This film, set in the present day and featuring Charlton Heston and Peter Strauss, tells the story of a ranch patriarch living far outside Los Angeles who has been given only six months to live. At his wife’s urging (Nan Martin), his estranged son from Paris (Strauss) arrives for a visit. Their falling out occurred fifteen years earlier due to issues related to the Vietnam War—will they be able to reconcile before it's too late? Alan Autry portrays the ranch’s stern foreman. "Proud Men," released in 1987, has been likened to "On Golden Pond" but is better described as a Western taking place on a Southwest ranch during modern times. While there’s significant family drama present, it also incorporates traditional Western elements like horseback riding, camping trips, exciting bronco riding scenes, and even a barroom brawl. The blend of heartfelt character interactions with the Western setting proves effective, largely thanks to the performances from Heston, Strauss, and the supporting cast. Belinda Balaski appears as the son’s former girlfriend, working behind the bar. She previously appeared in films like “Piranha” and “The Howling.” Both she and Strauss were age 39 during filming; Heston was 63 but looked older—he certainly wasn't his energetic self anymore. A central theme revolves around contrasting viewpoints concerning America’s role in the Vietnam War. While the patriarch holds a certain position of honor, the son raises valid concerns. For example, is it justifiable to defend your country by shooting unarmed women and children? And how does fighting for democracy and capitalism in a distant land relate to protecting one's own nation? That’s just a small sample of what’s explored. The movie has a runtime of approximately 1 hour and 32 minutes, and was filmed at Rancho Maria and Sable Ranch, located east of Santa Clarita—about a forty-minute drive from Hollywood. GRADE: B+/A-

Source on TMDB