The Legend of the Lone Ranger

From young John Reed's witnessing of the tragic killing of his parents by outlaws, through his transformation into the Lone Ranger, and, finally, his rescuing of President Grant from the stronghold of the vile Butch Cavendish with the help of his faithful companion Tonto and trusty steed Silver, this cinematic masterpiece is completely successful in its attempt to relate the early adventures of the legendary Masked Man and his struggle to bring law and order to the Old West.

Along with an excellent storyline and a well above average cast, including Christopher Lloyd as outlaw Cavendish, "The Legend of the Lone Ranger" features an incredible musical score composed by maestro John Barry - a musical genius and "legend" in his own right. Aside from the film's instrumental music, the film's theme song, "Man in the Mask", sung by Merle Haggard, is easily one of the best vocal performances ever from a feature film. The bits and pieces of story narration heard throughout the film, also vocalized by Mr. Haggard, are also exciting and very well written.

Another one of the movie's many highlights are the locations chosen for the film's scenery, which really allow the viewer to feel as though they've actually been transported back in time to the Texas of the late 1800's. Particularly exciting is the magnificent view of mountains and desert which accompanies the exciting chase and robbery of a stage coach toward the beginning of the film.

Don't listen to critics like Leonard Maltin, "The Legend of the Lone Ranger" is truly a wonderful & timeless piece of story telling that can be enjoyed by anyone, young and old alike.


charming!   April 11, 2005
Tom (NM)
9 out of 10 found this review helpful

I've heard highly negative comments about this movie for years, but I saw it recently and adored it! It's 'corny', but that's the beauty of it. I just had to own this. I just wish it were on DVD instead of only on tape. I'm a true Lone Ranger, Western, and Superhero fan. I have no qualms about putting this movie next to my other Ranger videos starring Clayton Moore, Bob Livingston, and John Hart. The Legend of the Lone Ranger isn't perfect, but none of my favorite films or heroes are. There are moments in this movie that really thrilled the kid in me and I found them very touching. That may sound 'corny', but it's true. I'd love to own this on DVD. Anchor Bay would be the perfect company to put out a special edition of this film on DVD.


a pleasant, enjoyable relaxing movie   April 11, 1999
8 out of 10 found this review helpful

It's always seemed a shame to me that reviewers have given this movie such a bad rap. I'm surprised (pleasantly) that you have it for sale. For a number of years it wasn't even available. There are so many movies available that are so much worse than The Legend of the Lone Ranger, and they receive higher ratings, that it is difficult to understand why those who are purportedly experts dismiss its good qualities so quickly. The acting isn't the best - but neither is it the worst. The story line doesn't lend itself to complicated acting ventures, but then it's not intended to. It's wholesome entertainment that draws our minds to the heroic deeds of the Lone Ranger. The story gives us a good history of the main characters, The Lone Ranger and Tonto, and presents their development to men of honor in an understandable portrayal. I especially enjoyed the scenes that depicted the meeting with Silver, and the friendship that developed between The Lone Ranger and his horse. It's most serious drawback is the narrative by Merle Haggard that drones through it. If that could be removed the movie would still hold promise, and provide some pleasant entertainment for those of us who are nostalgic western lovers.