Take a Hard Ride (1975) User Reviews

Paella Pandemonium.

[hitchcockthelegend · 6/10 · 23 November 2013]

Take a Hard Ride is directed by Antonio Margheriti and written by Eric Bercovici and Jerrold L. Ludwig. It stars Jim Brown, Lee Van Cleef, Fred Williamson, Catherine Spaak and Jim Kelly. Music is by Jerry Goldsmith and cinematography by Riccardo Pallottini.

Trail boss Pike (Brown) promises his dying employer Morgan (Dana Andrews) that he will travel across the dessert to deliver $86,000 in payroll money to a ranch in Sonora, Mexico. Forming an uneasy alliance with dandy gambler Tyree (Williamson), Pike quickly realises that many other people are aware of his task and want the money; including Bounty Hunter Kiefer (Cleef).

What do you get if you take a large pan and throw in some Spaghetti and Paella, add some Blacksploitation beef and season with Kung-Fu? The answer is Antonio Margheriti's Take a Hard Ride.

It's a fun movie, even unique in some ways, but it ultimately doesn't add up to much more than a series of action scenes, some good - some poor, glued together by a very ordinary and adventurous screenplay. Cast are hugely watchable, with the leads supported by Western pros Barry Sullivan and Harry Carey Junior, and the Canary Islands location is beautifully utilised. Bonus is the score from Goldsmith, who tinkers with traditional Spaghetti Western strains and adds in his own harmonious grace. Apparently Margheriti rearranged much of the score to suit his own editorial purpose, it's testament to Goldsmith's skills that even though the chronological flow of his piece has been defiled, what exists still marries up superbly with the vistas.

It flopped at the box office and it has over the years been the source of much rib poking, however, from an action stand point it often delivers the goods. Bodies pile up, stunt-men and horses (PETA would go nuts!) fly about everywhere, and explosions are not in short supply. Yes it's poorly written and directed without due care and attention, but you may find it hard to dislike on account of its machismo and oddity value. I mean, if you can't enjoy a Western that has Jim Kelly suddenly turning into Bruce Lee and laying Kung-Fu down on some outlaws? Then entertainment is dead... 6/10

Easy to take in the right frame of mind

[ctomvelu-1 · 6/10 · 29 November 2008]

A western, shot in Spain, with a twist: Jim Brown and Fred Williamson, folks not normally associated with Euro-made westerns, take it upon themselves to deliver a large payroll to a ranch in Sonora, Mexico, after the ranch owner (Dana Andrews) dies while on the road. Everybody who hears of this -- and I mean everybody -- goes after them. This includes the local sheriff (Barry Sullivan), an army of drifters and gunhands, and bounty hunter Lee Van Cleef, who recognizes Brown as a wanted man from years before. Brown is given minimal dialog, which is a good thing as he is not exactly an actor. Williamson fares better as a breezy card sharp in fancy duds, who carries most of the dialog for the two of them. Not bad. The music, clearly derived from THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN, is better than the movie.

With this cast, it can't miss (completely).

[gridoon · 7/10 · 15 December 2002]

This predictable and formulaic Western will not blow you away with its brilliance, but it IS fun, carried along almost entirely by the strong presences of its top stars. Only Jim Kelly and his karate moves feel out of place. And it also must be mentioned that the big moment that you all (?) have been waiting for, a fight between Jim Brown and Fred Williamson, does arrive in this film....but the scene is terribly unrealistic-looking. (**1/2)

Okay, but could have been better

[Wizard-8 · 7 November 2001]

One of the last spaghetti westerns (though really, there was a good amount of American talent in front of and behind the camera), it does definitely have some novelty value - the cast, some good Canary Island scenery, a quick pace, and some good action sequences (best being the gunfight in the canyon). Still, there was clearly a bunch of potential wasted.

Brown is good, Williamson does okay, but the rest of the cast isn't actually given that much to do. Kelly's character could easily be written out, and Van Cleef's bad guy character isn't fully developed (for one thing, the movie doesn't seem to know what to do with him at the end.) And the script really isn't that much - it more or less consists of either the protagonists riding through the desert, or engaged in action.

