My all-time favorite movie is Lonesome Dove, which is based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Larry McMurtry. In addition to enjoying the four part series, I’ve read the novel more than once. The nearly six and a half hour epic runs at my house at least a couple times a year, usually more. It’s a story of the epic journey of two former Texas Rangers who are determined to be the first to drive cattle from Texas to Montana. Through the course of their travels they encounter devastating obstacles, the loss of life, and incredible disappointment.
The sweeping scenes of wide open frontier and the life along the trail are some of the best ever recorded. The interactions of the characters creates depth and authenticity. The relationship between Woodrow F. Call and Augustus McCrae is so tightly woven that it is often used as an example of true friendship. As dramatic as Lonesome Dove paints the story of human relationships, and committed friendship overall, it falls short of the depth which can be found in non-fiction.
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