Rediscovering Westerns With Murphy’s Charm

Read Time:3 Minute, 42 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Audie Murphy Collection II
Sierra, Rating – Approved –
Kansas Raiders, Rating – Approved –
Destry, Rating – Approved –

Genre: Drama, Western
Year Released: 1950-1954, 2023 Kino Lorber Blu-ray
Runtime: 4h 18m
Director(s): Alfred E. Green/Ray Enright/George Marshall
Writer(s): Stuart Hardy, Edna Anhalt, Milton Gunzburg/Robert L. Richards/Edmund H. North (screenplay,) D.D. Beauchamp (screenplay,) Felix Jackson (story,) Max Brand (suggested by the novel “Destry Rides Again”)
Cast: Audie Murphy, Brian Donlevy, Mari Blanchard, Tony Curtis, Wanda Hendrix, Burl Ives, Dean Jagger, Scott Brady, Marguerite Chapman, Richard Rober, Richard Long, Richard Arlen, Lyle Bettger, Thomas Mitchell, James Best, Dewey Martin, Richard Egan, Edgar Buchanan, Lori Wilson, Wallace Ford, Alan Hale Jr.
Where To Watch: available now here www.kinolorber.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Dive deep into the heart of classic Western cinema, and you’ll stumble upon AUDIE MURPHY COLLECTION II. This unconnected trilogy, showcasing the ever-versatile Audie Murphy, invites us on a cinematic ride that spans rugged terrains and emotional landscapes. There are also Volumes I and III, but let’s saddle up and embark on this journey first!

First stop: SIERRA as Alfred E. Green takes the director’s chair, transporting us to a world where the untamed spirit of wild stallions meets human drama. Ring Hassard, played by the charismatic Murphy, and his father, Jeff, lead a tranquil life as horse wranglers. But, as with all gripping tales, peace is short-lived as their tranquility is disrupted by Riley Martin, a lawyer with an eye for more than just the stallions. And if that’s not enough spice, the real-life chemistry between Murphy and Wanda Hendrix brings a delightful authenticity on-screen. Sprinkling in some unexpected twists while the plot is engaging, I do wish they would have upped the ante with a little more at stake.

Shifting gears to the tumultuous era of the Civil War, KANSAS RAIDERS presents a tale filled with intrigue and moral dilemmas. Murphy effortlessly embodies the legendary outlaw Jesse James. While the narrative was initially drawn to the enigmatic Colonel William Quantrill, the story pivots as the Colonel’s sinister side surfaces. Ray Enright beautifully captures this descent into chaos, showcasing the inner struggles and bonds forged in the crucible of war.

Next up, we have DESTRY, as we’re transported to Restful, a town anything but its namesake, thanks to its notorious overlord, Decker. But as Tom Destry, Murphy is here to flip the Western cliché. He’s a thinker, not a shooter, challenging what we’ve come to expect from our cowboy protagonists. This reimagination of George Marshall’s iconic story is a delightful treat, with Murphy adding layers of depth to his character.

Now, to spotlight our man of the hour: Audie Murphy. He’s a cinematic legend, whether navigating love and betrayal in SIERRA, grappling with stark realities in KANSAS RAIDERS, or outsmarting foes in DESTRY. The AUDIE MURPHY COLLECTION II is a testament to his prowess. Yet, imagine a world where these narratives subtly intertwined, pushing this collection into the realm of cinematic legends. Yes, I know not everything can be a shared universe, but it’s fun to imagine!

PRODUCT EXTRAS:
– NEW Audio Commentary for SIERRA by Film Historian Toby Roan
– NEW Audio Commentary for KANSAS RAIDERS by Author/Screenwriter C. Courtney Joyner and Film Historian Henry Parke
– NEW Audio Commentary for DESTRY by Film Critic/Author Lee Gambin and Actor/Film Historian Gary Frank
– Theatrical Trailers (All Three Films)
– Optional English Subtitles

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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