Die-hard western fans (especially those who like spaghetti westerns) will probably find enough to enjoy about it, but this certainly won't convert anyone who normally avoids this genre.

Take a Hard Ride

[Scarecrow-88 · 7/10 · 16 August 2009]

Rousing old school western(..not a spaghetti western, as you'd might be led to believe, but more closer to the Hollywood classics) which has two charismatic black stars(..former football players Jim Brown and Fred 'The Hammer' Williamson) as the heroes, from prolific Italian director Antonio Margheriti. Brown is a reformed criminal named Pike who is asked by his dying employer to take their hard-earned cattle money to his home town of Sonora. Carrying $86,000 in loot obviously makes you a marked man, but Pike gains an ally in flashy gambler Tyree(Williamson)who is eyeballing the cash, agreeing to help him get most of the way to Sonora..but Tyree vows to battle for the loot once they come to the half-way point. Meanwhile, a pipe-smoking, quick-drawing bounty hunter, Kiefer(Lee Van Cleef, wearing longer hair than usual)remembers Pike's past and plans to arrest him, also quite interested in attaining his money. Understanding Pike's skills as a gunfighter, when he has to be, and knowing the talents of Tyree, Kiefer will enlist the aid of cutthroats and other hired guns in order to complete his mission. But, no matter the number of hired goons he adds to his entourage, Kiefer knows that his target will not be easy to retrieve. Along the way, Pike picks up a New Orleans whore, Catherine(Catherine Spaak)whose kind husband was butchered by a mob of nasty cowboys and a high-kicking Negro(..raised by Indians), Kashtok(Jim Kelly, whose martial arts skills are well utilized in the film as he often subdues his foes by dropping them before they can even draw their weapons)who doesn't ride a horse, opting to travel on foot instead.

Lots of shootouts and stunning action set pieces, well photographed by Riccardo Pallottini using the location of Spain's Canary Islands to great effect. Terrific suspense sequence as our heroes must cross a bridge before others catch up to them. Brown and Williamson make an entertaining duo, their being African-American adding a unique spin to what is otherwise a familiar formula western..the idea of getting cash to another place avoiding gunfighters who wish to steal it is nothing new(..hell, Peckinpah's RIDE THE HIGH COUNTRY is an example). Brown has never been as humane and considerate an on screen character, checking his ego at the door, allowing Williamson the opportunity to show off his pearly whites, playing the flamboyant, sharply dressed swindler who always has us questioning whether or not he can be trusted. Williamson lays on the charm and steals his scenes with Brown willing to be the straight man of the team. Lee Van Cleef doesn't stretch his persona..he's still a highly skilled sharpshooter with expertise and knowledge in the field of bounty hunting. When others do not heed his warning, they wind up dead. While he's a man of principle, he's not above aligning himself with nefarious characters if the odds are not in his favor. Dana Andrews appears in a cameo as Brown's boss who dies before he can enjoy the fruits of his labor, a welcome presence who earns our respect and admiration in minutes compared to many who fail to do so in a movie length's time. Classy Jerry Goldsmith score, and well orchestrated gun battles, shot with an epic scope and grandeur. I think director Antonio Margheriti is able to rise above the so-so material thanks to his cast and smooth style(..his trademark zooms which close in on the faces of his actors are on display). This was a big role for Jim Brown with Williamson complimenting him nicely. Throw in Lee Van Cleef, who has such a fascinating face, and you have a western worthy of pursuit.

Thrilling Spaghetti/Paella Western co-produced by US , Italy , Spain and shot in Canary Islands

[ma-cortes · 6/10 · 14 June 2015]

Offbeat Western deals with tough and two-fisted African-American Pike (Jim Brown) must complete promises his upright wealthy employer Morgan (Dana Andrews) that he will venture across the desert to deliver $86,000 dollars in bankroll money . As Pike will have to ride across Mexican border to a ranch in Sonora, Mexico . Pike attracts a motley bunch of comrades for his trip , as he makes an uneasy alliance with smooth, yet suspicious card gambler Tyree (Fred Williamson) in order to execute successfully his risked assignment , meanwhile the dudes run afoul of bounty hunter Kiefer (Lee Van Cleef) . During their perilous trek Pike and Tyree pick up a couple of strays and desperate waifs , meet harassed whore Catherine (Catherine Spaak) and her loyal Kung-Fu fighting Indian companion Kashtok (Jim Brown) , while a vast army of pursuers chase after the loot . Along the way they face off ruthless bounty hunter Kiefer , a shifty marshal (Barry Sullivan) and numerous greedy chasers who give a dogged pursuit .

