4/5 A SUSPENSE WESTERN LIKE NO OTHER
  by Stephen P. Borchelt
One of the most underrated films of Gregory Peck's career, THE STALKING MOON is a beautifully-paced thriller. Unlike many of today's movies, the story takes needed time in developing a poignant relationship between Sam Varner, a retiring Army scout, and Sarah, a woman desperately seeking to escape her brutal Apache husband. [Not politically correct today, but so what!] As the story evolves, and the Apache stalks the pair across Arizona and New Mexico, Peck comes to care enough for the woman [Eva Marie Saint] and her half-breed son to put his life on the line in stopping the Apache's vengeful pursuit. The same team that gave us TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, Alan Pakula and Robert Mulligan, give a tight, new twist to the western genre with THE STALKING MOON. It's a first-rate Western.

5/5 Most Underated Western Ever?
  by Harvey (Greenville, SC)
First off, a couple of reviewers have given this great film 1 star due to their mistaken impression that it is not presented in widescreen. Notice they both indicate they have not seen the DVD. Trust me, this version IS IN WIDESCREEN, despite the technical specifications Amazon lists. As for the film itself, it is outstanding! One of my all-time favs as a kid going to the movies on saturday afternoons in the 60's and 70's watching mostly westerns. Gregory Peck gives an outstanding performance as the hardened army scout ready to retire to his New Mexico ranch. His plans are changed drastically when he takes in a refugee white woman from an Apache tribe with a half-breed son. Let's just say Peck gets more than he bargained for so as not to ruin it for anyone who has not seen it. The film features outstanding on-location cinematography and fine performances from all the actors, especially Peck and Robert Forester. Tension builds throughout the film as the enemy is never seen but the carnage he creates is left scattered across the southwestern desert. Someone once said that if Alfred Hitchcock had ever made a western, it would be something like this. So true. I wish I could take ceredit for that line. If you enjoy western period pieces, and action and suspense in general, do yourself a favor and pick this one up.



5/5 Atticus Finch on horseback.
  by David Randolph
Like many others I waited for several years to see this movie come out on DVD. I have read that TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD was Peck's favorite film...and rightfully so. But I have also heard THE STALKING MOON was one of his favorites as well. This Gregory Peck collaboration with Mulligan is another very satisfying venture. Peck's sense of decency and willingness to do the right thing comes through, even if he is reluctant at first. While I rate MOCKINGBIRD as one of my top ten best movies of all time, I also rate STALKING MOON as one of my top five westerns. I stumbled across it on late night TV and eagerly sought it out on VHS. The story is simple, but extremely effective. One of the apsects of the film that enhances the action is the score...it just seems to fit every scene and adds to the growing tension. The film is often understated, but chilling. After repeated viewings, the only flaw I find is that Eva Marie Saint should have lost the eye make-up. All the characters ring true and Robert Forster contributes another strong performance. There are very few westerns that I watch again and again. SHANE comes to mind...and so does THE STALKING MOON. It sneaks up on you....and draws you in. Watch it...you'll see what I mean.

5/5 PECK AT HIS BEST.
  by Willow Guillaume (Calif.)
IF YOU LIKE (OR LOVE) WESTERNS THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST. WELL DIRECTED, WELL ACTED; GREAT PHOTOGRAPHY AND A CHILLING ANTAGONIST. THEY DON'T MAKE THEM ANY BETTER THAN THIS ONE!

4/5 A mature Western
  by Dale Casper (Norwalk, OH USA)
Masterfully staged, expertly directed, superbly paced, suspensefully scored, appropriately laconic, this is an adult's Western for those who can appreciate the mounting tension, rustic atmosphere, and a touch of romance. Connoisseurs will appreciate this Peck/Mulligan/Pakula gem.