Lonely are the Brave (Universal Backlot Series)

A unique, unforgettable classic
It is difficult to imagine a film like "Lonely are the Brave" being released today. Everything about this near-forgotten 1962 semi-classic seems unconventional. A bittersweet ending, a flawed hero/protagonist, quirky law enforcement officials, character-establishing scenes which move slowly though perceptibly, underlying brutality (during a vicious barroom brawl) and a thematic mourning for a time long since passed. And of course the film is in black and white.

Like great poetry, the film "Lonely are the Brave" must be savored several times, it's taste acquired, it's ideas earned through thought and contemplation. Quite simply, the film is one of the finest westerns ever made.

A simple tale, though with crisp dialogue and underlying substance, "Lonely are the Brave" tells the story of the modern-day loner cowboy Jack Burns, brilliantly played by Kirk Douglas. Upon his horse, Burns rides into a dusty New Mexico town to visit old friends, dodging...

Individuality Can Be Lonely
I grew up in N.M., where the story takes place (Albuquerque), and my dad took me to the Route 66 Old Town Bridge where we watched the filming of Kirk crossing the Rio Grande on horseback. At that time, it was just neat to see a movie star.
I didn't truly appreciate the film until I grew up. Now, I see in it an individual very much like cowboys who were around in my childhood; fiercely independent, hard-drinking, hard-working men who, because of their disdain for fences, rules, and conformity, are themselves responsible for being alone. They are men who were born too late, who are old fashioned cowboys in a West where round-ups are now by helicoptor and ATR vehicles. A man on horseback, as a way of life, is rapidly fading away. You can see that sadness and loneliness in this film. That the hero in the film could actually believe that he could out-run modern police pursuit on horseback only adds poignancy; he is really trying to out-run modern times and loss of individuality. That...

To Whom It May Concern
This is getting ridiculous. They constantly put out crap like Knight Rider, but can't get it together for a classic film like "Lonely Are The Brave". Kirk Douglas himself, called this his proudest acheivement and I'd hate to argue with that.

This movie has a great script, vivid characterizations and wonderful cinematography. Black and white was such a wonderful medium and when well done, evidenced more grit and realism than any technocolor film could impart.

I hate to beg, but PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE..... let's get this great film out on widescreen DVD!

7/7/09 UPDATE:

Kirk Douglas must be as pleased as I am that this wonderful film has finally gained it's place among the DVD Elite.

The screenplay, the score, the cinematography and yes, the acting all combine to create as compelling and riveting a slice of humanity as was ever presented on the silver screen.

There are a couple of nice extras too; one dealing with the...

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