This is a rather passable attempt to expand the Spaghetti/Paella Western blending the blaxploitation and Kung-Fu markets . Action Western in which a rugged trail boss as well as reformed criminal makes an uneasy alliance with an offbeat group of roles for his journey and to transport large payroll throughout Mexican border , being mercilessly pursued by a nasty bounty hunter who wants to take a heap of money . The film stands out the breezy chemistry between Jim Brown and Fred Williamson . Nice personalities wasted in a mediocre screenplay . The storyline is uneven but has its agreeable moments here and there . The picture takes part a little genre in which during the 1970s achieved splendor and mingled Spaghetti Western and martial arts with influence of David Carradine-Kung Fu series . Good stunts , including people falling from heights , slam into railings , throw themselves just in front of camera , bridge explosion and many other things . The notorious filmmaker , producer and stuntsman Hal Needham was brought in to coordinate stunts on the film , though he was promptly removed from the production . The support cast is pretty well , formed by a colorful team of characters full of bandits , sheriffs , deputies , desperadoes and outlaws such as ace martial artist half-breed Jim Brown , veteran Harry Carey Jr , Hollywood star Barry Sullivan , Robert Donner , and usual Spanish secondaries from Paella Western as Jorge Rigaud and Ricardo Palacios , both of whom worked with Lee van Cleef in Margheriti's previous Western : ¨Blood Money¨ or ¨Karate , colt and impostor¨ , being shot in Almeria , Spain . Adequate and sunny cinematography by Riccardo Pallottini , it is well set , in fact the town set from the opening scene has been become a sort of western theme park and , nowadays , everything is there exactly as it was in the movie , the main street houses and church . Filmed on location Canary Islands , Gran Canaria , Lanzarote , as surrounding area was used extensively, utilizing the black, volcanic sand of the island and also the dunes of Maspalomas on the southern coast . Fun and great musical score by maestro Jerry Goldsmith , he did one of his best for the genre . Jerry creates an absolutely fantastic score but was actually criticized for making a score superior to the film.

This oddball motion picture was professionally directed by Antonio Margheriti who was born in 1930 , Rome, and died in 2002 . He was a director and writer , known for Yor (1983), Virus (1980) and Horror castle (1963) . Italian writer-director of horror and exploitation films, a former university engineering student who began in films in 1956 . He was also an expert in special optical effects and model-making . Often used the pseudonym 'Anthony M. Dawson'. He directed all kind of genres such as Wartime : The last hunter , Tornado , Code Name : Wild Geese , Commando Leopard , Der Commander ; Sci-Fi : War of planets , Planet on the prowl , Criminali Della Galassia ; Action : Operazione Goldman , Indio , The Squeeze , Cyberflic ; Terror : The Virgin of Nuremberg , Virus or Cannibal Apocalypse , Alien from the Deep , Flesh for Frankestein and Spaghetti : Joko , Dynamite Joe ,The Stranger and the Gunfighter , And God Said to Cain .

Three Plus Lee should have equaled more.

[fs3 · 4/10 · 18 November 2000]

Coming near the end of the spaghetti western cycle, this one should have worked out better. While some of the action scenes are good, others fail with a thud, and none of the solid stars are given any material to distinguish themselves.

Overall, Jim Brown fared a bit better in westerns than Williamson, who made a few more; this was Kelly's sole venture into the genre. And with Van Cleef around, one wishes that one of the better directors (Leone, Sollima) who guided his top efforts was on hand to spark this one. A disappointment; couldn't be a total loss with that cast, but they deserve better.

It's a treat to watch this bunch of actors.

