User reviews

This is an OK made for TV western with a number of familiar actors from the 60s, in particular Dan Blocker. He is really likeable and his acting is good. If you're a fan of more traditional westerns this may not be to your liking as there are no shootouts, just some decent fist fights. The antagonists are not particularly intimidating and cannot be taken too seriously. However, if you're looking for a feel good story about perseverance, character and love this one works.

By far this was Dan Blocker's best movie role. He is sensitive, shy and awkward. He plays the town blacksmith, upon whom the citizen's have relied to lead them to where the railroad will come. It misses by a few miles and Dan is ostracized. But when he seeks to learn to read the local school marm becomes his love interest. Soon he is quoting Emerson and his regained confidence leads to a happy end for everyone. But not before the local bad guys try to do him in and get the money for themselves. This film is by far better than any of his work in Bonanza and gave Dan Blocker the opportunity to stretch a little as an actor.

This is one of those great television movies. It shows the power of human courage, love and never giving up on yourself . . . regardless of what other people think of you. Too bad it's sitting on a shelf somewhere collecting dust and not being appreciated. It's scenically beautiful too!! It's a movie for the heart, soul and eyes.

Dan Blocker, "Hoss" on TV's "Bonanza", didn't look like the heartthrobs of the day, but he garnered a loyal following because of his 'gentle giant' persona: he was amiable and heartfelt. In this upbeat western for NBC, practically no one in a one-horse town supports the big guy after his plans to start a community around the railroad falls through--all except one woman (Susan Clark), obviously a smart cookie. Blocker's blacksmith John Killibrew thinks a submerged steam engine can save the town, and hopefully redeem himself with the townsfolk, but first he has to persuade the locals and an Indian tribe. Clark has a likably spunky nature and gets a terrific scene near the end where she chastises the town for not believing in her man; but the low-budget film is only middling, with day-for-night shots that are an eyesore and a cartoonish score by Jack Marshall that telegraphs every emotion in advance. Don Taylor's direction is pedestrian, with sensitive scenes nearly undercut by slapstick nonsense and overacting by some of the supporting players, especially Tom Nolan as the town crier (he's ridiculously over-the-top). Dan Blocker, however, has a great way of bringing us right up-close to him--you can almost feel his warmth--and that's what makes a star. ** from ****

This is one of my favorite all-time movies. Dan Blocker gives one of his best performances and his interpretation of Ralph Waldo Emerson's 'Essays on Self-Reliance' is inspiring. Dan is a blacksmith the town has trusted to bring the railroad to them. When it then locates nearby, they ostracize him. Dan's efforts to stand alone and woo his true love make up the core of the movie. Worth seeing. Other performances are awesome as well. Susan Clark is beautiful and tough as Dan's teacher. Some of the best character actors in Hollywood turned up in this one. Watch for Iron Eyes Cody, Edgar Buchanan, Dub Taylor and Henry Jones in hilarious performances. Warren Oates, Don Stroud and John Dehner make suitably nasty bad guys. You won't be disappointed.

Absolutely one of the best movies I have ever seen. I have wanted a copy of this movie for a long time. The character portrayed by Dan Blocker showed courage and perseverance in the face of difficulties. Our nation was built on the type of independence, persistent effort, and hard work this movie characterizes. I really wish someone would make it available. As far as I know, it has only been on TV. I was lucky to see it.

I was one of the lucky few that happened to get to see this movie on TV way back when, that will give you some idea of my age. (66).(Ha, Ha). I would give just about anything to be able to see it again, but I have been looking now for some time on line for someone that might know how or where I might get a copy, on DVD or VHS, but have had know luck. I for one think that it gave Dan Blocker a chance to show that he was an excellent actor. And it's a shame that we are unable to have the privilege of seeing him at work from time to time in our homes. I hope that who ever has the copy rights too this movie, will release then so that a DVD can be made, and be sold to the general public. I would sure like one and I'm sure that there are a lot of other fans of his that would be interested in having one for their collection's also.

This movie has only been on television one time that I know of and I really am glad that my family and I got to see it. The characters in the story are a lot of fun to be around. Both, Dan Blocker & Susan Clark, certainly do accomplish this. The backbone of our nation was built upon this type of courage and determination, and this story shows that. It is worth the time to see and it won't leave a bad taste in your mouth.

A few times in my life I've had to go it alone, and this line from this movie has created the hero I've needed to emulate. The quote you read here is probably not exact, but the meaning is seared into my brain.

When will we be able to see this film again?

It's a small movie, but one with a good heart. Well worth watching, well worth sharing. If you are the kind of person who loved "Local Hero," you might just like this one.

I remember this movie from when it came out. Dan Blocker, who died much too young, was really great in it. You will probably never get to see it, but if by some miracle it comes on the late show--see it.

I love this movie. Although it has the feel of a tv movie, it's got lots of a class character actors and is just wonderful.