The Long Ride (1993)
In terms of bringing back characters from the esteemed Gunsmoke series, this film might as well be a completely independent production—except for the powerful presence of James Arness as an elderly Matt Dillon and the return of Beth, Dillon’s daughter from previous films. But way to ramp up the action right from the start; Dillon is wrongly accused of murder at his daughter’s wedding and must clear his name before a posse hellbent on capturing him (or enforcing frontier justice) finds him. He may be a little slower with his fists, on the run, and on the draw, but still the tough and determined former marshal manages to outsmart and outgun his attackers. Ali MacGraw as Uncle Jane Merkel, a lady of the evening, and James Brolin (father of Josh Brolin star of The Young Riders) as Preacher John Parsley both deliver strong, emotional performances and add an extra punch of star power to the movie. But there’s not doubt who holds the top billing—James Arness as Matt Dillon.
Fun Trivia:
Ali MacGraw, who was once married to Steve McQueen, is best known for her roles in Goodbye, Columbus (1969), Love Story (1970), and a 13-episode stint on Dynasty (1985). She would make only two more films after The Long Ride, before retiring from acting to live a quiet, modest life in New Mexico.
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About the Author
Native New Yorker, Darlene Cah is a writer, actor/improvisor, and digital content specialist based in North Carolina. Her short stories have appeared in Smokelong Quarterly, Red Earth Review, Have a NYC (Anthology), Referential Magazine, and other journals. Fiction awards include Soul-Making Keats Literary Competition, Emrys Fiction Prize, Semifinalist ScreenCraft Cinematic Short Story Contest, and more. Advertising awards include Finalist Media Post Awards for email, Honorable Mention Clios, One Shows, and Andys (print). When not writing for INSP, you’ll find her on stage, backstage, or coaching improv for Shakespeare & Friends Theater Company. And, of course, playing fetch with her dog.
