A pastoral turn of the century Western, The Grey Fox tells the story of an old-time stagecoach robber who, after 30 years locked away in prison, is released to a modern world he doesn't quite understand. He resumes his life the only way he knows how, by robbing, but since the days of the stagecoach are gone, he concentrates on holding up trains. Pursued by the private security force the Pinkertons, the elderly man known as the gentleman bandit develops a lore and a following all his own. Richard Farnsworth (The Natural) plays the lead, based on a true-life account, as a kind and thoughtful man who sees honor in what he does. Featuring some incredibly vivid cinematography of the Pacific Northwest and the classic steam engines that traversed its mountains, the film is an elegiac homage to a simpler time when honor and gentlemanly pursuits (even train robbery) were important. --Robert Lane
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: At last, I can replace my bootleg copy Comment: Cannot wait for this movie to be released in DVD format. My VHS tape arrived quickly and in good order. This is a great story about making ends meet and following your bliss. Richard Farnsworth plays a character that reminds me so of my own kin. Customer Rating: Summary: Grey Fox Comment: Product sent to me was defective vendor did not respond to my request for adjustment Customer Rating: Summary: The Grey Fox Comment: It arrived in excellent condition and in a timely fashion. We have already watched it and it works perfectly. Thank you... Customer Rating: Summary: Incredible art and acting Comment: I own a copy of this film and I am anxious to purchase the DVD version. It is by far one of the most beautifully filmed movies I have ever seen. It is pure art. Richard Farnsworth is unforgettable and the Irish soundtrack is brilliant. The pacing is perfect and allows the viewer the time to appreciate the settings and scenery without seeming slowed down. This is one of those perfect combinations. No where will you see steam train action and scenery like this. Lets not forget the beautiful horses on the Canadian land, the costumes, the light, the town, the time period. I agree that owning a copy is a must. It will be sitting there for you when you crave the sounds, colors and scenes. Bliss! Customer Rating: Summary: Farnsworth Shines in this Turn of The Century Subtle Western Comment: Richard Farnsworth (The Natural) had the great ability to play endearing believable characters and this is his best and most notable staring role as a former stage coach robber who is just released from prison and is plunged back into a much more modern society. He sees his very first film, the silent film, "The Great Train Robbery" and you can see the wheels turn in this gentlemen's head as seems to be inspired by what appears to be a new opportunity. Moving to Canada, he develops a love interest and some in town bcome slowly aware of his past. This is not a shoot them up western but a carefully crafted sensitive film, loyal to the period, where Farnsworth plays a likeable, well mannered and kind individual who would be the last person one would suspect of being a criminal. Of course, eventually a very dramatic crime is committed and Farnsworth is suspected by the local Police yet he seems elusive. Nicely done fim with an ending that leaves one wondering. Primarily for a mature audience that enjoys a western with a good story and told in subtle fashion.
