pragmatic character who would not mind taking over husbandly duties with Susanna, should anything happen to her husband Duncan. As the story unfolds, Vallian builds a grudging respect for Duncan, seeing the steady grit inside the man. Kate Capshaw plays Susanna McKaskel, and is the obvious reason for Vallian's interest in the family. Capshaw is truly a strikingly beautiful woman; however, she is also a strikingly good actress and carries off the part of a pioneering woman with ease. Her performance matches Sam Elliot's scene for scene. The story unfolds quickly and there is a level of tension thoughout the movie that keeps you in your seat. You will not be disappointed in this movie. I intend to move it to my "keeper" movie shelf with my other western classics. It deserves its place there. Jim Konedog Koenig

I can't tell if this is the book or the dvd as I ordered them both at about the same time. If this is the book it is as described. I didn't read the description as regarding the length of the book----it's more of a novella, only 150 pages or so. It was a good copy. The story was good but not much like the movie. I received it very promptly from the seller. If this is the dvd I received it also very promptly from the seller. Make sure that this is the Sam Elliott movie and not the Sharon Stone movie-----they both have the same name. Dvd in great condition. Probably my favorite Sam Elliott movie. The cast was great. The chemistry between Sam Elliott and Kate Capshaw was wonderful .

Sam Elliot hits on a "handsome woman" for 90 minutes in this Western recreation of a Louis L'Amour novel.

I always like Sam Elliott and he's great in this movie.I also like Tom Conte and he really is good in this movie. Add a lovely leading lady Kate Capshaw and a group of real low down mean outlaws and you get a really good western. I always liked this movie.

J'étais très content d'avoir pu trouver ce dvd sur votre site, dans la mesure où je le cherchais depuis longtemps après l'avoir vu à la télé il y a 20 ans. Livré dans les délais et en très bon état. Il est simplement dommage qu'il soit en zone 1 bien qu'on arrive à le lire sur ordinateur.

The DVD works well and it's a good movie

OK je suis une inconditionnelle de Louis l'amour, j'avoue. Mais, cette adaptation, c'est comme j'aime. Je n'avais pas revu ce film depuis vingt ans et il n'a pas pris une ride. Que du bonheur. Alors pour ceux qui aime les westerns, je le recommande vivement.

This movie is one of my favourites because it has EVERYTHING anyone can wish for : action, humour, super storyline adventure. It's what I call an all round winner and people shd buy it for family & friends. SMASHING STOCKING FILLER!!!! JR