Monte Walsh is a 1963 western novel by Jack Schaefer. It was filmed in 1970 by William A. Fraker with Lee Marvin, Jeanne Moreau and Jack Palance. A made-for-TV remake was produced in 2003 with Tom Selleck and Isabella Rosselini, and directed by Simon Wincer.
Monte Walsh and Chet Rollins are long-time cowhands, working whatever ranch work comes their way, but "nothing they can't do from a horse." Their lives are divided between months on the range and the occasional trip into town. Monte has a long-term relationship with prostitute Martine Bernard, while Chet has fallen under the spell of the widow who owns the hardware store. Camaraderie and competition with the other cowboys fill their days, until one of the hands, Shorty Austin, loses his job and gets involved in rustling and killing. Then Monte and Chet find that their lives on the range are inexorably redirected. Written by Jim Beaver
Monte Walsh is an aging cowboy facing the ending days of the Wild West era. As barbed wire and railways steadily eliminate the need for the cowboy, Monte and his friends are left with fewer and fewer options. New work opportunities are available to them, but the freedom of the open prarie is what they long for. Eventually, they all must say goodbye to the lives they knew, and try to make a new start. Written by Jean-Marc Rocher
