'Monte Walsh' is not just a western or a cowboy movie. It's a movie about cowboys and that point make all the difference.

In fact, 'Monte Walsh' tells a story that is universal in it's own theme; a story concerning the end of a time, the novelties of the beginning of the 20º century and the progressive death of a code of honor and a way of life.

The movie is beautifully directed by Australian director Simon Wincer. Tom Selleck is perfect in the title role and the support cast is good too, especially Keith Carradine and William Devane.

The only problem with the movie lies in some scenes, like the suicide of the veteran of the Civil War (in my opinion, a bit overacted) and the last scene, that brings a irony that sounds strange and dislocated with the rest.

But after all, this movie is a really standout among the most recent western movies.

There was a poetical quality to the first adaption of the western novel Monte Walsh in the first version of the story. I considered tat one to be one of the top three Lee Marvin performances on film. Tom Selleck has produced and starred in a good remake, but falls a bit short of the Lee Marvin version.

If you've seen the first version than you'll know the plot and recognize a lot of the scenes. Tom Selleck in the title role and his trail partner Keith Carradine are a pair of working cowboys at the turn of the last century when there was less work. Range being fenced in and the railroad spreading to some of the remote parts of the west there's less need for ranch hands. Selleck and Carradine find work where they can.

Carradine sees the changing times, marries a widow he's been courting and goes to work in her hardware business as a storekeeper. Selleck won't leave the life he loves and the rugged individualism it stands for. Not even for the bordello madam played by Isabella Rossellini.

And the great theme of the first Monte Walsh sun by Mama Cass Elliott is also missing. I kept hoping to hear The Good Times Are Coming. but alas did not.

Still western fans will approve of what Selleck did with the story.

This re-make of the 1970 version is considered just as good, if not better, by a lot of people who have seen both. I've only seen this one.

I found it much slower than many westerns but still almost as interesting. What I liked best, I think, was the cast. It fascinated me, especially being a regular viewer of the CSI shows. There are two actors whom I've gotten to know well from those shows and they have roles in here: George Eads having a major part while Rex Linn (?) is in a lesser role. Tom Selleck as "Monte Walsh" is a natural for these westerns. He, like Sam Elliott, has that rugged cowboy appearance that make him look genuine. Isabella Rossellini is past her exotic days but she's always interesting as are the following: Keith Carradine, William Devane, James Gammon, Barry Corbin and Wallace Shawn. Yup, this is a very deep and diverse cast.

You also get one of the better directors doing this made-for-cable TV movie in Australian Simon Wincer, who directed "Lonesome Dove." Plus, the film is based on a book from perhaps the most famous western author of all- time: Louis L'Amour.

The story is not an upbeat one, but not overly depressing despite the fact that few people are left by the end of the film. Despite that sad content and a film that many might consider a bit slow or too talky, this film has enough going for it to recommend.