Wuchak
**_Realistic Western about an Aging Cowboy's Last Chance at Love & Family_**
Charlton Heston stars as loner Will Penny, an aging cowboy who takes a winter job riding line on a vast ranch. He runs afoul of a family of psychotic rawhiders ...
Will Penny
1967Movie110 minEnglish
Will Penny, an aging cowpoke, takes a job on a ranch which requires him to ride the line of the property looking for trespassers or, worse, squatters. He finds that his cabin in the high mountains has been appropriated by a woman whose guide to Oregon has deserted her and her son. Too ashamed to kick mother and child out just as the bitter winter of the mountains sets in, he agrees to share the cabin until the spring thaw. But it isn't just the snow that slowly thaws; the lonely man and woman soon forget their mutual hostility and start developing a deep love for one another.
Insights
IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes88%
Metacritic75/100
Google Users85%
Director: Tom Gries•Genres: Western, Drama
Plot Summary
Will Penny is a aging, lonely cowpoke who finds himself without a job and without prospects in the harsh American West. He takes a job as a bodyguard for a young woman and her son, who are traveling west to join her husband. Along the way, they face danger from outlaws and the elements, forging an unlikely bond in the process.
Critical Reception
Will Penny was met with critical acclaim upon its release, praised for its sensitive portrayal of a classic Western archetype and its strong performances. Charlton Heston's portrayal of the titular character was particularly lauded for its depth and humanity. The film offered a more introspective and character-driven take on the Western genre, resonating with both critics and audiences.
What Reviewers Say
- A deeply human and poignant Western with a standout performance from Charlton Heston.
- Beautifully shot and emotionally resonant, it offers a thoughtful exploration of loneliness and dignity.
- A revisionist Western that excels in character development over action.
Google audience: Audiences frequently praise the film's emotional depth and Heston's compelling performance, often citing it as a memorable and moving Western experience. The film's mature themes and character focus are also commonly highlighted as strengths.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for one Academy Award for Best Original Song ('Days of the Dawn').
Fun Fact
Charlton Heston personally selected Tom Gries to direct the film, having been impressed by Gries's work on the television series 'The Big Valley'.
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