As the open West fades away in the 1890s with large companies acquiring ranches, two older cowboys attempt to make a living during this period of enclosed land (played by Lee Marvin and Jack Palance). While they pursue romantic interests and consider marriage—Jeanne Moreau appears among them—unemployed cowboys find themselves increasingly desperate, as portrayed by Mitchell Ryan. "Monte Walsh," released in 1970, shares similarities with Charlton Heston’s “Will Penny” from a couple of years prior, but it had a production budget almost four times higher; however, "Penny" is possibly the stronger film. They are certainly comparable, though "Penny" suffers because of its subplot involving cartoonish villains and an ending that feels unsatisfying. A remake was produced in 2003, starring Tom Selleck, Keith Carradine, and Isabella Rossellini in primary roles; this version was filmed in Arizona while the later one took place in Alberta. Both locations are appropriate for the narrative but create different atmospheres, making both versions worthwhile to watch. The film begins somewhat slowly, depicting the ordinary, routine existence of cowboys alongside the companionship and humor needed to survive it. The second half, however, shifts dramatically into a darker tone, which is more engaging; a particularly memorable moment is the intense bronco busting scene that causes damage throughout an entire town—a sequence accomplished without CGI at the time. I also appreciated the clear affection shown between Monte and his romantic interest, as well as the story of men acting rashly when facing difficult circumstances. The narrative has a mournful quality as we see how limited options are for tough Westerners as their lifestyle is restricted by advancement. The movie’s length is 1 hour, 46 minutes. GRADE: B

Source on TMDB