[Hey_Sweden · 7/10 · 6 July 2013]

The stars of "Three the Hard Way" reunite for this enjoyable if not classic Western. Jim Brown plays Pike, a tough, honourable trail boss who gives his word to his dying boss (Dana Andrews) that he will take $86,000 in payroll money to a ranch in Sonora, Mexico. Naturally, when people get wind of this large cash windfall, greed completely takes over, and various groups form to try to get that money. One such interested individual is smooth gambler Tyree (Fred Williamson, in a delicious performance), who is the first to accompany Pike on the journey. Along the way they also hook up with a hard-luck prostitute, Catherine (Catherine Spaak) and her half-breed / martial artist companion Kashtok (Jim Kelly). Among the money hungry antagonists in this story is sly, sleazy bounty hunter Kiefer (Lee Van Cleef), who realizes Pike was at one time a wanted man.

The cast, under the guidance of Italian director Antonio Margheriti, look like they're having a fine time, and that feeling is infectious. The reliable Brown has a relaxing low key presence, and he and Williamson continue to have good chemistry. Kelly really is quite good in the role of the mute Kashtok. Van Cleef, who's given his own harmonica-based "theme", is fantastic, as could be expected. You're never quite sure what to expect next from Kiefer. Spaak is touching, Harry Carey Jr., Robert Donner, Charles McGregor, and Leonard Smith offer some amusing comedy relief, and Barry Sullivan is an entertaining villain as crooked lawman Kane. Hal Needham, the films' stunt coordinator and second unit director, appears uncredited as Garmes.

Excellent location shooting in the Canary Islands and a zesty music score by Jerry Goldsmith add to the fun. The action scenes are first rate and exciting, and Brown and Williamson have a pretty intense fight near the end, which is soon followed by a truly impressive set piece.

In summary, "Take a Hard Ride" is a solid, well done Western that should satisfy fans of the genre.

Seven out of 10.

Once again we find hay bales in the old west

[helpless_dancer · 5/10 · 26 December 2003]

Rugged western with a comedy side order. Several groups of toughs go after an innocent man who is holding a large amount of cash. Of course each group is intent on out gunning, linking forces, or back stabbing the other guy for a shot at the bucks. This led to loads of spaghetti style gunplay and many bodies biting the dust. Had to wonder how many black half breeds there were in the old west who could do spinning heel kicks and a flying double front kick. Only fair.

Uneasy Allies, A Strong Obligation

[bkoganbing · 6/10 · 24 May 2016]

Take A Hard Ride is both a spaghetti western and a black exploitation film. In this film Jim Brown takes a really large sum to Sonora in Mexico where his dying employer Dana Andrews has started what sounds like a Utopian like settlement. Brown takes on the mission because as a former slave Andrews treated him like a human being. He's feeling a strong obligation there.

But when you're carrying $86,000.00 and that's in 19th century dollars it's not something you keep a secret. Brown has all kinds of people after the money up to and including bounty hunter Lee Van Cleef and even the law itself in the person of Barry Sullivan.

His allies are an uneasy group. Gambler Fred Williamson who is a fast gun and has a way with snakes goes along with Brown with Brown knowing full well Williamson could turn on him. They also pick up a mute Indian played by Jim Kelly who's learned a lot of good karate moves with his tribe.

Take A Hard Ride is a pretty good western for a spaghetti western. I'm not a real big fan of the genre thinking that westerns are to be made in the USA as its our art form. Still with all the Americans in the cast, none of that ridiculous dubbing is here. Brown and Williamson have a good chemistry in their scenes.

Should please devoted western fans.

An opportunity lost...

[planktonrules · 3/10 · 6 December 2008]

The idea of a Western film with Black leading characters is a great idea. After all, in reality about a third of the cowboys were Black and you might have noticed that up until this picture debuted, there had been almost no Black men or women in most films of this genre. The few that had been in mainstream Westerns up until TAKE A HARD RIDE were mostly comic relief--with the horrible antics of Steppin Fetchit or Mammy types playing the only roles. Of course, there were a few anomalies, such as HARLEM ON THE PRAIRIE, but this and subsequent films starring Herb Jeffries in the 1930s were made on a shoestring budget for Black movie houses only--plus they were pretty lousy films. Black heroes or even normal supporting characters for wide audiences just didn't exist and TAKE A HARD RIDE could have done a lot to correct this omission. Sadly, however, this film isn't well made and is so anachronistic that it just doesn't do much to dispel the myth of the "White only West". Instead, it looks much like a Blaxploitation film out West, as one of the characters (played by Fred Williamson) looked much like he was starring in his films BLACK CAESAR or HAMMER--which were set in the 1970s with a "bad" leading man who fights "the man". Because of this, the film is in many ways a great opportunity lost.

