Books are always better, more inclusive; however, this film comes close to my idea of a great western. The casting was outstanding. Sam and Katharine have been a couple for decades and can express emotions with just a look. Ben Curtis and Barry Corbin are always a treat to watch. Even the bad guys were well cast. The sound track is what keeps bringing me back to this film. It's a hard life but I almost wish I could ride out with Katharine to "the other side of her valley