Craig Johnson's "The Cold Dish," the movie

Now showing at My Book, The Movie: Craig Johnson's The Cold Dish.

There is some real interest among moviemakers for adapting Craig Johnson's Walt Longmire mysteries, so the author cast "no longer active" actors in his entry.

Before clicking over for Johnson's idea about which late, great movie star ought to play Sheriff Walt Longmire, try to cast his lead using these guiding characteristics:

Some of the physical qualities I had in mind when I was constructing Walt were as far flung as Athos from The Three Musketeers, to Jean Val Jean from Les Miserables, specifically the scene where the ex-convict reveals himself by lifting a wagon off of an injured man. Marine investigator and USC offensive tackle, Walt Longmire is a big man simply for the reason that I wanted him to be capable, but not studied. Personally, I’ve had enough of the seventh-degree black-belt types, and just wanted a sheriff who could put a bad guy up against the wall if need be..... The other major ability would be a sense of humor and timing.... [read on]

The Walt Longmire mysteries are The Cold Dish, Death Without Company, Kindness Goes Unpunished and Another Man’s Moccasins.

Read more about the novels and the author at Craig Johnson's website.

The Page 69 Test: Kindness Goes Unpunished.

My Book, The Movie: The Cold Dish.

--Marshal Zeringue