Waltz across Texas

Nicely observed portrait of West Texans at that moment when the traditional individualistic ways of the maverick wildcatters collided with the more sophisticated, play-it-safe high-tech future. Story comes wrapped up as a romance between real-life husband-and-wife Terry Jastrow and Anne Archer.The film does a fine job of idealizing the nuts-and-bolts of small-scale oil drilling, and makes that far more interesting than you might expect. The plot is clichéd, and the characters stereotypical, but somehow, the excellent screenplay uses familiarity to anchor us quickly into place, and then spends its own leisurely time drawing in the details that bring the whole thing to quite pleasurable life.It's familiar without being clichéd, fleshed-out without being eccentric, dignified without being pompous. Credit the writer, and the likeability of the cast, most particularly Jastrow, who is quite charming. Richard Farnsworth also stands out in a very effective early sequence.That said, there's a fuzziness to the technicals, to the lighting and editing and such. A better director could have made "Waltz Across Texas" absolutely sparkle. As it is, though, it's still a small, slightly under-polished gem.

I have seen this film and enjoyed it many years ago. With my failing memory, I thought Ed Harris played the lead role and I wanted to see some of his earlier works again. Unfortunately, Ed Harris was not the leading man but real life Anne Archers husband. I purchased it anyway, and it was not as good as I remembered, the age of the film is showing and it has the low budget look. The chemistry is there with Archer and her husband and the towel scene is still classic. Mary Kay Place was a delight to see as supporting actress. I just loved her accent in this film even if it was a bit over the top. I own it now, so I may look at again when nostolgia occurs to see Anne Archer or MKP. Last film I saw with Anne was her film with Tommy Lee Jones in "Man of the House". If your looking for an old TEXAS romance film, this just might fill the bill.

Loved this fun movie about oil and gas exploration in the early 80's

I saw this movie years ago and truly enjoyed it! I gave it 4 stars because nothing was edited out thank goodness, but it was not as clear as I would have liked it. Wished it could have been digitally remade!

I was so glad to find this movie again! DVD is in perfect condition.Thank you so much.

My dad had been talking about this movie for years we finally were able to find it and he really enjoyed it

Being a Texan this has good humor and meaning of what makes up Texans especially in the oil / gas industry. It is a special breed.

I was the supervisor of the Stardust club in Midland at the time this movie was filmed there.