Watch Two for Texas

In the year 1836, when Texas wasn't yet a state itself, Two for Texas is a thrilling action movie that tells the story of two convicts who escape imprisonment by impersonating pioneers in their journey to Texas. Directed by Rod Hardy, and produced by CBS, the film features Kris Kristofferson, Scott Bairstow, Irene Bedard, Tom Skerritt, Peter Coyote, and Rodney A. Grant as well. While Kristofferson plays the character of a lawman named Hugh Allison, Bairstow's character is that of Mark C. Franklin, a young man who was accused of the murder of his family. Native American actor Bedard portrays the role of the wife of a Comanche Indian Chief. The film is based on the novel of the same name by James Lee Burke, and is considered by many as a sub-genre of Western filmmaking known as the TV movie Western.

The movie begins in Louisiana, during the time when Travis was fighting Santa Ana in the Alamo. The two lead actors, Kristofferson and Bairstow, are introduced as convicts locked up in a prison in New Orleans. Mark is serving a life sentence for allegedly murdering his family, while Hugh, who was once a lawman, is imprisoned for overtly using violence to run his bar, smuggling and slaving operations. As luck would have it, their paths cross and they quickly hatch a plan to escape together. They impersonate two travelers, Jon and Jim, who were both heading to Texas. This plan works as they sign up to get guns, clothes, and horses for their journey. The duo gains their freedom on a Mississippi River boat and head towards Texas to start their new lives.

On their way to Texas, they meet beautiful Native American, Ana Lisa, who is the Comanche Indian Chief's wife, and her slave girl. Ana Lisa and Mark share a mutual attraction that sparks from their first meeting. As they travel, they encounter several challenges, including corrupt lawmen who are on their trail and a fierce sandstorm that destroys their belongings, which they had procured under their false identities. However, as they enter Texas, they finally start piecing together their new lives together. Bedard's character, Ana Lisa, also finds herself caught between Mark's affections and the safety of her own people. On their journey, the trio meets Josey, a famous Texas gunslinger who decides to help them out of kindness of heart.

As they continue to travel, Hugh's past catches up with him, and he finds himself haunted by his own deeds as a lawman. Mark tries to help him move on from his haunt. In their journey, they also encounter some big-time outlaws, and one nearly kills Mark, forcing him to fight back with all he has. Mark's confrontation with the outlaws leads to bonding with Hugh, and together they decide to change their identities to better suit their new life in Texas. However, things become complicated when they become the targets of the corrupt lawmen who have been relentlessly tracking their movement. The corrupt lawmen are eventually defeated and brought to justice by Hugh, Mark, and Josey.

Two for Texas is an adventure-filled action Western film with stunning visuals and an engaging storyline that explores themes like justice, redemption, and the power of friendship. The movie is also filled with excellent performances by the cast. Kristofferson and Bairstow's on-screen chemistry is remarkable and the addition of Bedard's character adds a touch of romanticism into the mix. In addition, the cinematography provides some breathtaking views of the Texas countryside, which serves as a beautiful backdrop for the unfolding story of the two outlaws attempting to establish new lives for themselves.

Filmed as a TV movie, Two for Texas is a noteworthy take on the Western genre, and a must-watch for fans of action, adventure, and period dramas. The movie provides a window into the past, while exploring themes relevant and timeless today, such as the quest for justice and achieving redemption through friendship. The film has its fair share of flaws, but it's still an enthralling journey that is sure to keep any viewer hooked until the end.

Two for Texas is a 1998 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.