Fans of Westerns have felt the drought. Although the Western film genre is beloved, with rabid followers out there, it's been fading for a couple of decades now.
But do not fret, buckaroos — the Western will never die.
It doesn't matter how many "spaghetti Westerns" are made in Spain.
It doesn't matter how many ways Westerns are spoofed or lampooned.
And it doesn't matter how many revivals fail at the box office.
The Western is distinctly American, a reflection not only metaphorically of the times in which the movies are made, but also of our history.
There will always be filmmakers who want to take another crack at it, hoping to bring Westerns back.
Meanwhile, good Westerns are still being made — for television.
Just look at the four Western movies released on DVD this week by Warner Home Video and the TNT cable network.
Two of them star Sam Elliott, and another stars Tom Selleck — and if anyone among contemporary actors has capably picked up the mantle of Western hero, it's these guys.
Each has starred in a number of basic-cable Westerns, and they both look as comfortable in the saddle as any classic cowboy.
What's more, the best of these four — "Conagher" and "Last Stand at Saber River" — can stand up quite well against most theatrical Westerns of old. (Each disc is $14.97, with no bonus features.)
"Conagher" (1991, not rated). Elliott gets a producing credit here, and this adaptation of a Louis L'Amour story is excellent, focusing alternately on a widow (Katharine Ross, Elliott's real-life wife) raising her children in the middle of nowhere, and a drifter (Elliott) who goes to work for a cattle rancher threatened by rustlers.
Elliott's character is the typical Old West stereotype, a shy loner without roots but with a strong moral compass, and he takes guff from no one. Ross is tender but tough, eventually realizing she'll have to buck convention to get what she wants.
It's a simple, character-driven story told in casual vignettes, but it's so compelling that it never feels slow. Elliott and Ross have great chemistry, and the supporting cast is filled with wonderful character actors — Barry Corbin, James Gammon, Dub Taylor, Ken Curtis, etc. (Gorgeously filmed in Colorado.)
"Last Stand at Saber River" (1997, not rated). Selleck anchors this adaptation of an Elmore Leonard novel about a Confederate soldier back from the Civil War.
He's been thought dead, and his wife (Suzy Amis) is startled to see him, and she has difficulty putting aside her anger to embrace his return, as does their son (played by a very young Haley Joel Osment).
Selleck finds his ranch has been taken over by Yankees, and a misguided "friend" manipulates him.
Selleck is perfect, Amis is very good, and more great character actors help, including Keith Carradine, David Carradine, Harry Carey Jr., etc. (Filmed in New Mexico.)
Extras: Full frame, chapters.
"The Desperate Trail" (1994; R for violence, nudity, language). Elliott towers over the rest of the cast in this one, though his character, a hard-edged, less-than-likable marshal, is essentially in support of murderous robbers played by Linda Fiorentino and Craig Sheffer.
Fiorentino really shines, but Sheffer is less convincing, and the film confuses R-rated sensibilities with edgy reality. Frank Whaley co-stars as Sheffer's ineffectual brother. (Filmed in New Mexico.)
"Purgatory" (1999, not rated). This one is a curiosity, sort of a "Twilight Zone" Western, as a band of outlaws (led by Eric Roberts at his slimiest) rides into a remote town called Refuge, where they receive an unusual greeting. The sheriff (Sam Shepard) tells them drinks are free in the saloon, room and board are free, but please don't cuss.
Eventually, it's revealed that long-dead Western icons are working out their redemption. Odd but interesting, despite lingering plot holes.
E-mail: hicks@desnews.com