Product Details

• Actors: Bill Pullman, Diane Lane, James Drury, John Savage, Dennis Weaver
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Warner Bros. Home Video
• VHS Release Date: July 11, 2000
• Run Time: 95 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 0780630068
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #104,867 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

The Virginian leaves the state of his birth to make a new life for himself on the frontier of the American West. He falls in love with Molly Stark, a schoolteacher also new to Wyoming, and becomes the foreman of a successful cattle ranch, hoping to make good in her eyes. But he is forced to resort to violence when he must protect the ranch against the treacheries of a rival rancher and the betrayal of a former friend.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good movie, but do your reading first, January 3, 2001

By 

A fan of all Westerns (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Virginian [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I personally enjoyed this production of the Virginian, but I will say that having read the book beforehand helped me out a lot. The plot is rushed through in places, and I imagine some would find spots of it hard to follow if unfamiliar with the story. I also found there to be a lack of character development, which could further mystify those who haven't read the book. Unfortunately, two hours of film just isn't enough to do this fine book justice. It just kills me that Bill Pullman didn't produce this as a mini-series a la Lonesome Dove; it would have been hands-down fantastic!

However, as is I enjoyed Bill Pullman as the leading man; his every-day guy look made him more realistic and a nice change from the stereotypical square-jawed hunk. I also loved the cinematography of the picture; it really gives one the feeling of the West's vast, wide-open spaces. Truly stunning scenery, especially with the hauntingly beautiful soundtrack. And, while just a snip of the whole story, I felt the movie definately contained the spirit of Wistner's book. I really enjoyed the fact that it used the same manner of speech and kept the old-fashioned feel; a touching love story with simple, honest characters. Some may find it a bit mellow, but you need to remember that the book was written almost 100 years ago in 1902. I was personally thankful that they didn't try to snaz up the story in an attempt to appeal to a finicky modern audience; the book is a classic, and deserves to shine through as origionally written.

So, if you are willing to overlook a few flaws (mainly, rushing the story) I would recommend this version of the Virginian if you want a sweet, serious movie that is beautiful to look at ultimately touches the heart.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pullman Perfect, March 7, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Virginian [VHS] (VHS Tape)

In 1902 Owen Wister wrote The Virginian and created the template for all future cowboy heroes. This seminal tale includes the man with no name, the school marm from the East, the betrayal of a friend and the final showdown between hero and villain. Bill Pullman, one of Hollywood's best and most versatile actors, makes his directorial debut here and does himself proud. He lovingly retells this story of the classic American cowboy, staying true to the book's language, pace and tone. The photography is lush, the music evocative and the acting by Diane Lane, Dennis Weaver and John Savage is dead on. At the center, though, is Pullman's performance as the outsider who's slow to anger but quick on the draw. The Virginian is the quintessential strong, soft spoken hero we've come to know in so many subsequent westerns. Unlike a lot of actor/directors, who might have been tempted to create more of a showcase for themselves, Pullman is smart enough to play The Virginian as written- quietly powerful and restrained. His performance has garnered him comparisons to Gary Cooper and justifiably so. One of very few actors who can manage to wear western gear, ride a horse and look authentic, Pullman effortlessly embodies the solid, unwavering character so identified with the American West. He also manages to utter the classic line,"When you call me that, smile..." and makes it real. Ironically, in so closely preserving the tenor of the book, Pullman gives the film a look and feel different than most westerns. But, this is the real deal, the original, and well worth the few minutes it takes to get used to the antiquated 19th century dialogue. The only thing that could possibly enhance your enjoyment of this film would be to see it on a large screen or DVD. Maybe TNT should give it some thought. It's a beauty.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I Loved it., December 11, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Virginian [VHS] (VHS Tape)

More and more, I'm growing fond of westerns; and when I saw that Bill Pullman (I'm a big fan of his) was actor and director in this film, I just had to see it. I saw it uninterrupted and loved it. The scenery was breath taking and, ah, the sound of those violins. I thought Mr. Pullman did a real fine job in the role of the Virginian and as director. Diane Lane was a good choice for the role of Molly Stark. James Drury was impressive as the messenger. In fact, applause to all concerned. Although it may go against the tradition of the previous "Virginians", I'm hoping Mr. Pullman does a sequel. This video won't be available for sale until February 2001, and I've already placed my order. I can't sign off without commenting on the review from Copacabana, Australia. It was appalling and should have been banned.