City Slickers

Ron Underwood (1991)

109min

15 Certificate

Review

Our Score

by John Ferguson

Billy Crystal and chums Daniel Stern and Bruno Kirby are the city folk who get the chance to play at Rawhide in this winning comedy blockbuster that cleaned up at the box office. Seeking to stave off middle age, the trio join a motley group who have volunteered to drive cattle across the range under the eye of an irascible old cowboy (Jack Palance). Despite some worryingly sentimental moments of male bonding, this is an engaging, expertly played piece, which gently pokes fun at both midlife crises and the Wild West. Palance, in particular, has a ball, and picked up a best supporting actor Oscar for his performance, while director Ron Underwood, who before this was best known for the cult sci-fi film Tremors, proves to be equally adept at the gags and the large-scale, traditional western set pieces.

Summary

Three middle-aged men take a break from the rat race and their mid-life crises to join a two-week cattle drive from New Mexico to Colorado. Together with a bunch of fellow urbanites, they find the going much tougher than expected, and it is down to a real-life cowboy to whip them into shape. Comedy adventure, starring Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern, Bruno Kirby and Jack Palance, who won an Oscar for his performance as grizzled trail boss Curly.

Cast & Crew

Mitch Robbins Billy Crystal

Phil Berquist Daniel Stern

Ed Furillo Bruno Kirby

Barbara Robbins Patricia Wettig

Bonnie Rayburn Helen Slater

Curly Jack Palance

Clay Stone Noble Willingham

Cookie Tracey Walter

Barry Shalowitz Josh Mostel

Ira Shalowitz David Paymer

Ben Jessup Bill Henderson

Lou Jeffrey Tambor

Steve Jessup Phill Lewis

Jeff Kyle Secor

Director Ron Underwood

Other Information

Language: EnglishColourTheatrical distributor: First Independent Films LtdGuidance: Swearing.Available on: video and DVD

Comedy Drama

Full Episode Guide

Ron Underwood (1991)

Review

Summary

Cast & Crew

Other Information

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