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Kudos to Michael Tuthill, Dan Searles, and all who have had a part in the production of Was Once A Hero. The challenging and timely topics of progressive cognitive loss and the long term effects of wartime violence are addressed in a compassionate film of the Old West. A bold undertaking masterfully done with all the drama, excitement, and suspense that you expect from a good old fashioned Western, but dealing at the same time with the very same problems we confront today. The cast carries out this task with remarkable skill and sensitivity. This is an extraordinary movie that you will remember for as long as there are movies, and great Westerns.

I saw a pre-screening of this movie. It is very special. It will resonate with those who have loved ones dealing with memory issues and/or PTSD, maybe even provide a better understanding of the issues. You will laugh. You will cry. You will pull for the good guys and boo the bad ones. You will see the best and the worst of humanity, and you will see the resilience of the human spirit. In short, you will be riveted to the screen. It's a beautiful story with a wonderful cast of characters portrayed by some gifted actors. The music is unforgettable. This is an experience you can share with the entire family proving that good movies can still be made without the constant bombardment of foul language.

Saw a screening of this fine film in Bethesda, MD.

A very original storyline carried within the tried and trusted period found in the untamed western frontier. I found the overall perspective unique, which isn't easy in today's day and age.

The writing was strong throughout, in terms of both dialogue and narrative. Moreover, I was extremely impressed with the performances. These players brought their A Game, one and all.

However, Julie Kashmanian did steal the show, executing an unwavering performance, advancing tirelessly upon a complex and multi-layered character arc.

John Carter Cash's role as the heavy; I can go on and on. He exhibited an almost boyish psychosis, complete with tics and a disquieted gaze that promised wickedness.

Eliza Kelley, a compass, demonstrated a storm of emotions never permitted to come to the surface, but nevertheless, were present in every single scene.

My only concern, and this is nitpicking, was the pace. I felt some scenes were sluggish, and that the tempo, the cadence, needed to pick up a bit. Otherwise a good story, well told.

An eye opening story about a strong man with dementia dealing with friends and outlaws in the 1800's. I laughed and cried and really connected with the characters. Darby Hinton was the perfect "character" for his role. He made the hero completely believable, and delivered both humor and sentimentality when appropriate. Julie Kashmanian and John Carter Cash brought their characters to life as well. I enjoyed the action, the history, and the overall story very much. I also liked historical perspectives too. An excellent movie.

I met Darby and Dan Searles, the writer, at a film festival where the movie was shown.

Solidly crafted story set in the 1890s concerns Civil War vet Darby Hinton and his struggles with war trauma and daily memory loss. Realizing he has become a burden to his family members, his attempt to leave only results in his becoming lost in the woods. There he encounters a young brother and sister on the run from a vengeful group of outlaws led by John Carter Cash. It's up to Hinton to rediscover his hidden heroic qualities ... Hinton is excellent in the part, delivering humor and eliciting sympathy in regard to his deteriorating mental plight. The supporting performances all deliver believable and three-dimensional characters. Director Michael Tuthill and screenwriter/producer Dan Searles (also one of Cash's bad guys) create some memorable moments of unpredictable tension. This deservedly won several awards at the Wild Bunch Film Festival. The only drawback is the modest budget, but it works within the framework of the story. The dense wooded settings are appropriately beautiful and geographically confusing per the storyline. Recommended.

It was a pretty good story, but overall it was just ok. Ok acting, ok cinematography, ok effects, not very good direction. Where the 10's for this movie come from, no idea, but they obviously have never seen a good movie or any movie for that matter.

Was it a wasted 2 hrs, no. But not really something to recommend. At the end of the movie I felt like the director had given all the actors 2 takes per scene to get thru it quickly. Plus every scene looked it was being shot in a location that was recently built in a city park and used for touristy stuff. So all in all, not a waste, but if you miss it, not a bad thing.

I got fooled by the user rating here into thinking this would be something special. Figured out within a few moments that this was going to be closer to made for TV/DTV schlock, which the budget probably kept it from even being in that range or quality. It would make for a decent student project, as there was nothing sabotagingly bad about it, but it was just weak in every aspect of the story, casting, acting, and film making (think Corman style, but with luckier editing). Hopefully the director gets the chance to make another film with a bigger budget and help from effective producers and support positions. I would not watching recommend this movie.

I got an advance copy to review for the theater booking and instantly fell in love with this movie! It really highlights the immense burden PTSD and Dementia can have on not only your loved ones, but yourself. The way the film portrays not only the disease, but the character underneath is excellent writing that you can tell came from the heart.

The visuals are absolutely stunning, and the wild west town of Old Bedford Village really becomes a character of its own right.

I cannot recommend this movie enough, and I can't wait to see and hear everyone's reactions to the movie! See it on the big screen while you can because this is a special movie that deserves it!

Was Once A Hero is an authentic and compelling story with exceptional actors who bring their characterters to life -so convincingly- that you're still thinking about them and the film long after you've left the theater. What also stuck me as special was the attention to a mental/health condition that is well known today but really was not in during that period of American history. Making an key point in the storyline was bold and original as no other Western that I know of has touched on the subject matter with such attention. Cinematography, music, and overall continuity is perfection as well.

Highly recommend. Bravo👏🏻👏🏻

I saw movie at MidSouth Nostalgia Festival last June.

