‘DURANGO’ IS BEAUTIFUL WESTERN PERIOD DRAMA SET IN IRELAND
One of those films I loves “back in the day,” Durango is part of a line of TV films that I used to love seeing new installments to.
Durango (1999) TV Film Review
Smart and ambitious Mark Doran (Matt Keeslar) is trying to put together an ambitious place. HIs idea involves locals and the cattle that they annually sell. He refuses to bring his cattle into town to sell to the accepted local buyer, which isn’t on the up and up and instead is quietly known to be a cheat. This inspires Mark to try and organize a forty-mile drive where he’ll sell his cattle at a fair price.
This sets into motion a series of events leading to a dangerous and ambitious cattle drive, including forcing Mark to confront Fergus Mullaney (Patrick Bergin) about more than business.
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‘DURANGO’ IS BEAUTIFUL WESTERN PERIOD DRAMA SET IN IRELAND. Matt Keeslar stars in this #Hallmark Hall of Fame production. #PeriodDrama Share on X
Part of the Hallmark Hall of Fame collection, Durango is one of those underrated period dramas that feels like no one discusses. It boasts a stellar, albeit mostly unknown cast, and of course, the story is entertaining. It’s like an old-fashioned western that has all the key elements (cattle, disrupters, a little romance), but takes place in Ireland which is a place we don’t usually see associated with the western genre.
The story isn’t new, but the team behind it produces it well, and this marks the first directing credit of Brent Shields, a longtime producer of Hallmark productions. I enjoy the story and the scenery and the sweet albeit subtle kind of star-crossed love story. The cattle drive allows for the camera to catch and of course, us, to see many beautiful scenes that are Irish countryside. This marks the debut of Nancy St. Alban, and is also a film marking one of the rare credits for some of the other actors. Even lead actor Matt Keeslar is no longer acting.
If you like period drama but have seen all the ones that are popular, well, then Durango may be one to add to your viewing list. It’s about perseverance and the misfit band of characters who make it through. There is also a good deal of entertainment quality as well.
Stream, at publication, on Hallmark+, Plex, Roku, Tubi TV or Youtube; or you can search for possible DVD copies on places like Amazon
Poster Image: Hallmark
Content: nothing to note outside of a few “threatening” scenes where people try to hinder someone. Someone (off screen) shoots an animal. The film is TV-PG
