Quigley Down Under Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Cowboy answers an ad to shoot dingos but ends up in a cultural misunderstanding and shoots prejudice instead.

🍿 Quigley Down Under: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival in Australia and Initial Offer

Matthew Quigley, a skilled American sharpshooter, arrives in Australia in response to an advertisement seeking a marksman. He is met by Elliott Marston, a wealthy rancher, who hires him for a seemingly simple task. Upon arriving at Marston’s ranch, Quigley meets ‘Crazy’ Cora, a woman with a troubled past, who mistakes him for someone else.

The True Purpose Revealed

Quigley soon discovers that Marston’s true intention is to use his sharpshooting skills to exterminate the local Aboriginal population. Disgusted by this proposition, Quigley refuses and a conflict ensues. This revelation sets the stage for a moral battle against injustice.

Survival in the Outback

After refusing Marston’s offer, Quigley and Cora are left for dead in the harsh Australian outback. They must rely on their wits and each other to survive the elements and the dangers of the wilderness. They encounter and are aided by a group of Aboriginal people.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Matthew Quigley (Tom Selleck): A skilled American sharpshooter hired to kill Aborigines who ultimately opposes the plan and fights for justice.
• Crazy Cora (Laura San Giacomo): A troubled woman with a tragic past who finds solace and healing through her connection with Quigley.
• Elliott Marston (Alan Rickman): The ruthless Australian rancher who hires Quigley to exterminate the Aborigines and becomes his nemesis.
• Major Ashley-Pitt (Chris Haywood): A British military officer who represents the colonial power structure and clashes with Quigley.
• Kunkurra (Steve Dodd): An Aboriginal elder who offers assistance to Quigley and Cora, representing the resilience of his people.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Matthew Quigley: “M. Quigley, 900 yards.” – Quigley’s response to an advertisement showcasing his sharpshooting skills.
• Elliott Marston: “I said, ‘Find me the best long-range marksman in the world.’ And they found you.” – Marston acknowledging Quigley’s reputation as a skilled sharpshooter.
• Matthew Quigley: “I said I never had much use for one. I never said I didn’t know how to use it.” – Quigley’s response after defeating Marston in a quick-draw duel with a pistol.
• Major Ashley-Pitt: “In our experience, Americans are uncouth misfits who should be run out of their own barbaric country.” – The Major expresses his low opinion of Americans.
• Matthew Quigley: “Well, Lieutenant… Major. We already run the misfits outta our country. We sent ’em back to England.” – Quigley swiftly rebukes the Major’s insult.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $21,413,105
• Worldwide Gross: $21,413,105

💥 Quigley Down Under Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved Quigley Down Under! Tom Selleck is fantastic as the stoic sharpshooter, and Alan Rickman is perfectly evil. The Australian outback is stunning, and the story, while simple, is really powerful. The campfire scene where Cora tells her story just punched me in the gut. I was rooting for Quigley and Cora the whole time. Definitely a must-watch for any western fan!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Westerns.”
  • “Viewers who enjoy Tom Selleck’s performances.”
  • “Those interested in stories about justice and redemption.”
  • “Individuals fascinated by Australian outback settings.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence, including gunfights and physical altercations.”
  • “Depictions of historical mistreatment of indigenous people.”
  • “Some mature themes and language.”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “A solid, entertaining western with beautiful scenery and strong performances from Selleck and Rickman. While the plot is somewhat predictable, the characters are well-developed and the action is engaging. The film handles complex themes with subtlety and respect.
• Variety: “A handsomely mounted western that offers a fresh twist by setting its story in the Australian outback. Tom Selleck delivers a strong performance as the principled sharpshooter, and Alan Rickman shines as the villainous rancher. The film’s exploration of cultural clashes and moral dilemmas adds depth to the genre.
• Rita Kempley: “An action-packed Western set in Australia. It’s a good film with a great cast and some really beautiful scenery, but it isn’t as great as it could be.

Audience Reactions

The scenery is amazing and the sharpshooting is unreal.: Viewers praised the beautiful Australian landscapes and the exciting action sequences.

Alan Rickman is the perfect bad guy, you love to hate him.: Many viewers agreed that Rickman’s portrayal of the villain was outstanding and made the film even more enjoyable.

Overall Consensus: A well-made and entertaining western with strong performances, stunning scenery, and a classic good-versus-evil storyline. Although some find it predictable, most viewers appreciate its charm and action.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The script was originally written in the 1970s and intended to star Steve McQueen.”
• “Alan Rickman took the role because he had always wanted to visit Australia.”
• “The film’s depiction of long-range shooting with a Sharps rifle led to increased interest in the weapon and its historical accuracy.”

🖥️ How to Watch Quigley Down Under?

Quigley Down Under is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for broadcast options as well. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Quigley Down Under, you might like these similar films:

• Dances with Wolves (1990): Deals with similar themes of cultural clashes and the mistreatment of indigenous populations in the American West. Both feature a protagonist who aligns himself with the native people against oppressive forces.
• The Proposition (2005): A brutal and unflinching Australian Western that explores the dark side of colonialism and the complex relationships between settlers and indigenous Australians. Shares similar themes of violence, morality, and the struggle for survival in a harsh environment.
• Open Range (2003): Features a skilled marksman defending the innocent against ruthless landowners in the Wild West, resonating with Quigley’s sense of justice and sharp shooting skills.
• The Man From Snowy River (1982): Offers stunning visuals of the Australian landscape and captures the spirit of adventure and resilience in the face of adversity, mirroring the rugged beauty and challenges faced by Quigley in the outback.

🛒 Quigley Down Under Related Products

• Shiloh Sharps 1874 Quigley Model Rifle: A historically accurate reproduction of Matthew Quigley’s iconic long-range rifle. This is a must-have for collectors and fans who want a piece of movie history.
• Quigley Down Under [Blu-ray]: Experience the stunning Australian outback in high definition. This blu-ray edition includes behind-the-scenes footage and commentary.
• Sharps Rifle Patent Print – Quigley Down Under Poster: High-quality print of the original patent diagram for the Sharps rifle featured in the movie. A unique and stylish wall decor for any western enthusiast.
• Tom Selleck Autographed Quigley Down Under Photo: A rare, autographed photo of Tom Selleck as Matthew Quigley. Authenticated and ready to be framed.

🎧 Soundtrack

Quigley Down Under features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Basil Poledouris
• “Shall We Gather at the River?” – performed by Laura San Giacomo

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Quigley Shoots Bucket at 782 Yards Standing Up

Remember that unbelievable shot in Quigley Down Under? This guy actually tries to recreate it in real life! You won’t believe if he nails it or not.

Meet the Montana Craftsmen Who Made the Quigley Rifle

Ever wonder where that awesome rifle from the movie came from? This video introduces the real-life craftsmen who built it! It’s fascinating to see the artistry behind such an iconic weapon.

Quigley Down Under Sam Colt quote

God made man, Sam Colt made them equal… This quote’s so memorable from the movie! Watch this to get that cowboy feeling again!

✨ Rate