“Silverado” (1985) directed by Lawrence Kasdan, starring Kevin Kline, Scott Glenn, Kevin Costner, Danny Glover and Brian Dennehy / Z-View

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Silverado (1985)

Director:  Lawrence Kasdan

Screenplay: Lawrence Kasdan, Mark Kasdan

Stars: Kevin Kline, Scott Glenn, Kevin Costner, Danny Glover, Brian Dennehy, Linda Hunt, Jeff Goldblum, Rosanna Arquette, Joe Seneca, Jeff Fahey, Marvin J. McIntyre, Brad Leland, Sheb Wooley, Jonathan Kasdan, Todd Allen, Bill Thurman, Meg Kasdan, Dick Durock, Gene Hartline, Jake Kasdan and John Cleese.

Tagline: A dangerous place, in a lawless time… ‘Til four friends risked all to make things right.

The Plot…

Four strangers, Emmett an ex-con, Paden a former outlaw, Jake a slow-witted fast gunslinger and Mal a drifter meet on the road to Silverado.  Along the way they will have adventures and become friends.

In Silverado, Paden learns that one of his crime partners, Cobb is Sheriff.  Cobb has a sweet deal.  Not only is Cobb the Sheriff, but he also owns the bar and runs the town for Mr. McKendrick.  McKendrick is owner of the biggest ranch in the area.  Nothing happens in Silverado without McKendrick’s okay.  McKendrick also holds a grudge against Emmett, Jake and Mal.  He wants them dead.

Paden is going to have to make a choice.  Cobb has offered him a sweet deal.  All he has to do is nothing.  Just standby and watch his friends be gunned down.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Silverado was nominated for two 1986 Academy Awards…

  • Nominee for Best Music, Original Score – Bruce Broughton
  • Nominee for Best Sound – Donald O. Mitchell, Rick Kline, Kevin O’Connell, David M. Ronne

Silverado features Jeff Fahey’s feature film debut.

Kevin Kline, Scott Glenn, Kevin Costner and Danny Glover were perfectly cast.  The four had great chemistry.  Brian Dennehy made a great villain — a bad guy, but very likable.  It was nice seeing Linda Hunt, Jeff Goldblum, Rosanna Arquette, Joe Seneca, Jeff Fahey, John Cleese and Sheb Wooley appear.

If the box office had been better there could have been a sequel.  Sadly it was not to be.

Silverado is an under-rated gem.  If you’re a western fan, Silverado checks all the right boxes.

Silverado (1985) rates 5 of 5 stars