Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Richard Widmark | ... | Red Dillon | |
Frederic Forrest | ... | Tom Black Bull | |
Luana Anders | ... | Mary | |
Vito Scotti | ... | Meo (Dillon's caretaker) | |
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Herbert Nelson | ... | Dr. Wilson |
John War Eagle | ... | Blue Elk | |
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John Gruber | ... | Clyde 'Tex' Walker |
Garry Walberg | ... | School Superintendant | |
Jack Mullaney | ... | Gas Station Attendant | |
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Malcolm Curley | ... | Benny Grayback (school principal) |
Roy Engel | ... | Sam Turner | |
Rex Holman | ... | Neil Swenson | |
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Mel Gallagher | ... | Cowboy |
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Tillman Box | ... | Young Tom Black Bull |
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Sondra Pratt | ... | Angie (girl who picks up Tom) |
A young, rebellious Ute Indian joins the rodeo circuit and falls in with a drunken mentor who teaches him the ways of the ring and the world.
Perhaps the best of the "aging rodeo cowboy" movies that mysteriously began to appear in 71-72 (Cliff Robertson's "J.W. Coop," Steve Inhat's "The Honkers" with James Coburn, and Sam Peckinpah's "Junior Bonner" with Steve McQueen). What makes the difference is Richard Widmark who seems more appropriately cast than the stars of the rival rodeo films. Widmark is excellent in perhaps the best of his later period roles.