Tom Horn

Thomas Horn Jr. was a nineteenth century cowboy known for his effective methods of discouraging cattle rustlers and perhaps most famously for scouting out the whereabouts of Apache tribe leader Geronimo.  He had served in the military and was a range detective and assassin for hire at various times.  By 1900, the Old West was rapidly disappearing, and Horn's ways weren't reckoning so well anymore.  1980's TOM HORN is largely based on the man's autobiography, written while he was in prison, accused of killing a young sheepherder.  One of the credited screenwriters is Thomas McGuane, and despite his involvement this story doesn't entirely have the gravitas it should.

Horn, portrayed by Steve McQueen in his second to last motion picture, is well cast and assumes the role naturally.  This cooler than cool icon is perfect to embody the confident, dignified (yet rough hewned) man of the frontier.  Someone most comfortable in the mountains, alone with his horse.  He even tells his temporary girlfriend, school teacher Glendolene Kimmel (Linda Evans) that he may well get more fulfilment from the company of the animal than with human beings.  The horse certainly treats him better.

But then there's cattle company owner John Coble (the wonderful Richard Farnsworth), a salt of the earth type who hires Horn to solve a recent cattle rustling issue, by any means necessary.  The stamp of approval for vigilantism is given by the board of the grazing association and even the U.S. Marshall, Joe Belle (Billy Green Bush), who harbors political aspirations. The latter individuals eventually insure that no good deed goes unpunished when they become disenchanted with Horn's violent methods, for which of course they hired him.  Can't have bad press.  A plot to frame the proud loner is set into motion.

TOM HORN has always had this dark vibe.  A veneer that all but cries "downer Western."  This is somewhat accurate, but the film also attempts to get light and playful in moments and this certainly clashes with the ultimately sad, grim tale.  Director William Wiard, brought on after several others - including Don Siegel - had clashed with McQueen, ably frames the action but his roots in television are evident much of the time.  Cinematographer John A. Alonzo, known for stellar work on several classic films, shoots beautiful vistas, but doesn't really give the film the sort of aura it needs.  It's all very perfunctory.  And the script, while taking some well aimed barbs at journalism and "progress", is fairly blah.

McQueen was ill by this time and he does look tired, but it suits the project.  The best scene is his last, chatting with the Sheriff (who else but Slim Pickens) before accepting his fate.  It's also as if he's closing the book on his career.  Even though THE HUNTER would be his last film, TOM HORN is a far more appropriate valediction for Steven McQueen.