Was Once a Hero

Solidly crafted story set in the 1890s concerns Civil War vet Darby Hinton and his struggles with war trauma and daily memory loss. Realizing he has become a burden to his family members, his attempt to leave only results in his becoming lost in the woods. There he encounters a young brother and sister on the run from a vengeful group of outlaws led by John Carter Cash. It's up to Hinton to rediscover his hidden heroic qualities ... Hinton is excellent in the part, delivering humor and eliciting sympathy in regard to his deteriorating mental plight. The supporting performances all deliver believable and three-dimensional characters. Director Michael Tuthill and screenwriter/producer Dan Searles (also one of Cash's bad guys) create some memorable moments of unpredictable tension. This deservedly won several awards at the Wild Bunch Film Festival. The only drawback is the modest budget, but it works within the framework of the story. The dense wooded settings are appropriately beautiful and geographically confusing per the storyline. Recommended.

An eye opening story about a strong man with dementia dealing with friends and outlaws in the 1800's. I laughed and cried and really connected with the characters. Darby Hinton was the perfect "character" for his role. He made the hero completely believable, and delivered both humor and sentimentality when appropriate. Julie Kashmanian and John Carter Cash brought their characters to life as well. I enjoyed the action, the history, and the overall story very much. I also liked historical perspectives too. An excellent movie.

I met Darby and Dan Searles, the writer, at a film festival where the movie was shown.

I saw movie at MidSouth Nostalgia Festival last June.

A great movie, Darby Hinton and Dan Searles are awesome in it among all the other actors.

Highly recommend. Whenever you are able to see this movie take the opportunity to.

It is well worth your time.

The good guys are good and even the bad guys are good in their individual roles. I was so happy to be able to see at this festival as Dan and Darby were there and there was a chance to talk with them and ask any questions. They are not just wonderful to watch on film, they are wonderful to meet in person and be able to talk with and answer any questions.

I highly recommend this movie.

Saw a screening of this fine film in Bethesda, MD.

A very original storyline carried within the tried and trusted period found in the untamed western frontier. I found the overall perspective unique, which isn't easy in today's day and age.

The writing was strong throughout, in terms of both dialogue and narrative. Moreover, I was extremely impressed with the performances. These players brought their A Game, one and all.

However, Julie Kashmanian did steal the show, executing an unwavering performance, advancing tirelessly upon a complex and multi-layered character arc.

John Carter Cash's role as the heavy; I can go on and on. He exhibited an almost boyish psychosis, complete with tics and a disquieted gaze that promised wickedness.

Eliza Kelley, a compass, demonstrated a storm of emotions never permitted to come to the surface, but nevertheless, were present in every single scene.

My only concern, and this is nitpicking, was the pace. I felt some scenes were sluggish, and that the tempo, the cadence, needed to pick up a bit. Otherwise a good story, well told.

Was Once A Hero is an authentic and compelling story with exceptional actors who bring their characterters to life -so convincingly- that you're still thinking about them and the film long after you've left the theater. What also stuck me as special was the attention to a mental/health condition that is well known today but really was not in during that period of American history. Making an key point in the storyline was bold and original as no other Western that I know of has touched on the subject matter with such attention. Cinematography, music, and overall continuity is perfection as well.

Highly recommend. Bravo👏🏻👏🏻