THE PLOT THUS FAR
Sharpshooter Matt Quigley is hired from Montana by an Australian rancher paying a very high price. But when Quigley arrives Down Under, all is not as it seems.
WHAT WE THOUGHT
Ex-Confederate officer Matthew Quigley immigrates to Australia to forget the horrors he has recently witnessed. He was hired in advance by the owner of the Marsten Waters Ranch. When he arrives, things are definitely not what he expected due to the fawning treatment he receives from Marsten that comes with the request that he carry out a program of racial purity. Selleck’s performance as Quigley is first rate. I easily believed that although Quigley had watched more than his share of Man’s Inhumanity, yet he managed to hang onto his integrity. The character finds himself in a situation where his own actions can transform the circumstances for better. He did not go looking for a fight, but by God, he will finish this one.
The film succeeds most as a light romance amidst the traditional shoot em up scenario. In fact, the love story is what drives it along most and provides it’s most special moments. During a heartfelt speech beside the campfire, Cora relates how heartbreaking it was for her to have her Husband Roy, who blamed her for the death of their child, put her on a ship to Australia and walk away from her life not looking back. This is what matters to her most, as it matters to Quigley that she call him by his right name or he won’t share his bed. When presented with their first parting, Quigley leaves Cora and the Aborigine baby in the cave and though assuring her he will return for her he rides away, without stopping to look back.
The Blu-Ray comes with a featurette, TV spots and a trailer. The DTS-HD 2.0 master audio track is very appropriate given the nature of the film. However, I found that the 1080p transfer only makes the rather weak cinematography seem that much worse. Still, it’s nice to see MGM sticking to releasing these older titles. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase.
RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW!