A great movie, Darby Hinton and Dan Searles are awesome in it among all the other actors.

Highly recommend. Whenever you are able to see this movie take the opportunity to.

It is well worth your time.

The good guys are good and even the bad guys are good in their individual roles. I was so happy to be able to see at this festival as Dan and Darby were there and there was a chance to talk with them and ask any questions. They are not just wonderful to watch on film, they are wonderful to meet in person and be able to talk with and answer any questions.

I highly recommend this movie.

High praise for a thoughtful movie about difficult subjects - an old man's failing memory, the aftermath of war, murder, and two children's fears of rape and torture. Ginny, Little Bit, and Malcolm become allies in their journey to safety and their struggles and escapes along the way.

Darby Hinton, Eliza Kelley, Julie Kasmanian, Noah Deavers, John Carter Cash, and Rebecca Holden give great performances. The musical score for this movie was very enjoyable!

Was Once A Hero will make you laugh, think, and make your eyes moist. Dan Searles and Paige Smith have written a must see movie! You will want to see it more than once.

I love westerns, and I'm a Darby Hinton fan. I also like the writings of Dan Searles, so I was looking forward to seeing Was Once A Hero last June.

The movie FAR exceeded my expectations.

So well written, and all the actors were superb in their roles.

The movie was, at various times, humorous, exciting, and touching.

Darby Hinton gives a heart wrenching performance that will bring tears to your eyes.

PTSD didn't have a name during the post civil war era, but it was there, as was dementia. You will fall in love with Darby's character and this movie.

Kudos also to Eliza Kelley, Robert Carradine, John Carter Cash, Dan Searles, and the beautiful Rebecca Holden.

But keep your eyes on a young actress by the name of Julie Kashmanian, she will be a star!

I watched this based on the recommendation of a friend with modern expectations, which were well exceeded. A beautiful story that touches on a subject most families understand all too well. Heroism and personal struggle can coexist. Not a formulaic movie, although the plot points are excellent. Homework was great, and although the actors may not be ones, most familiar with, it is professionally done and I will watch it again. That is the bar I set for a good movie... If it's worth watching twice, then I will fully endorse it. For a few dollars rental or purchase, you can't go wrong with this one.

I was excited to see this film because part of it was filmed in our local ,"Old Bedford Village." I was so impressed with the quality of the film. The story held your interest throughout. I laughed and cried and truely believed the very talented actors. The sets, scenery and costumes were true to the period. Most people now have someone they know and love who struggle with dementia. The hero here shows how, despite his failing memory, he is able to hold on to his moral strengths and that there is still meaning to his life and he can be useful to others. I will recommend this movie to all my friends.

The movie made me both laugh and cry and was a reminder of how precious life is and finding joy in the simple things. A life fully lived means deep and at times challenging relationships. Dan Searles wrote a masterpiece, and I didn't know I was a Darby Hinton fan, but I am now!

I was especially moved with the scene mid-movie set by the creek. There are no words being spoken, but a moving song is being sung by Dennis Jewett and his band Joshua Tree called " Hide from the Devil" which says it all!

The entire cast deserves a standing ovation - Eliza Kelley, Robert Carradine, John Carter Cash, and the jaw-dropping Rebecca Holden. If you don't know the name Julie Kashmanian, you should! She is poised to be the next BIG star!

I laughed, I cried, I wondered how the mule made out, but most of all, I was touched and I grew in empathy and understanding.

This movie at first watch was well written, well acted, very believable, heartbreaking at times, and had a pleasantly unpredictable story line.

At second watch I gained a greater insight into Alzheimer's and, through some amazing acting by Darby Hinton, found myself gaining a greater level of understanding and empathy for those struggling with the disease. An outstanding performance.

I love westerns, and this movie did the genre proud. Although the subtext of this movie could cross into other genres or times, I found the setting to be the perfect backdrop to the struggles of the main character as we don't often see cognitive struggles front and center in this era or genre.

Loved the characters (well, the "good guys", but all were very well acted). Mr. Hinton's character was lovable, humble, evoked empathy and respect, and brought wisps of humor amidst his heartbreaking cognitive struggles. Through the various struggles of the characters, I found there to be an underlying sense of peace throughout the movie. Not sure if I stand alone on this point, but to me it is a credit to the everyone involved, from the creators, to the production crew, to the actors. A well done production from start to finish.

Was Once A Hero is well written tribute to those who deal with PTSD and/or some form of dementia. The characters are relatable, realistic, and just trying to get through day to day life. Darby Hinton's portrayal of a former civil soldier struggling with PTSD and dementia is spot on. Eliza Kelley, Julie Kasmanian, Rebecca Holden are equally as good in their performances. The musical score for this movie is beyond excellent. This movie has won several awards and they are well deserved. Dan Searles and Paige Smith have written a terrific screenplay about a tough subject. This is a must see movie!

Having watch this movie with 200 other people it was a great experience. People laughed when they should. Cried when the should and made audible gasped at the right time. Those are natural responses. No cue cards needed. Sheer enjoyment of a good story unfolding before you. Worth the time to find a quiet moment and be a part of a bigger story. Knowing that we still have veterans who need our support. Knowing that we have dementia in our midst and they need our support. This story is bigger than the movie. Yet, the movie allows us to have some insight and be entertained at the same time. Enjoy!!! Highly recommend.