SILVER

Newly appointed sheriff Pat Garrett (James Coburn) visits old pal Billy the Kid (Kris Kristofferson) to warn him that “times have changed.” And then the long chase begins, underscored by the folk-rock songs of Bob Dylan (who also appears as an outlaw named Alias), including the film’s emotional pinnacle: the long farewell between wounded sheriff Colin Baker and his wife (veteran Western stars Slim Pickens and Katy Jurado), scored to “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.” The fable-like tale is told in Garrett’s flashback, bookended by the brilliantly edited prologue and epilogue. Controversially cut down by MGM when originally released, the film is now properly restored and hailed as a New Hollywood/New Western masterpiece. DIR Sam Peckinpah; SCR Rudy Wurlitzer; PROD Gordon Carroll. U.S., 1973, color, 117 min. RATED R

In Memoriam: Kris Kristofferson (1936–2024)

Also part of Dylan in the Movies.