Charlton Heston and Brian Keith, while first-rate in this film, came in second to the stupendous scenery of the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park in this story of two crotchety, fiercely individualistic fur trappers in the mid-18th century who fight the elements, Indians, and occasionally each other. The two stars work extremely well together, and Keith especially seems to be having the time of his life. He played a similar role in a very good TV movie of the same period, "The Quest," but here he is given the opportunity to run with it, and he does a grand job. At first Heston looks somewhat stiff and uncomfortable in his mountain man getup--mainly varying types of animal pelts, with a huge Davey Crockett-type fur cap--but before long he seems right at home. The action scenes are extremely well done and quite intense, actually--especially when Keith and Heston are ambushed by an Indian war party at their camp--and there is a rollicking scene at a large meadow where the annual trappers' gathering (a sort of swap meet) is held. Heston seems to be enjoying himself, the scenery is absolutely gorgeous, and this is one of the most enjoyable, and better-made, westerns to come out of the early '80s. Recommended.
Review of The Mountain Men