Now this doesn't mean there aren't some things to like. After all, Jim Brown plays a great character--a truly honest and decent Black man who does the right thing and is rather believable (despite his shooting ability that would be the envy of any Olympic marksman). And having the always scary Lee Van Cleef on hand to play, what else, a scary bounty hunter is great (for more of this, see FISTFUL OF DOLLARS, FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE, THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE UGLY or any of the Sabata films). The problem is that a routine script (complete with many clichés and totally indestructible characters) and Williamson's character do so much to sink this film into obscurity that you can't help but get tired of the film and just want it to end. Seeing Fred fall about 500 feet and survive at the end was just too much. Even John Wayne or Clint Eastwood weren't THAT tough in movies!!

Hugely enjoyable blaxploitation spaghetti Western hybrid

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 5 June 2012]

Rugged trail boss and reformed criminal Pike (an excellent and convincing performance by big, bad Jim Brown) promises his honest wealthy employer Morgan (a fine cameo by Dana Andrews) that he will venture across the dessert to deliver $86,000 dollars in payroll money to a ranch in Sonora, Mexico. Pike makes an uneasy alliance with smooth, yet shifty gambler Pyree (ably played by the ever-suave Fred Williamson) in order to successfully complete his dangerous mission. During their perilous trek Pike and Tyree encounter desperate prostitute Catherine (an appealing portrayal by the beautiful Catherine Spaak) and her loyal ace martial artist half-breed companion Kashtok (amiable Jim Kelly in sturdy fighting form). Meanwhile, ruthless bounty hunter Kiefer (a perfectly steely Lee Van Cleef) and numerous greedy others give dogged chase. Director Antonio Margheriti, working from an offbeat and engrossing script by Eric Bercovici and Jerrold L. Ludwig, relates the lively and exciting story at a snappy pace, makes terrific use of the dusty Canary Islands locations, and stages the spirited shoot-outs and dynamic action set pieces with rip-roaring skill and gusto. The top-rate cast rates as another major asset: Brown and Williamson display a winningly easy'n'breezy chemistry and play off each other well (they also vigorously mix it up in a satisfying rough'n'tumble fisticuffs confrontation about an hour into the movie), Van Cleef makes for a marvelously menacing main villain, Barry Sullivan snarls it up nicely as brutal corrupt lawman Kane, Robert Donner and Harry Carey Jr. contribute pleasingly slimy turns as no-count cowpoke members of Kiefer's gang, and Charles McGregor provides some amusing comic relief in a regrettably minor part as the bumbling Cloyd. Riccardo Pallottini's sharp cinematography offers plenty of breathtaking shots of the vast and desolate dessert scenery. Jerry Goldsmith's twangy and robust score hits the stirring'n'sweeping harmonic spot. An immensely entertaining sagebrush saga.

"Spaghetti western" light ....

[merklekranz · 7/10 · 31 August 2015]

What immediately separates "Take a Hard Ride" from the multitude of post Sergio Leone "spaghetti westerns" is the preponderance of American actors in this film. Very little dubbing is the first thing you notice. The actors mouths are actually speaking. Second, for Lee Van Cleef admirers this is a real treat. He has lots of screen time, with plenty of his patented menacing closeups. Jim Brown and Fred Williamson play off each other quite well, and the entire cast seems to be enjoying their work. Though cartoon-like at times, this is easily overlooked in favor of the humorous touches. Though not exactly a parody of the fast fading "spaghetti western", "Take a Hard Ride" approaches the western in a light and fast moving manor. This is without a doubt one of the better "spaghetti westerns". - MERK

A Saddle Sore Sagebrusher that has more grit that git.

