The Gus McCrae School of Bartending

Lonesome Dove is the best western ever made. This is my favorite scene with Gus. Enjoy!
*HISTORICAL CONTEXT - The Western author Louis L'Amour was a maniac for historical accuracy. He wrote a series of fictional short stories about Chick Bowdrie, a late 19th century Texas Ranger. I have summarized his author's notes to describe this stage of Texas history:
**Texas Rangers had wide discretionary power enforcing the law due to the great distances and bad weather. If jailing a "criminal" meant a family or others might suffer a Ranger would make a judgement based on the welfare of all involved. The Rangers were fiercely independent & proud, as were the men & women settling Texas. Many were adventurers, some running from previous lives (or the law) and they came from all over the world. You never asked a person their business or even their name, yet hospitality to strangers was a way of life and respectful behavior towards women was strictly enforced. This "pride" culture did not tolerate even the slightest insult and most sober men spoke carefully around strangers because one indiscreet word might result in violence, especially in saloons. A casual insult towards General Lee while standing at the bar could spark a drunk Rebel veteran into a murderous rage. Drunken arguments that turned into gunplay was the main reason most towns started prohibiting firearms within town limits.

[iluvtheblues]

One of my favorite scenes. I love that when the bartender gets surly, Woodrow backs off and starts surveying the bar room because he knows what's coming from Augustus.

[armadillotoe]

Lonesome Dove was possibly the best thing to ever be on television. Today, there is nothing that approaches it.

[bigtrout]

These two actors BECAME Woodrow and Gus. I never see Duval without seeing Gus. Best western, no, best movie EVER in my lifetime. This is one of my favorite scenes.

[rezelltheblack]

This is an outstanding miniseries. Anyone who likes Westerns should definitely see it

[pundamilia]

You notice Woodrow stepped away after the bartender insulted Gus? He knew what was coming and kept an eye on the poker players just in case. Those Texas Rangers were as tough a bunch as Americas ever produced.

[thitsugaya]

After seeing this, Secondhand Lions, and Open Range, there's one thing that's certain, never mouth off to Robert Duval in a bar.

[tommydiaz]

This is scene is so awesome love how tommy Lee Jones steps away knowing what Robert Duvall was about to do

[steviejd]

That line, ‘here’s to the sunny slopes of long ago’ almost makes me cry. Life is so short.

[tylergray]

Love how the second the bartender insults Gus, Woodrow turns to the door to protect Gus's back...because he knows it's about to be on.

[lukepotter]

Here’s to the sunny slopes of long ago! I’ve never stopped using this quote! Very true statement

[joebobrednek]

My Dad and I always watched Lonesome Dove when it was on TV. Now every time I watch it I remember all the good times spent with him.

[kjmdrumz]

This and Band of Brothers are the two greatest miniseries ever. Love Lonesome Dove.

[melissageiger]

"Here's to the sunny slopes of long ago."
The absolute best toast ever uttered...🥃 clink 🥃

[moebetta]

I gave Mr. Duvall some guitar lessons back in the mid 90's. You could not ask for a nicer gentleman. I think that's why he's so convincing as a very controlled type of badass.

[mickybrennan]

Fantastic rapport between these two magnificent actors, one of the best cowboy series ever done .

[johnholliday]

One of my favorite scenes, along with Woodrow teaching the Army scout about rude behavior.

[harrisfoster]

Yes I am prejudiced, BUT this role was one the greatest performance I have ever seen. Perfect, Duval is an ICON, never honored by the AFI, as complete disgrace

[guydegregg]

"To the sunny slopes of long of ago" Sand never grows old.

[f.lloydwrong]

One of my favorite cinimatic lines of all time was when gus eulogized the Irish lad killed by water moccasins. "Life is short, shorter for some than others." Brilliant

[randmayfield]

One of the absolute best westerns ever made. If you haven't already, read the book. You won't regret it.