Something for a Lonely Man

Absolutely one of the best movies I have ever seen. I have wanted a copy of this movie for a long time. The character portrayed by Dan Blocker showed courage and perseverance in the face of difficulties. Our nation was built on the type of independence, persistent effort, and hard work this movie characterizes. I really wish someone would make it available. As far as I know, it has only been on TV. I was lucky to see it.

This movie has only been on television one time that I know of and I really am glad that my family and I got to see it. The characters in the story are a lot of fun to be around. Both, Dan Blocker & Susan Clark, certainly do accomplish this. The backbone of our nation was built upon this type of courage and determination, and this story shows that. It is worth the time to see and it won't leave a bad taste in your mouth.

Dan Blocker, "Hoss" on TV's "Bonanza", didn't look like the heartthrobs of the day, but he garnered a loyal following because of his 'gentle giant' persona: he was amiable and heartfelt. In this upbeat western for NBC, practically no one in a one-horse town supports the big guy after his plans to start a community around the railroad falls through--all except one woman (Susan Clark), obviously a smart cookie. Blocker's blacksmith John Killibrew thinks a submerged steam engine can save the town, and hopefully redeem himself with the townsfolk, but first he has to persuade the locals and an Indian tribe. Clark has a likably spunky nature and gets a terrific scene near the end where she chastises the town for not believing in her man; but the low-budget film is only middling, with day-for-night shots that are an eyesore and a cartoonish score by Jack Marshall that telegraphs every emotion in advance. Don Taylor's direction is pedestrian, with sensitive scenes nearly undercut by slapstick nonsense and overacting by some of the supporting players, especially Tom Nolan as the town crier (he's ridiculously over-the-top). Dan Blocker, however, has a great way of bringing us right up-close to him--you can almost feel his warmth--and that's what makes a star. ** from ****

By far this was Dan Blocker's best movie role. He is sensitive, shy and awkward. He plays the town blacksmith, upon whom the citizen's have relied to lead them to where the railroad will come. It misses by a few miles and Dan is ostracized. But when he seeks to learn to read the local school marm becomes his love interest. Soon he is quoting Emerson and his regained confidence leads to a happy end for everyone. But not before the local bad guys try to do him in and get the money for themselves. This film is by far better than any of his work in Bonanza and gave Dan Blocker the opportunity to stretch a little as an actor.

This is one of my favorite all-time movies. Dan Blocker gives one of his best performances and his interpretation of Ralph Waldo Emerson's 'Essays on Self-Reliance' is inspiring. Dan is a blacksmith the town has trusted to bring the railroad to them. When it then locates nearby, they ostracize him. Dan's efforts to stand alone and woo his true love make up the core of the movie. Worth seeing. Other performances are awesome as well. Susan Clark is beautiful and tough as Dan's teacher. Some of the best character actors in Hollywood turned up in this one. Watch for Iron Eyes Cody, Edgar Buchanan, Dub Taylor and Henry Jones in hilarious performances. Warren Oates, Don Stroud and John Dehner make suitably nasty bad guys. You won't be disappointed.