[zardoz-13 · 4/10 · 14 August 2007]

Everything gets taken for a ride in director Antonio Margheriti's action-packed but tedious horse opera "Take a Hard Ride." No, this isn't one of Margheriti's memorable efforts. The movie opens with cattle owner Morgan (Dana Andrews of "The Ox-Bow Incident") and his trail boss Pike (Jim Brown of "El Condor") selling their herd of steers for a whopping $86-thousand dollars. Morgan tells Pike about all of that prosperity that this money is going to bring to their ranch in Sonora. Unfortunately, Morgan dies from a heart attack before he can hit the trail. Before he dies, however, he has to good sense to entrust the loot to Pike. Once word gets out that a lone African-American is lugging around that bundle of money, every thief and cutthroat tries to separate our hero from his dough. The chief villain is a harmonica-playing bounty hunter Kiefer (Lee Van Cleef of "For A Few Dollars More") who goes after Brown with a small army, including a crazy gunman named Halsey (Ronald Howard of the 1950s "Sherlock Holmes" TV series) who has a Gatling gun mounted in the bed of a covered wagon. Just as Kiefer has his horde of hardcases, Pike picks up a snake-handling gambler, Tyree (Fred Williamson of "Hell up in Harlem"), a half-breed Indian Kashtok (Jim Kelly of "Enter the Dragon"), and an attractive pioneer woman (Catharine Spaak of "Downhill Racer") whose allegiance lie more with her own interests than our heroes.

"Hell in the Pacific" scenarist Eric Bercovici and TV writer Jerrold L. Ludwig of 'Three the Hard Way" have contrived a meandering saga that wears out its welcome early on during its action There are a couple of amusing moments that only die-hard western fans will recognize. First, the long-time character actor Harry Carey, Jr., who starred in a number of John Ford westerns, has a scene that would make the legendary helmer spin in his grave. The unsavory villain Dumper (Harry Carey, Jr. of "Rio Grande") sings the title song to Ford's classic Henry Fonda oater "My Darling Clementine" as he voids his bowels. Second, "Take a Hard Ride" lacks drama. Neither Pike nor Kiefer get around to shooting it out with each other. Along the way, just about everybody else does. For example, Halsey and his gunmen fall prey to Pike and company. Eventually, Pike and Tyree wind up at an abandoned mine where they stand off an army of bandits lead by Calvera (Ricardo Palacios of "Bad Man's River") who agree to do Kiefer's dirty work for a hundred dollars each. By the time that Calvera catches up to Pike and Tyree, our African-Americans heroes have found a cache of dynamite in the mine and make mincemeat of Calvera and company. Just before the fight breaks out, Pike hands the loot to a small Mexican boy and gives him the directions to the Morgan Ranch.

"Take a Hard Ride" was lensed on location--not in Spain--but in the Canary Islands. You would never guess that a western could be staged in such surroundings, but the rugged, craggy, inhospitable scenery substitutes well for the old West. The photography is good in the way that it thrusts us into the action. A line-up of western veterans comprises the cast. Aside from Brown and Van Cleef, we get to see Barry Sullivan, Dana Andrews, and Ronald Howard slap leather. The action and the stunt work is superb, thanks largely to Hal Needham during his second-unit directing days before "Smokey and the Bandit" made him famous in his own right as a director. Jerry Goldsmith contributes a flavorful score rather like his theme to the James Stewart & Dean Martin oater "Bandolero." The problem with "Take a Hard Ride" is that the characters aren't very interesting and the dramatic situations kindle little intensity. The scene where Robert Donnor and Carey try to kill Van Cleef is wrong-headed and gratituous Antonio Margheriti does the best that he could with the substandard script has more giddy-yap than giddy-up.

Really wasn't that hard at all!

[sylvar-3 · 22 March 2001]

I remember seeing this one as a kid, and really liking it! (Aaah youth!) Well, after watching it as an adult, (Feelings change!) Script was definitely hurting. It could have had great potential! Lee Van Cleef, Jim Brown, Jim Kelly, Fred Williamson! (Actually Jim Kelly as a indian? Well, no, a black man raised as a indian, who everybody calls indian? Running around doing the Billy Jack thing! Go figure.) Aside from that humor, I rate it, 5 out of 10.

