Summary
- Tom Selleck and Sam Elliott shine in The Shadow Riders, bringing their iconic Western chemistry to the small screen.
- The family-friendly adaptation of Louis L’Amour’s novel offers action-packed scenes for all ages to enjoy.
- Stellar performances from the cast, including Katharine Ross and Ben Johnson, enhance the film’s appeal and rewatch value.
As a huge fan of Western films and particularly those featuring Tom Selleck and Sam Elliott, I can’t help but be excited about “The Shadow Riders.” This underrated gem brings together two iconic actors known for their incredible chemistry in the genre. Although it was produced during the late 1970s when Western films were on the decline, “The Shadow Riders” manages to breathe new life into this classic category through its well-paced story and seemingly never-ending action.
Currently, Tom Selleck is recognized primarily for portraying Commissioner Frank Reagan in the long-running and beloved CBS police drama “Blue Bloods.” More recently, Sam Elliott has gained noticeable recognition for headlining the “Yellowstone” prequel series titled “1883,” where he assumed the role of Shea Brennen, a complex hero with a tragic past. Although Elliott’s career has led him back to the western genre that initially brought him fame (see his performance in the 1967 film “The Way West”), Selleck also made significant contributions to this genre during the late ’70s and early ’80s.
In 1979, there were two noteworthy western films featuring Tom Selleck. The first was “The Sacketts,” where Selleck portrayed a family man drawn back into shooting following the death of his fiancée. The second was “Concrete Cowboys,” in which he partnered with Jerry Reed to depict two working-class cowboys on an exciting journey. When discussing Tom Selleck’s western projects, it is essential not to overlook his 1982 production titled “The Shadow Riders.”
Disregarding the ominous title for the time being, which didn’t actually relate to the plot, this production brought together Magnum P.I. and Friends veterans for a tale centered around Mac and Dal Traven – former adversaries during the civil war – joining forces once more to rescue their siblings from unscrupulous traffickers.
A More Family-Friendly Western Adventure
Drawing inspiration from Louis L’Amour’s acclaimed novel and produced as a CBS television film, this western tale sees the reunion of Selleck and Elliott on screen once more. Notably, character actor Jeff Osterhage joins them again, having previously worked with them in their earlier collaboration. (em: Italicized text represents emphasis)
The 1970s marked a significant decline in the popularity of Western genre films, yet “The Shadow Riders” manages to keep the genre alive with its non-stop action and well-crafted narrative. Additionally, although Louis L’Amour is renowned for his serious novels, CBS adapted this production to cater to a broader audience, resulting in a more family-friendly cinematic experience.
In this film, there are subtle hints appealing to older audience members. The dialogue includes playful references to one character’s past infidelities. Initially, Tom Selleck portrays a more flirtatious persona, enjoying the company of women. However, once he is summoned to protect his brother, his behavior shifts. Despite its length of approximately 90 minutes, “The Shadow Riders” offers an abundance of thrilling action scenes suitable for younger viewers as well.
When the two brothers successfully free their uncle from jail, an impressive explosion occurs on the television screen. At a later point, in an audacious move, the brothers attempt a thrilling train rescue by climbing atop the moving locomotive and then dropping into the carriage holding their girlfriend captive. Despite having a modest budget for production, director Andrew V. McLaglen and his team managed to create a visually striking and exciting television movie experience with “The Shadow Riders” by incorporating as many grand-scale elements as possible from the cinematic realm.
Good Cast Members Make a Great Movie
As a fan, I’d rephrase it this way: The visual inconsistencies in “The Shadow Riders,” such as the apparent setting being Texas and Mexico, but the actual filming locations being California and Oregon, can be overlooked thanks to the fantastic chemistry between Selleck and Elliot. Their on-screen friendship makes their performances all the more engaging, and it helps bring the other cast members’ side characters to life as well.
Katharine Ross and Ben Johnson add an intriguing contrast to the leading names in this story. Johnson portrays the enigmatic and unpredictable role of Dal’s uncle, keeping audiences guessing until the final moments. On the other hand, Ross charms with her lively performance as Dal’s former girlfriend Kate, who is now set to marry another man due to the belief that Dal had perished in the war.
Geoffrey Lewis delivers an exceptional portrayal of a despicable lower-class villain, driven mad by his own desires but eventually granted redemption. The ensemble is further enriched by Gene Evans’ portrayal of Colonel Holiday Hammond, the merciless adversary. Ignore Tom Selleck and Sam Elliott momentarily, and these names alone can create an engaging narrative. Despite being a CBS production rather than a theatrical release or perhaps due to Westerns as a whole nearing their end, The Shadow Riders is undervalued and worth watching for both newcomers and devoted fans of the genre. Stream it for free on Tubi.
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2024-07-14 01:02