Watch Gideon

Gideon is a western film from 1998, directed by Claudia Hoover and starring Christopher Lambert, Charlton Heston, and Carroll O'Connor, among others. The movie is set in the Wild West of the late 1800s and tells the story of a group of aging cowboys who come together to help one of their own, Gideon, to fulfill his dying wish. Gideon (played by Lambert) is a notorious outlaw who has spent most of his life on the run from the law. After being diagnosed with a fatal illness, he decides to return to his hometown of Cross Cut, Texas, to die. However, he also wants to make amends for his past mistakes and finally settle down with his childhood sweetheart, Emma (played by Charlton Heston's daughter, Holly Heston). Gideon's return to Cross Cut soon attracts the attention of the local law enforcement, led by the gruff and stubborn Sheriff Clayton (played by Carroll O'Connor). Clayton is determined to bring Gideon to justice, regardless of his condition, and enlists the help of a band of ruthless bounty hunters to track him down. Meanwhile, Gideon reunites with his old gang of cowboys, including his former partner in crime, Eli (played by Michael Rooker), and his best friend and confidante, Ben (played by the late Richard Farnsworth). Gideon asks his former comrades to help him carry out his dying wish: to be buried in the town's cemetery, next to his mother's grave. As the cowboys set out on a dangerous journey to fulfill Gideon's wish, they are pursued by Clayton and his gang of bounty hunters. Along the way, they face a series of challenges and obstacles, including treacherous mountain terrain, hostile Indian tribes, and rival gangs of outlaws. Despite the odds against them, Gideon's gang remains determined to honor their friend's dying wish. Along the way, they reflect on their past lives as cowboys and outlaws and come to terms with their own mortality. As they face their own fears and insecurities, they find courage and strength in their friendship and the bonds that hold them together. Gideon is a beautifully shot film, with stunning cinematography and a haunting score by composer David Arkenstone. The performances by the cast are solid and heartfelt, especially Lambert in the title role and Farnsworth as his loyal friend Ben. The movie's themes of friendship, loyalty, redemption, and mortality are universal and timeless, and are conveyed with a great deal of sensitivity and artistry. While the film's pace is deliberate and contemplative, it never loses its sense of urgency and drama, thanks to the expert direction of Claudia Hoover. Overall, Gideon is a deeply moving and resonant film that explores some of the most profound questions of human existence. It is a testament to the enduring power of the western genre and to the human spirit that refuses to give up, even in the face of overwhelming odds.