Sergeant Major Basil Plumley is not a Merry Man.

Rating: 9/10 (5 March 2002)

But Sam Elliott will be when the Oscar nominations are handed out for Best Supporting Actor in 2003. Sometimes a role comes along that completely defines an actor's ability to perfect his or her trade, to the benefit of the character depicted. This is Sam Elliott's moment to shine, the highlight of his acting career. Elliott delivers nothing short of a miraculous performance. Oh, and the movie is top-notch, too.