Quigley Down Under (DVD, 2001)

Tom Selleck is best known for his hit TV series Magnum P.I. and his Three Men and a Baby hit (along with its sequel). His films, Her Alibi, High Road to China and Mr. Baseball were other clever roles for Selleck. Yet many casual viewers are not aware of his prolific participation as an actor in Western Drama. Selleck was under appreciated by both critics and audience, in Quigley Down Under. His character, Matthew Quigley, an American Sharp shooter, the plot, lured to Australia for $50 dollars in gold, to eliminate (he thinks) wild dingoes (Australian wild dogs), Matthew is bound for adventure. After an altercation with some local mates upon arriving in Australia, Quigley discovers that the mates (or fellows) are those sent to fetch him. He is then escorted to the remote lands of a despicable land baron named Marston. Quigley is paired with a somewhat crazy, woman a.k.a. town prostitute (from America) Crazy Cora. This unlikely alliance grows as Quigley soon discovers he is not to kill dingoes but Aborigine's.

After learning of his real purpose as a sharpshooter, Quigley throws his host through his own dining room window, holds off the other cowboys (mates) and is eventually subdued after a servant (an Aborigine abused by Marston ) whacks him over the head. He is thoughly beaten and carried off in a wagon, semi comatose, with his new found side kick, Crazy Cora. The goal of Marston is to leave both Quigley and Cora to die in the great outback. After a clever ruse, Quigley gains his freedom, kills the two men sent to dispose of him and throughout the remainder of the movie, develops his mission to avenge both his beating, the senseless murder of Aborigines by Marstons men, and to save both himself and his new found friend from the dangers of the outback. Marston’s attempts to track him down and kill him, the Aborigines and other innocent bystanders, fuels Quigley’s determination to eliminate Marston and any of his men who get in his way.

Various scenes of his shooting expertise enhance the plot of the film. In addition the movie appeals to those would be western heroes, who yearn to fulfill the role of a “Quigley”, to satisfy their quest for adventure, fantasy and manly development. This film speaks to all those who want to be real men in the western tradition. This role for Selleck is not an aberration in his film career.

Selleck’s portrayal of one of the Sackett brothers Orrin (in Louis L'Amour’s The Sacketts), is not as well known, but is in the same western genre. He teams with other western stars, Sam Elliot, Glenn Ford, Ben Johnson, Slim Pickens and others, to present this L'Amour character. He has among the other credits in Quigley and The Sacketts: Last Stand at Sabre River, The Shadow Riders, and Monte Walsh. Quigley Down Under is a stellar achievement in a long career which includes these other western. Those who love westerns will love Quigley!

If not, maybe Matthew Quigley can give them a lesson in the art of firing his unique Sharp long rifle (specially made for the Movie). Selleck, a pro-gun advocate along with this reviewer, respects the rights of the second amendment.

All in all, Quigley Down Under is a splendid adventure, well acted and directed, beautifully filmed, and designed to capture the hearts of men and women who crave for a return of the American Western (though this was filmed in Australia). The adventure and quest is timeless and never ending. Five Stars for Quigley!

Reid Farrow Movie Buff

Great Movie...one you can sit down with the entire family from 3yrs to 104 yrs and enjoy! No graphic displays of nudity..No vulgar language..
Seen this movie before years ago..liked it then...Like it better now..."They just don't make them like they use too!!!!
Can't wait to get me one of those 1874 Quigley 45/110 long range exspress rifles!
If there are any women out there who don't think they like westerns...Give this one a chance...Tom Selleck!..how cute is he!

Quigley Down Under is one of those rare films that is both a guy film and a chick flick, also engaging to children! Tom Selleck has shown his wide range of acting ability as a romantic leading man and a dramatic actor portraying deep emotions.

The settlement of Australia is very similar to the settlement of America's West. Gorgeous Tom steps into the role of a hired gun with dignity, values, sensitivity, and a great humor.

The film deals with many issues from the development of Australia's government to the treatment of aborigines. It is great historical fiction as well as adventure and romance. I highly recommend it for all ages! Good clean fun!

I only have a few words to say about this movie. BEST WESTERN EVER MADE! Tom Selleck is THE MAN! It should go down in history as a classic. The supporting actors were also GREAT! The Aborigines People of Australia are a remarkable and grand bunch of people. Hats off to their acting as well. EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT movie.

Being raised in the 60's I was brought up on westerns, Quigley is a great western when their are few made these day's. There is enough laughs to mix in with a very serious theme to provide excellent entertainment. The setting and the cast were well picked and fit into the movie perfectly. For everyone, no nasty words. Everone needs to see this movie. The events are real good and belivable unlike the westerns made over sea's. There is nothing to dislike about this movie. May many more come to us in the future.