Goin' South

Directed by Jack Nicholson, this broadly humorous western stars the legendary actor as Henry Moon, an obstreperous horse thief saved from hanging by a last-minute reprieve. In her promising screen debut, Mary Steenburgen shines as Julia Tate, a pretty spinster who invokes a post-Civil War ordinance (passed after the war had claimed so many marriageable men) to take Moon as her husband. Initially grateful, and looking forward to performing his connubial duties, Moon instead finds himself providing free labor as a gold miner. As their marriage of convenience turns into something more, predictable misunderstandings ensue. With his trademark impishness going full-tilt, and sporting an affected nasal twang, Nicholson incorrigibly hams it up in this mildly amiable 1978 film. There are no extras on the decent-looking, widescreen letterboxed release. A strong optional purchase. (T. Rich)