20 years ago now, CBS brought forth its epic mini series Lonesome Dove, The Larry McMurtry story of two Texas Rangers, living a lifetime of adventure, killings, hanging their best friend and going on the 2500 mile cattle drive.
Lonesome Dove, staring Robert Duval as Gus McCrae with Tommy Lee Jones as Captain Woodrow Call. Winner of 13 Emmy Awards in 1989, and finest actor Award for Robert Duval, who calls the his best performance ever, treasures his role as Gus as his complicated and rewarding character she has ever played. Remember “Uva uvam vivendo varia fit” – Basically this means that particular grape causes another grape to ripen. Lonesome Dove is the story of two former Texas Rangers, Augustus McCrae and Woodrow F. Call , that run the Hat Creek Cattle Company that is situated near the area of Lonesome Dove on the bank from the Rio Grande. Another former ranger, Jake Spoon, rides in away from home from an Arkansas sheriff for accidentally shooting the dentist/mayor (along with the sherfiff’s brother) of Ft. Smith. Jake tells about the wonderful unspoiled country in Montana territory, “A cattleman’s paradise”. The idea intrigues Call who would like to use a journey a person and turn into the first one to set up a cattle ranch that far north. Call convinces Gus, that’s comfortable being retired, that they can should just pick-up stakes and go to Montana, 2,500 miles away. They ‘steal’ a herd of cattle and horses from Mexican bandidos and head them north.

That’s where their adventures begins. They battle storms, snake infested rivers, horse theives, outlaws, and Indians. We have an astonishing selection of characters, cowboys, outlaws, sportin’ women, whiskey peddlers and rivermen, buffalo hunters and ordinary town folk. They definitely returned to the history books and researched so many elements of the movie as a result of the clothing.
The storyplot won 2 Golden Globes, another 11 Emies wins & 17 nominations throughout the industry. Robert Duval (Gus) says, “It was the very best role I have ever played”.The population ate up the mini series like no other in the reputation TV mini series. Currently there’s been absolutely nothing to compare to its success, Mini series like “Root” is at time the staple for mini series but, Lonesome Dove has far exceeded everyone’s dream, it’s the “The Andy Griffith Show” on mini series, It’s being replayed many times 12 months on the majority of different Television stations, The novel and DVD continued to be a top selling year round. I proceeded ebay there was over 500 Lonesome dove items for sale. They say if it hit the important screen it could have already been the biggest grossing movies in recent history, topping Titanics billion-dollar mark.
Lonesome Dove set the standard for authenticity in cowboy movie making, into metal and wooden buttons. Ahead of Lonesome Dove there was merely a number of films which were true and authentic in every single part of movie making. Even though we love John Wayne, the majority of his cowboy movies were not even close to authentic, metal hat bands that shined, hat perfectly shape with dust or dirt, clean shavin’, perfect hair, pointed toe cowboy shoes, every shirt having a collar, etc. While in fact there is very little evidence such in the real old west. Lonesome Dove turn everything all around. They provided you already know cowboys didn’t shower for perhaps months and that they smelled. Yuk!
Now CBS delivered it final Lonesome Dove saga, “Comanche Moon”. Staring Steven Zahn (Gus) and Karl Urban (Call) , which has been the prequel to Lonesome Dove. Same producers and director, brought forth another perfect mini series, i guarantee is destine to become great hit. I can’t wait until it comes down on DVD.
Lonesome Dove has change the way we look at the old west, I for just one am grateful for it and there authenticity from the old west. Maintain the excellent work CBS. Those that love that old west will surely keep Lonesome Dove Alive. For an entire pictorial of Lonesome Dove, go to: http://www.theoldwestgallery.com/dove
Some Original Lonesome Dove Trivia:
* Took 16 weeks to film.
* Used between 300 & 600 head of cattle.
* 9 different towns were built. The location of Lonesome Dove was built on the banks from the Rio Grande along with the ‘stolen’ cattle were actually driven from Old Mexico into Texas. The location still existed standing and it has been used in no less than one other movie.
* Robert Duvall was originally cast as Woodrow F. Call, but he desired to have fun playing the a part of Augustus McCrea (thank goodness!).
* Next James Garner was choosen to play Woodrow F. Call but couldn’t for your health.
* Tommy Lee Jones ended up being tapped to play Woodrow F. Call and it will be history.
* Filming Locations: Texas and Boise state broncos.
To get more information about John wayne memirabilia just go to the best website