The Grey Fox (1982): Old West highwayman Bill Miner, known to Pinkertons as “The Gentleman
Bandit,” is released in 1901 after 33 years in prison, a genial and
charming old man. He goes to Washington to live and work with his
sister’s family. But the world has changed much while he has been away,
and he just can’t adjust. So he goes to Canada and returns to the only
thing familiar to him — robbery (with stagecoaches changed to trains).
The Straight Story (1999): “The Straight Story” chronicles a trip made by 73-year-old Alvin
Straight from Laurens, Iowa, to Mt. Zion, Wis., in 1994 while riding a
lawn mower. The man undertook his strange journey to mend his
relationship with his ill, estranged, 75-year-old brother Lyle.
Farnsworth was nominated for Best Actor for his work in The Straight Story. He should have won. The ending is one of the most understated and powerful in movie history.
He started as a stunt man in such films as A Day at the Races (1937) and Gone with the Wind (1939). He did not receive acting credits until 1966 in Texas Across the River. He was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor for Comes a Horseman. The only Jane Fonda movie I like. It was filmed outside Flagstaff, Arizona.
He was diagnosed with terminal cancer and committed suicide in 2000 by
shooting himself at his ranch in Lincoln, NM. He was the most authentic cowboy actor I have ever seen.
