[7]
After escaped convicts are found slaughtered in the wilderness, a bounty hunter (Tom Berenger) and an anthropology professor (Barbara Hershey) travel deep into the Montana mountains to confirm a nagging suspicion that a tribe of Cheyenne ‘Dogmen’ have survived in isolation, still living as Native Americans did hundreds of years ago. Last of the Dogmen, written and directed by Tab Murphy (his sole directing credit), is a bit like Frank Capra’s Lost Horizon, with Berenger and Hershey becoming so enamored with a secret civilization and their peaceful oasis, that they’re reluctant to return to the modern world. They’re ultimately forced to defend their new native friends when the local sheriff (RoboCop‘s Kurtwood Smith) leads a posse of policemen toward the Dogmen’s hidden village.
Murphy seems to be gunning for a Bogart/Hepburn antagonistic romance, a la The African Queen, with the lead characters. Berenger and Hershey are up for it, but the script moves a little too quickly for a truly memorable love affair to catch fire. The third act feels rushed and contrived, but there’s still a lot to enjoy in this film, especially if you’re into old-fashioned, outdoor adventures. The first two acts are strong, setting up a genuine mystery and a fun ‘getting to know you’ stage for Hershey and Berenger. For animal lovers, our heroes are joined by two loyal horses and a life-saving dog named Zip who each feel like supporting players in their own right. The film was largely shot in the snow-capped Canadian Rockies, so the scenery is nothing short of breathtaking. The lush, sweeping score by David Arnold (Stargate, Independence Day) is also top-notch.
With Steve Reevis and Andrew Miller.