(See Buck & the preacher, '1000 rifles' 'Posse' are even better if you want a primary A.A western.)

"I gave my word... to a Man".

[classicsoncall · 7/10 · 2 November 2014]

Well, a lot of naysayers for this film in the reviews section. I have to be honest, this was a lot better than I expected it to be, especially after seeing Jim Brown's name above Lee Van Cleef in the opening credits. He earns it by virtue of a lot more screen time and a generally decent performance while balancing out Fred Williamson's take on the flashy gambler character Tyree. I thought Williamson put a little too much Seventies street vibe into his dialog, so that was a negative. Another one, if it hadn't been so entertaining, was Jim Kelly's portrayal of an 1870's Tarahumara Mexican/Indian with no tongue and a kung fu gimmick! All those high flying moves and spinning back kicks? - I don't think so, but like I say, it WAS entertaining.

But what I did like was the twist with Catherine Spaak's character, and all those crazy horse spills! When Pike (Brown) and Tyree maneuvered the chasing posse over that near ninety degree angle hillside, I just couldn't believe it. The stunt-men earned their pay on that escapade, and if you kept a close eye on the background when the camera shifted back to the heroes, you could see a horse continue to slide down the hill. There were a few more single instances of horse and rider going down, but I've never seen so many at a time in a maneuver like that. Simply incredible.

Then there was the sleight of hand with former New Orleans call girl Catherine. I have to admit, I didn't see that coming when she made off with the satchel leaving the big money behind. In fact, I don't recall any character making a sacrifice like that in any other Western, so chalk one up to the writer who created that scene.

So with all that, I wasn't too concerned about the eventual showdown between Pike and Tyree. It was hinted at more than a half dozen times between them so you knew it would have to happen. The kicker was Pike's neat hand-off to Chico to thwart everyone in on the chase for the picture's final twist. As if to acknowledge Pike's clever ruse, bounty hunter Kiefer (Lee Van Cleef) just laughed it off right then and there. Uncharacteristically so, he still had a shot at the money if he continued the chase, but I guess that's where the budget called for The End.

Two final thoughts - who came up with the idea of a character named Dumper (Harry Carey Jr.) actually taking a dump in the picture? And with Fred Williamson's early and frequent use of snakes to create a diversion, why didn't they use it in one of the final segments to outwit the bad guys? With a little more work, this could have been called "Snakes on a Plain".

Black-oriented western

[McBuff · 5/10 · 13 August 2003]

A knockout cast of blaxploitation favorites (Jim Brown, Fred Williamson, Jim Kelly) and western veterans (Lee Van Cleef, Harry Carey Jr.), an excellent score by Jerry Goldsmith, good Canary Islands location filming and a reasonable premise. Entertaining and colorful production directed by Anthony M. Dawson (=Antonio Margheriti). Jim Kelly's mute kung fu indian(!) is a bit far-fetched, though...

How about a remake with Ving Rhames, Samuel Jackson and Jeff Bridges?

5/10

Fun

[BandSAboutMovies · 4/10 · 22 August 2020]

There is no Anthony Dawson, despite what the credits of this film would lead you to believe. That's Antonio Margheriti directing this western, starring Jim Brown, Fred Williamson and Jim Kelly in their second of three films together (Three the Hard Way and One Down, Two to Go complete the set).

If you're making a Western, who should you get to be in it? Lee Van Cleef. Credit to Margheriti for bringing him in.

Pike (Brown) used to work for cattle rancher Bob Morgan (Dana Andrews, Lt. Ted Stryker in Zero Hour!), but now his boss is dead and he has to deliver eighty-six grand to the man's widow. Helping him is the gambling man Tyree (Williamson), a prostitute (Catherine Spaak, The Cat o' Nine Tails), a karate fighting Native American (Kelly) and an orphan. They're all chased by a bounty hunter (Cleef) and a sheriff (Barry Sullivan, Planet of the Vampires).

Toss in Charles McGregor (Fat Freddie from Super Fly), Robert Donner (Exidor from Mork & Mindy), Western actor Harry Carey Jr. and Buddy Joe Hooker, who Burt Reynolds based Hooper on and you've got an action-filled romp.

