I know for a fact that when Lonesome Dove was being filmed, Duvall told the cast that they were making The Godfather of Westerns. I’m inclined to agree. There doesn’t appear to be much Hollywood in Robert Duvall; makes me love his work all the more.

No coincidence, I suppose, that there’s an active thread about the movie, Open Range.

I guess I’ll add, you can list many who have played a convincing cowboy, but in my mind, Duvall can only be tied, not beat.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: TMats,

No argument from me. Although there are many great examples of westerns, the discussion begins and ends (for me anyway) with Lonesome Dove.

IIRC, it was in "True Grit" as Ned Pepper that was my earliest memory of him on the screen (or tube).
Was curious and had to look him up; he's 94. That's ten years more than I had guessed.

A very long, bright and stellar career. Speaks volumes about his choice of Gus as his favorite role.

Lots of great roles, and much to see of him in "Lonesome Dove." As far as a movie, I'd have to say his role as Lieutenant Colonel "Bull" Meechum in "The Great Santini" is my favorite.

I've never seen The Apostle. I did love his role in The Great Santini; and of course his Tom Hagen in Godfather was fantastic.

He's amazing in The Apostle. A really great, nuanced character and RD just nails the little details, especially if you have spent any time around Pentecostal preachers like I have. (Though none that I know have murdered anyone in a drunken rage.) It's a deeply theological movie, as well.

He also wrote and directed the film.

He liked it so well he did it twice. Boss Spearman is basically Gus 20 years later.

quote:

Originally posted by sjtill:
I did love his role in The Great Santini; and of course his Tom Hagen in Godfather was fantastic.

I would say that his role as Bull Meechum in the Great Santini was not my favorite, but IMO it was his best. Not an easy film to watch, and Michael O'Keefe was excellent, great film. My favorite roles were of course Tom Hagen (Godfather) and Lt Col. Kilgore in Apocalypse Now.

Don't forget Secondhand Lions or Get Low. Both great, fun movies.

How about THX 1138? One of his first starring roles, it was written and directed by first time director George Lucas (and produced by Francis Ford Coppola). It made an impression on a then 19 yr old college student that has lasted to this day and created a lifetime Robert Duvall fan.

“Here’s to the sunny slopes of long ago.”

Have you ever noticed that in the Fort Worth bar scene of the clip I posted in the OP what Tommy Lee Jones’ character, Woodrow Call, does when the bartender insults them?

As soon as the surly bartender says, “You cowboys ought to broom yourselves off…” Woodrow turns away from the bar to watch Gus’ back. He knows Gus isn’t going to ignore the insult, and will make sure no one at the poker table, or anywhere else, will try to intervene.

Just a great scene.

And who could forget him as Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore in Apocalypse Now and his love of the smell of napalm.

I just started rewatching Lonesome Dove again yesterday.
A timeless classic.

Lonesome Dove, I can remember me and my dad watching this mini series together. It was the greatest western ever created for TV in my opinion. Loved the book as well.