Proud Men

Western set in the modern day with Charlton Heston and Peter Strauss

When it’s learned that the patriarch of a ranch in the wilderness north of Los Angeles has about six months to live (Heston), his disowned son from Paris (Strauss) comes to visit at the mother’s request (Nan Martin). The cause of the separation from fifteen years earlier had to do with the Vietnam War. Can they patch things up before it’s too late? Alan Autry is on hand as the tough foreman of the ranch.

“Proud Men” (1987) has been described as “On Golden Pond at a Ranch,” but it’s more of a Western set at a Southwest ranch in modern times. Sure, it involves heavy family drama, but there’s lots of cowboy-oriented stuff too, like riding and camping in the hills, great bronco action and even a saloon brouhaha. The combination of quality human interest and the Western milieu works, especially with the acting chops of Heston, Strauss and the other principles.

Belinda Balaski appears as the son’s old girlfriend, working as a barmaid. You might remember her from “Piranha” and “The Howling.” Both she and Strauss were 39 during shooting. Heston was 63, but acted older. He definitely wasn’t his spry old self.

The aforementioned human interest is highlighted by the differing perspectives of America’s involvement in the Vietnam situation. As noble as the patriarch’s position is, the son certainly has a point in his. For instance, does swearing to defend your country make it okay to shoot unarmed female citizens and babies? Furthermore, how exactly does fighting for democracy and capitalism in a nation on the other side of the globe have anything to do with “defending your country”? I’m just giving you a taste.

It runs about 1 hour, 32 minutes, and was shot at Rancho Maria and Sable Ranch, which is just east of Santa Clarita, a 40-minute drive north of Hollywood.

GRADE: B+/A-