The Legend of the Lone Ranger

This self-conscious attempt to bring back to the big screen the noble masked western avenger must be counted a failure largely owing to under-casting. Yet this Panavisioned retelling of the origins of the blue-clad hero and his Indian sidekick Tonto is not without a certain grandeur, and director and erstwhile cinematographer William A Fraker creates some dazzling imagery and scenic splendour, though he is terribly hampered by the plot provided. Totally unknown Klinton Spilsbury (allegedly revoiced by Dallas star Ken Kercheval, though some claim Stacy Keach did it) looks fine in costume, but lacks the necessary charisma and solidity that Clayton Moore brought to the role, and Michael Horse is no match for Jay Silverheels's Tonto. Further down the cast, Jason Robards and Christopher Lloyd enter into the spirit of the thing. Watch with charity.