Ruthless outlaw Luther Sledge (a splendidly nasty performance by James Garner in a rare change-of-pace full-blooded villain role) and his band of thieves try to figure out a way to steal a fortune in gold that's stored in a prison fortress. Sledge concocts a bold plan to get said fortune, but can he and his men successfully pull off this daring caper? Director Vic Morrow, who also co-wrote the tight and hard-hitting script with Frank Kowalski, relates the absorbing story at a steady pace, delivers a vivid and credible evocation of the 18th century period setting, ably creates and maintains a resolutely tough, gritty, no-nonsense tone throughout, and stages the thrilling shoot-outs with real rip-snorting aplomb. The robbery itself is an expertly executed set piece: tense, gripping, and extremely exciting. This film really hits its stride with an especially dark and harsh last third in which Sledge's carefully thought out plan is undone by greed and treachery. The sturdy acting from the sound cast qualifies as another major asset, with stand-out contributions by Laura Antonelli as Sledge's loyal and worried main squeeze Ria, Dennis Weaver as the laid-back, pragmatic Erwin Ward, Claude Akins as the fierce, hot-tempered Hooker, John Marley as a wily and rascally old man, and Wayde Preston as the vengeful Sheriff Ripley. Luigi Kuveiller's sharp widescreen cinematography makes striking use of artful fades and elaborate dissolves. Gianni Ferrio's twangy'n'lively score does the rousing tuneful trick. The surprise downbeat ending packs a wickedly potent punch. A very good and gutsy movie.
Review of A Man Called Sledge
