LOUIS L'AMOUR WESTERN COLLECTION DVD Review

Louis L'Amour may not get the critical attention he deserves. His writing was primarily in the Western genre, not particularly a favorite of critics. And, he was always very popular. If people in airports are reading him, he can't be a serious writer, can he?

Because of this, he truly is one of the most underrated writers in the past century.

There are passages in some of his novels, especially in later works like his masterpiece THE WALKING DRUM, that are beautifully written. You could pick up virtually any of his books and find yourself entertained.

His books served as the basis for many films. From John Wayne's HONDO to plenty of cable films today, his films translated to the big screen well.

Now, Warner Home Video has packaged three films based on his works for THE LOUIS L'AMOUR WESTERN COLLECTION, a 4 DVD set. Two of the films are TV movies and the third is a theatrical feature. They have all been released previously, but this packages them at a lower price than even two of them bought individually.

CATLOW is the lone theatrical feature, from 1971. It followed a sheriff (Richard Crenna) trying to track down the title character (played by Yul Brynner in one of his lightest performances). Also looking for Catlow is a bearded (and even at one point naked) Leonard Nimoy.

This film features the original theatrical trailer, voiced by the great Ernie Anderson.

THE SACKETTS was a two part TV film from 1979. It was based on two of L'Amour's novels, THE DAYBREAKERS and SACKETT It starred Sam Elliot and Tom Selleck as brothers moving west, following them through gold prospecting and settling the west.

This is on two DVDs. With a supporting cast that includes Western legends Glenn Ford, Ben Johnson, Jack Elam, L.Q. Jones, Slim Pickens, Patt Buttram, and Buck Taylor, this has long been a favorite of Western fans.

1991's CONAGHER was another TV film starring Sam Elliott. This was the first film released after L'Amour's 1988 passing and the film is dedicated to him (his daughter also appears in the film).

Elliott stars with his real life wife, Katharine Ross (of BUTCH CASSIDY fame) in this story of a drifter who protects a widow from rustlers.

SHOULD I BUY IT?

For the L'Amour fan, this should be a fine addition to their DVD library.

THE LOUIS L'AMOUR WESTERN COLLECTION will be available on DVD May 18, 2010 from Warner Home Video.