What a complete waste

[cabaretwoman · 1/10 · 10 June 2005]

Thank God blacks have gotten past this stage of films. How completely undignified.

Moreover, this was for me, a painful film to watch. Such a wonderful talent as Ronald Howard, playing the crooked preacher, in this, his last film, which turned out to be complete crap. The cameramen didn't even have the grace to give him one lousy decent shot. Every time it looks as though he might get a little bit of exposure, the camera returns to that damned Lee Van Cleef.

It is clear to see how this led him to finally abandon acting entirely. What a waste of talent.

Very sad indeed.

Spaghetti blaxsploitation western

[carltwo · 8/10 · 19 December 2014]

Trail boss Jim Brown is asked by dying boss Dana Andrews to carry a large payroll across the Mexican desert. He is pursued by bounty hunters and crooks led by Lee Van Cleef. It's an exciting old fashioned western that die hard western fan should like. If you like westerns with John Wayne and Clint Eastwood you should love this. Jim Brown and Fred Williamson make very good heroes. It's not up there with The Searchers or Fort Apache but it's very good. Watch out for veteran actors Harry Carey, Jr. and Robert Donner as bad guys. Can't think of anything else to say so I have to keep typing until I get 10 lines. If you like this movie also check out Rio Conchos.

A Long Ride Through Hostile Territory

[Uriah43 · 5/10 · 13 January 2021]

This film begins with a rancher by the name of "Morgan" (Dana Andrews) having just completed a long cattle drive and making an $86,000 profit which he wants to bring back to his family in Sonora, Mexico. However, his health takes an immediate turn for the worse and with his final breath he asks his right-hand man, "Pike" (Jim Brown) to swear to carry the money back home to his wife. Pike assures him that he will but what he soon realizes is that there are a large number of men who have heard about the fortune Pike will be carrying and they plan upon taking the money by force before he can reach his destination many miles away. Quite unexpectedly, however, he finds an ally by the name of "Tyree" (Fred Williamson) who offers to help him as far as the Rio Grande-but once they get there he tells Pike that all bets are off after that. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this film had a very good cast with Lee Van Cleef (as the bounty hunter named "Kiefer") and the attractive actress Catherine Spaak (as "Catherine") complementing those mentioned previously. Unfortunately, there were a few unrealistic actions scenes here and there which lowered its credibility in my mind and as a result I have rated it accordingly. Average.

Jim Brown Never Looked Better!

[FORREST136 · 23 December 2001]

Who cares about the plot with Brown and Williamson on screen! These 2 handsome men running around in their tight jeans never looked better! The plot is flimmsy but the photography is great! Catch this one on video or on Black Starz!

Jim Kelly as the Indian

[rcthomas007 · 10/10 · 28 September 2023]

Previous review did not give the proper credit to the role playrd as the Indian. Jim Kelly plays the indian. Jim Kelly is skillef martial artist. This trio also starred in the movie " Three the hard way ". This is by the way an excellent movie.

Previous review did not give the proper credit to the role playrd as the Indian. Jim Kelly plays the indian. Jim Kelly is skillef martial artist. This trio also starred in the movie " Three the hard way ". This is by the way an excellent movie.

Previous review did not give the proper credit to the role playrd as the Indian. Jim Kelly plays the indian. Jim Kelly is skillef martial artist. This trio also starred in the movie " Three the hard way ". This is by the way an excellent movie.

Fun western with Great cast

[dansearles0 · 8/10 · 10 April 2024]

Jim Brown, Fred, Williamson, Catherine Spaak, Lee Van Cleef, Barry, Sullivan, a very effective, Jim, Kelly, and more make this fun fun film. Brown and Williamson belong in a saddle and have made some decent western through the years Jim Brown with Rio, Conchos, and 100 rifles and Fred Williamson with Moore exploitative Westerns that still were quite good. Brown and Williamson are effective actors check out Jim Brown and tick tick tick if you don't think I'm right. Williamson gets on charm, but does it work. Very Sullivan is a great character actor that you put all these folks together and give them on an adventure to Chase for me. It was just a really really good time. I only gave it because I really don't like the use of an old, racial epithet from anyone. By the way, the score is fantastic as well. Wish they had made a sequel.