The Virginian *** (2000, Bill Pullman, Diane Lane, John Savage, Dennis Weaver, James Drury) – Classic Movie Review 4881

Co-producer/ star Bill Pullman directs himself as rancher hero The Virginian in this stalwart, well-acted fifth filming of the famous classic Owen Wister Western yarn, adapted as a 2000 TV movie by writer Larry Gross.

It follows The Virginian (1929) with Gary Cooper and The Virginian (1946) with Joel McCrea.

Pullman’s character The Virginian  is beset by violence from a fellow rancher and an ex-friend’s betrayal when he starts a new life on a ranch.

Also in the cast are Diane Lane as pretty schoolteacher Molly Stark, John Savage, Dennis Weaver, James Drury, Harris Yulin as Judge Henry Garth, Gary Farmer and Colm Feore as Trampas.

The Virginian was of course the basis of the long-running TV series (1962–1971) with Doug McClure as Trampas, Lee J Cobb as Judge Henry Garth and James Drury, who played The Virginian and now reappears as Rider.

© Derek Winnert 2017 Classic Movie Review 4881

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