Cast
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Klinton Spilsbury
as The Lone Ranger / John Reid
Christopher Lloyd
as Maj. Bartholomew 'Butch' Cavendish
Matt Clark
as Sheriff Wiatt
Juanin Clay
as Amy Striker
Jason Robards
as President Ulysses S. Grant
John Bennett Perry
as Ranger Captain Dan Reid
David Hayward
as Ranger Collins
Richard Farnsworth
as Wild Bill Hickok
Michael Horse
as Tonto
Marc Gilpin
as Young John Reid
John Hart
as Lucas Striker
Lincoln Tate
as Gen. George A. Custer
Ted Flicker
as Buffalo Bill Cody
Bonita Granville
as Woman (uncredited)
Patrick Montoya
as Young Tonto
Crew
Director
- William A. Fraker
Producer
- Walter Coblenz
- Lew Grade
- Jack Wrather
Reviews
Wuchak
***Serious take on the masked Western hero with a glimmer of fun***
The lone survivor of an ambush of a Texas Ranger patrol (Klinton Spilsbury) is rescued by his childhood AmerIndian friend, Tonto (Michael Horse). He becomes the Lone Ranger and, along with Tonto, they go after the traitor & outlaw gang that orchestrated the massacre. Christopher Lloyd plays the villain, Matt Clark the crooked sheriff, Juanin Clay the beautiful lady and Jason Robards President Grant.
“The Legend of the Lone Ranger” (1981) is the first cinematic depiction of this Western hero, not counting the movies strewn together from the TV series (1949-1957) featuring Clayton Moore in the titular role. It’s similar to “Mackenna’s Gold” (1969) mixed with “The Comancheros” (1961) and its unacknowledged remake “Rio Conchos” (1964). All of these Westerns have a similar comic book tone, Southwest setting and a plot revolving around a veteran Civil War megalomaniac.
The difference is that “The Legend of the Lone Ranger” adds the masked Western hero angle, akin to the later “The Mask of Zorro” (1998), but this doesn’t even occur until two minutes shy of the hour mark. From there, whenever the masked avenger shows up along with the corresponding “William Tell Overture” and “Hi, ho, Silver, Away!” it spurs chuckles. But, disregarding that, this is a standard comic book Western with a respectful, serious take on the legend.
This was lead actor Spilsbury’s lone venture into cinema after only two small TV gigs. He looks the part and has the charisma, but the script doesn’t give his character enough dimension and his voice was dubbed with James Keach’s deeper vox. His fellow actors in the movie said this was unnecessary since there was nothing wrong with Spilsbury’s voice (obviously the producers just wanted a deeper vox). Meanwhile, it’s nice to see winsome Juanin Clay again (who had a significant role in the Buck Rogers episode “Vegas in Space” two years earlier), but not enough is done with her.
Unfortunately, bad publicity resulting from the studio’s ill-advised lawsuit with Clayton Moore over his wearing the mask in public appearances tarnished the film’s premiere. This combined with the recent box office bomb of “Heaven’s Gate” (1980) and the general public disinterest in Westerns at the time doomed the movie. But, if you appreciate any of those Westerns noted above, it’s worth a look even though the Johnny Depp version is all-around more entertaining (2013).
The film runs 1 hour, 38 minutes, and was shot Arizona (Monument Valley), New Mexico (Bonanza Creek Ranch and Eaves Movie Ranch in Santa Fe, Cook Ranch in Galisteo, Abiquiu), Southern Cal (Bronson Canyon Vasquez Rocks) and Utah (Moab, Monument Valley).
GRADE: B-
Aug 23, 2019
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Adventure/Western film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Legend of the Lone Ranger distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director William A. Fraker brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1981, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Legend of the Lone Ranger took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $18.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 98 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 147 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1981, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Legend of the Lone Ranger shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Across the Sierras, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Legend of the Lone Ranger subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Hands Across the Rockies and The Lone Ranger explore similar territory, The Legend of the Lone Ranger stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 6, 1981
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Budget: $18,000,000
- Revenue: $2,945,600
Where to Watch
