Proud and rugged cowboy law enforcer Bill Tilghman (a spot-on terrific performance by the always dependable Sam Elliott) lives off his past triumphs by making authentic Western movies in the early 20th century. Tilghman gets hired to clean up a scrappy small town that's rife with crime and vice. He faces opposition from manic coke-snorting Federal agent Wiley (a lively and deliciously slimy portrayal by Arliss Howard). Writer/director John Kent Harrison relates the enjoyable and engrossing story at a brisk pace, offers a flavorsome evocation of the Roaring Twenties period setting, and astutely explores the radical discrepancy between the blunt and honest Old West way of doing things and the more shady and decadent attitude of the 1920's. Naturally, it's a real treat to see Elliott expertly play a colorful large-than-life living legend figure who counts as a true hero because of how he inspires others to rise to the occasion with his firm disposition and strongly felt beliefs. Moreover, there are sound contributions from Carolyn McCormick as Tighlman's feisty wife Zoe, James Gammon as the amiable Arkansas Tom, R. Lee Ermey as the loyal Marshal Nix, and James Parks as wormy stoolie Alibi Joe. Both Lees Van Oostrum's sharp cinematography and Lawrence Shragge's twangy harmonic score are up to par. Worthwhile viewing for Sam Elliott fans.
Review of You Know My Name
You Know My Name
(1999 TV Movie)
Sam Elliott excels in this nifty depiction of clashing sensibilities
13 February 2014
Warning: Spoilers