Review of Cowboy

This is quite a good western. It's not a John Wayne style western, with the big hero triumphant over some nasty adversary etc., or some hired gunman coming into town to do a clean-up job for an aggrieved widow, but it's a more serious type of western picture, telling a true story of cowboy life. I saw that it was due to come on TV, and I ran a tape over it, even though I had never seen nor heard of it before. I was intrigued that Jack Lemmon would be in a cowboy picture, and I just couldn't envisage him in that genre. I guess that I'm too used to seeing him in comedic roles. Well, for the first half of the movie I watched him, and I kept seeing Jack Lemmon the comic, even though he was portraying a serious cowboy. However, after I got engrossed in the story a bit, I realised that Mr Lemmon was really doing a good job, and I stopped seeing the comic Lemmon, and saw instead the cowboy which he had suddenly become. I must say that he impressed me greatly with his portrayal, and I admire his versatility even more now.

Glenn Ford does a great job too, as always, but we have seen him in roles like this before. He and Jack bounce their portrayals off each other with wonderful effect, and they work extremely well together.

I was also surprised to see Dick York pop up as one of the cowhands, and he makes a really good job of it too. Look out also for Strother Martin and Richard Jaeckel.

I think that this picture is a surprise package in several ways, and well worth watching. It is an enjoyable true story, with great scenery, and good acting from a great collection of stars. It is a must-see for any western buff. 8/10.