'Major Dundee' returns to theaters

HOLLYWOOD, April 10 (UPI) -- "Major Dundee," the first big-budget film directed by famed filmmaker Sam Peckinpah, celebrates its 40th anniversary by returning to U.S. theaters.

The newly-constructed version of the 1965 Columbia Pictures western will open at the Nuart in Los Angeles and the Kendall Square in Boston, followed by engagements in other major cities. The movie stars Charlton Heston, Richard Harris, Jim Hutton and James Coburn.

Set in 1864, "Major Dundee" centers on Amos Dundee, played by Heston, a disgraced Union officer who seeks redemption in his latest assignment -- capturing or killing a renegade Apache who led a massacre of a New Mexico settlement. With the Civil War still raging, he must fill his hunting party with freed slaves, deserters and Confederate prisoners.

Peckinpah clashed with the producer and the film was released in a shorter version than he had planned. The new extended version features some of the cut footage.

"This is the most complete cut of the film that could be constructed," said Grover Crisp, vice president of asset management and film restoration for Sony Pictures Entertainment.

The movie will be released on DVD later this year.