Ned Kelly

Released on DVD to coincide with the new theatrical remake starring Heath Ledger and Naomi Watts, the 1970 version of Ned Kelly is now little more than a curio from the outlaw-movie trend of the late '60s and early '70s. This was Mick Jagger's semi-dubious screen debut, and the Rolling Stones frontman manages not to embarrass himself too much in the title role as Australia's most notorious true-life bandit. As portrayed by Jagger, Kelly is a dashing, much-beloved rogue, just released from prison, who only wants to do well by his Irish mum and siblings, but the pesky police just won't leave them alone. Violence erupts, Ned turns into a renegade robber with a merry band of thieves, and there's plenty of grog-drinkin' between shootouts. While Waylon Jennings sings numerous soundtrack ballads penned by Shel Silverstein, director Tony Richardson gives the movie a somber, slow-paced atmosphere of doom-laden fate. Definitely worthwhile as an offbeat Western, but otherwise non-essential viewing, Ned Kelly--presented here in a lackluster transfer on an extra-less DVD--is an optional purchase. (J. Shannon)