The Legend of the Lone Ranger (1981) – Encore Review

“I have no use for ordinary men, Mr. Wiatt. We are on a course that will alter the history of this country. Men who disobey orders for the sake of their own personal gain are a clear and present danger to my plan.” – Maj. Bartholomew ‘Butch’ Cavendish

Number of Times Seen – Numerous times (on video in 1982, cable, video, 6 Oct 2013 and 25 Aug 2021)

Link to original review – Here

Brief Synopsis – After a group of Texas Rangers are massacred by a former Army Officer, the lone survivor dons a mask in order to seek out justice and peace in the West.

My Take on it – This is a movie that I recall seeing on video in 1982 when my parents rented a VCR for a week.

I watched it over and over and loved the story because of the way it all plays out.

THe origin story as depicted here is great and keeps things so simplified, yet understandable as to how a savior like this could be created

The film does a great job having this character meet some of the most famous figures of that era.

The plot is simple, yet does a great job of showing how corruption in the Old West can be stopped when there is someone willing to try and keep the peace, even with a gun.

They do a great job showing the origins of the various iconic items related to The Lone Ranger; His horse Silver, silver bullets, his trusted friend Tonto and his bellowing cry Hi-Ho Silver!

Despite never appearing in any other movie besides this one, Klinton Spillsbury does an amazing job in the title role even if his voice is dubbed by James Keach.

Christopher Lloyd is superb as the menacing villain here even if he is pretty one dimensional the whole way through.

Recommended!

MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia – At one screening in San Diego, people showed up dressed in The Lone Ranger masks and Western costumes. During the movie, when the Lone Ranger vows to avenge his brother, and the “William Tell Overture” kicks in, the theater erupted. “Sid Sheinberg, (the President of Universal) who was sitting next to me, looked over to me and said, ‘It’s previewing better than Jaws”, said Walter Coblenz. (From IMDB)

Rating – Globe Worthy (8/10) (no change from original review)