Posted on 03/27/2021 3:28:36 PM PDT by Rummyfan
Larry McMurtry, a prolific writer who wrote mostly about the American West and who won a Pulitzer Prize for the sweeping novel "Lonesome Dove," died Thursday, according to a family spokesperson.
He was 84.
Amanda Lundberg confirmed the writer's death to NBC News on Friday. McMurtry died of heart failure at his home in Texas surrounded by his loved ones.
Over half a century, McMurtry wrote almost 50 books, including novels, screenplays, essay collections and memoirs that were predominantly set in the West. Several of his early works became feature films, including Oscar winners "The Last Picture Show" and "Terms of Endearment."
Born in Wichita Falls, Texas, McMurtry drew heavy inspiration for his novels from his time growing up on a ranch.
He was 25 when he wrote his first novel, “Horseman, Pass by,” which examined the changing values in the West after World War II. The book inspired the film “Hud” starring Paul Newman two years later.
His epic 1985 novel, "Lonesome Dove," which focused on a cattle drive from Texas to the Great Plains, was later adapted into a popular television miniseries that starred actors Robert Duvall, Tommy Lee Jones, Danny Glover and Diane Lane.
The four-part television series earned many accolades, including 18 Emmy nominations and seven wins.
(Excerpt) Read more at nbcnews.com ...
Thank you.
Was he a rump ranger too?
Everytime this comes to the western ch on the dish, I go the the "john" to puke!
The in your face liberalism set in the 1800's is criminal!
I know you LD fans are pounding your keyboards about now. Here are some examples: 1) When Gus & P see the heard of buffalo, & Gus sez let's chase some buffalo, because soon there won't be any left....pure BS liberalism.
2) When the black guy gets killed trying to save the blind Indian kid, Gus gets all teary-eyed about "this good man" .......again liberal civil rights BS.
3) Klara Gus's old girlfriend, an 1800's liberated woman & man hater! GIVE ME A BREAK!
I hate liberalism especially the fake movie kind.
Well, put...the casting absolutely did fit!
The only other times that the filmed version matched what I had envisioned while reading the book were “To Kill a Mockingbird” with Gregory Peck, and Hugh Laurie as Bertie Wooster (though Stephen Fry was all wrong as Jeeves).
I think I liked Larry McMurtry’s books set in the 20th century better than the ones set in the Old West, except for “Lonesome Dove”. That was just simply a great book.
However, the 70's had two great miniseries from two other great novels - Rich Man, Poor Man written by Irwin Shaw and QB VII written by Leon Uris. Another great novel Once An Eagle was a so-so series.
I do recommend Justified, in spite of the occasional vulgarity. It fully captures Elmore Leonard’s distinctive characters and their excellent dialog. Have a taste:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fE8I2vLE_0o
At the risk of over-selling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iKcDli1Hgs
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