Special Features
Included as special features are two brief but interesting featurettes, filling in some needed background in the absence of a full commentary track. The first and longest (about 12 mins) of these is titled “Remembering Will Penny” and is a nice introduction to the film. It was shot recently, specifically for promotional and historical / archival purposes of the kind offered by DVD, and features several of Heston’s recollections on the making and casting of the film. Though anecdotal, there is some humour to Heston’s recollections, particularly concerning the part that eventually went to Hackett. Heston also discusses the importance of the film’s theme of the ageing cowboy in the evolution of the western as a genre. He emphasizes the filmmakers’ stress on authenticity and adds that the character is perhaps the nicest guy he has ever played. It also offers recollections from the director’s son (who played the boy in the film) and an informative discussion concerning the necessity of the ending, despite other choices. The second featurette, “The Cowboys of Will Penny” contains Heston’s praise for his character actor co-stars. Indeed this praise is well-earned as the supporting cast make for a fine film. Heston and Anthony Zerbe would later co-star again in the excellent 1971 cult science fiction film The Omega Man. It is a shame that Will Penny, a quiet, lovely Western, is not more widely known, though it is certainly admired by critics.
Wider Screenings Star Rating
The Movie: 5 stars
Picture: 4 stars
Sound: 3 ½ stars
Extras: 2 ½ stars
WS DVD rating: 4 stars