Not bad at allThinly veiled re-spreading (Mennonites instead of Mormons?) of Zane Grey's "Riders of the Purple Sage"--previously made into at least five films . . . Naomi Watts and others do a more-than-passable job of carrying off this version--despite a contrived happy ending for starry-eyed teens and readers of romance novellas. Indeed, it is the acting that makes this one a better-than-average (for modern westerns) effort. The 1941, George Montgomery film is notably more revealing of social and religious conflicts and dogmas than any of the later films--under whatever title and despite their somewhat dubious originality. Still, perhaps these works fall into the category of "imitatio" rather than straight copying?--at least one may always hope!

This is one of the best of the revisionist western made-for-TV films that have been pouring forth over the past decade - most of which are pretty dull. and the three major creative spirits to the film are all women, so I wasn't expecting much for a genre that has always been dominated by an undeniable machismo, whether you think that's a good thing or not.But the writing and direction here are very strong. Yes it does get mushy romantic at times, but it never quite loses its edge.And yes, it is derivative of Shane and a host of like films, but it still finds something new to say.The acting is all around superb, but Tim Daly's is worthy of special mention. And the camera-work is quite beautiful - I really wish this had been brought to the big screen.My only problem is historical-political: This film came out when television was busy bashing non-mainstream religions - Islam, Catholicism (oh, those randy priests!), and the Amish. This was a wretched moment in TV history, and it is embarrassing to this film that it was made during that period; still, I think there's enough respect shown the Amish such that the film will survive such silly politics.

Timothy Daly (of Wings fame) and Naomi Watts star in what appears at first glance to be a remake of Angel and the Badman (John Wayne and Gail Russell.) I have to say I love both movies for the same reasons. Faith and love can get you through any hardship you might face.Johnny Gault is a world weary gunslinger who believes in his gun and nothing else. Rebecca Yodder belongs to a religious sect (The Plain People) who have strict rules for women and shun anything that may lead them to shame – including any kind of music.Rebecca's husband is murdered and her son and brother harassed by the local sheriff and his men for her land. Johnny arrives in the blazing sun and drops at her feet. She tends to him and he stays to help with the sheep and the farm.The difference between Angel and the Badman and The Outsider, is that you actually see Rebecca's family and the community shun her as she begins to question her love for Johnny and the freedom it brings. At the same time, Johnny must deal with his past and with the present issue of the sheriff and his men threatening his newly adopted family.What I really loved about this movie is the rhythm the director gave it with the hours and chores of the day, the beautiful score, and the stunning cinematography. Randa Haines (Children of a Lesser God, Hill Street Blues, The Ron Clark Story) assembled a cast that provides the emotional tension and drama that makes this movie worth watching. The chemistry between Daly and Watts is on target, and Daly will definitely make your heart beat a little faster. Keith Carradine plays a suitor and David Carradine plays the town doctor. John Noble (Lord of the Rings) plays the sheriff.If you enjoy collecting westerns, especially romantic ones – this one is a keeper.A bit of trivia: The haunting music you hear in the background of the movie is mostly Norwegian folk songs. Two of the songs sung – Bla Tonar Fra Lom and Jenta I Sauflokken can be found on the Nordisk Sang CD featuring various artists. There were no known Norwegian settlements in the US that were Amish, Mennonites or Quakers. Norwegian settlers were most likely Lutheran. The beautiful music still fits the movie and the mood. The movie, as most of you know is based on the historical romance The Outsider by author Penelope Williamson.

I saw this movie by accident and could not figure out who the male lead was. Can't honestly say that I've ever been a fan of Tim Daly's but he flat out blew me away as the unrepentant gunfighter. The progression from suspicious, distrustful and hard as nails to being able to say I love you to Rebecca was impressive. Never thought he had it in him. He also looked really good in that beard and the hat , sort of had a Tim McGraw thing going. The bad guys were really bad and the Carradines as usual did their thing. The scenery and music were terrific. Overall I really liked the movie, the story and I guess I'll have to take a second look at Daly. The best way to tell a good actor is if they make you believe the character and that most definitely is what happened here.