“1923”: The series with Harrison Ford begins

Set in 1923, the western series “1923” unites superstars Harrison Ford (80) and Helen Mirren (77) for the first time in a modern series project. Behind “1923” is series creator Taylor Sheridan (53). The American, who lives on a ranch, first became known as the writer of the hit films “Sicario” (2015), “Hell or High Water” (2016) and “Wind River” (2017, also directed) before starting . working with “Yellowstone” (since 2018) achieved great success in the series in his country.

The modern western series with Kevin Costner (68) in the leading role of John Dutton is now getting its second outing in the form of a series with “1923” – after the previous show “1883” (2021-2022).

That’s what “1923” is all about

In 1923, husband and wife Jacob (Ford) and Cara Dutton (Mirren) run the Yellowstone Ranch in rural Montana. The Dutton ranching family faces many threats and dangers. The entire state of Montana is in an economic crisis as Prohibition rules and locusts feed on vital forage for cattle.

Together with his shepherds, Jacob Dutton tries to lead his animals to the highest pastures in the mountains, but he gets into a conflict with the sheep farmers for the Scottish immigrant Banner Creighton, played by the star of “Game of Thrones” Jerome Flynn (60). . After a murder dispute, he seeks help from wealthy businessman Donald Whitfield (former James Bond Timothy Dalton, 77), who then helps Creighton financially.

Meanwhile, Jacob Dutton’s adopted son Spencer (Brandon Sklenar) has experienced the horrors of the First World War on the front line, and a few years later he is employed in colonial Africa as a hunter of lions and other big cats. Haunted by his wartime experiences, Spencer Dutton tries to drown his memories in alcohol when he meets a British woman Alexandra (Julia Schlaepfer, 28).

American-born Teonna (Aminah Nieves), on the other hand, is involuntarily staying at a Catholic boarding school, where she is beaten in class by vengeful nuns and plagued by the unrelenting racism of white immigrants.

Actors and their roles

“1923” comes with a stellar cast, where, of course, Indiana Jones and Han Solo actor Harrison Ford as well as Oscar winner Helen Mirren appear. In fact, “1923” is the first series project of the famous star Ford, who can now also be seen in the comedy series “The Decline” (which started later in the United States) on the Apple TV+ streaming service.

Mirren, on the other hand, previously starred in the historical service Catherine the Great (2019). The two stars now appear together for the first time in the one-hour contemporary drama series, playing the grandfather of John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner in ‘Yellowstone.’

In addition, “1923” offers a reunion with former James Bond actor Timothy Dalton, who played 007 in the 1980s in “James Bond 007 – The Living Daylights” (1987) and “License to Kill” (1989). In “1923” the audience experienced Dalton as an economic invader from the eastern United States who wants to buy the valuable land of the cattle ranchers in the name of development and progress.

“1923” also offers a connection with the star of “Game of Thrones” Jerome Flynn, who included the hero Bronn in the epic fantasy series that ended in 2019, one of the few characters for whom the conclusion of the story meant a happy ending. In “1923”, the now attractive actor plays a hot-headed shepherd who slowly gets to know the conveniences of modern times like running water and electricity.

Other notable actors such as “Terminator 2” antagonist Robert Patrick (64) or “Fargo” star Peter Stormare (69) may appear in minor roles and complete the impressive collection of actors from “1923”.

That’s why “1923” is worth seeing

“1923” gives viewers a great introduction to the “Yellowstone” world series. It is not necessary to previously see the other two series “1883” and “Yellowstone”. In “1923”, series creator Sheridan once again creates a story about a large family dynasty against the spectacular scenery and raw nature of Montana.

A solid color of the time

While the cowboys in the mother series “Yellowstone”, which is currently set, are already on the road in pickup trucks, the skeptical and conservative Dutton family in “1923” still opposes the ubiquitous development that is being done. in the form of cars, electricity, running water, washing machines and refrigerators are starting to take hold in Montana. Cattle ranching also seems to be old by 1923, and many ranchers have left the state to seek their fortunes in California.

Unlike the parent series “Yellowstone” or the first prequel series “1883”, “1923” also offers a story set in colonial Africa, in the center of which is the war veteran Spencer Dutton. So, for the first time, the show from the “Yellowstone” world series takes place on two continents – and Spencer’s adventures in Africa and later on the high seas sometimes feel like completely different series.

All three series – “1883”, “Yellowstone” and “1923” – share the basic understanding of violence and brutality that is so central to Sheridan’s work. Many actors such as Ford, Mirren or Dalton are perfect in Sheridan’s dense story, captivating and cutting an excellent figure in their old-fashioned Western attire.

A second season of “1923” consisting of eight episodes has already been ordered.

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