Red Headed Stranger

Based on the album by the same title, Willie Nelson stars as a preacher who goes by the name of "Julian Shay" who has recently married and subsequently sent out west to the small town of Driscoll, Montana. Unfortunately, when they get to their destination both he and his bride, "Raysha" (Morgan Fairchild) soon realize that their new hometown is extremely cold and inhospitable. This prompts Julian to roll up his sleeves and get to work. Raysha, on the other hand, wants nothing to do with it and leaves at the first opportunity. This is when the trouble really begins. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this was a strange but interesting movie primarily due to the acting of R. G. Armstrong (as "Sheriff Reese Scoby"), Royal Dano ("Larn Claver"), the aforementioned Willie Nelson and the presence of two beautiful actresses like Katherine Ross ("Laurie") and Morgan Fairchild. On the flip side, the story itself could have used a bit more substance and character development which might have helped it to seem less raw and to flow more smoothly from one scene to the next. In any case, it was still entertaining for the most part and I rate it as slightly above average.

I love this movie because I like the music and feel it is probably the best one Willie ever did. Willie Nelson is as good an actor as he is a singer and this movie made me appreciate that all the more. The songs are ones you can sing along to and that is a real bonus. The plot, the scenery is all real. R.G. Armstrong, who is noted for strong performances as a bad guy is exceptional, especially in the bar scene where he wants the young man to kill him. Look into those eyes!!!! Morgan Fairchild and Katharine Ross don't hurt anything either. I have seen this movie several times, never get tired of it. Maybe because beyond the music I feel Willie's pain and can relate to the frustrations of the preacher.

Not much dialog for a movie that I enjoyed. The music was excellent, I guess because I like Willie Nelson. Sad and reflective. It shows how a person can change not just from good to bad but back again. Willies expressions were always sad and for the most part the movie was to.

It must have been an absolute delight for Willie Nelson to be in a position to turn his classic Red Headed Stranger album into a movie. The greatest country album of all-time serves as the soundtrack and, like the record, the film moves at a steady pace through a story saturated with heartache, revenge and redemption. Nelson's acting has certainly improved since his earlier efforts, while the still-beautiful Katharine Ross turns in a charming performance. The production values are a little lacking, but the story more than makes up for it. Add a half-star to the rating.

Moves slowly as some have pointed out and Willie ain't exactly Gary Cooper, but the general plot line too many bitch about is hardly as off the wall as most of Eastwood's or Peckinpah's stuff. Royal Dano plays a great villain, and some of the lines are priceless. I particularly like the one where Katherine Ross asks (paraphrase) if a horse is worth a man's life and Willy answers "can't say- didn't know him." Now THAT is a moral tale.

The closing gun fight scene is realistic and the old town looks like many did. Costuming is fine and the armorer did a good job. Willy's character is too complex for Willy to play completely well and Morgan Fairchild seems out of place, but that's probably why she ran away.

Better than many and worth a two hour viewing.

Emil Franzi, Tucson