Major Dundee

Major Dundee is a listless adventure western. The decent development of Richard Harris’s character is unfortunately not matched by that of Charlton Heston, and their conflict, which is supposed to be the film’s primary storyline, is undercut by a number of subplots that needlessly slow the film down and drag it out. I see that my colleagues are complaining about the lengthiness of the 123-minute version – and I had to sit through the 152-minute version, which not even watching on the big screen could help. (03/07/2005)

I expected much more from the creator of The Wild Bunch. Decent production design and quality performances, but at times the film drags horribly and boredom creeps in. (20/07/2002)

Major Dundee is a perfect example of what sometimes irks me about old-school American films. You’ve got these epic landscapes, sweeping music, and at the center of it all is the flawless hero—Major Dundee, the guy every kid wants to be and every girl swoons over. A little more grit and realism wouldn’t have hurt, and it would’ve made the whole thing way more engaging to watch. (27/03/2021)

Butcher Sam is just getting warmed up, but the sensational casting of all three leads makes this film a big deal as well. Watch the Director’s Cut, not the cropped up TV version. (16/10/2007)