Review of A Man Called Sledge (1970) by Michael T — 23 Aug 2008
This is actually a "Spaghetti Western" despite its being directed by American actor Vic Morrow and the rather large number of Yanks in the cast (Garner, Weaver, Akins, Marley). Dino DeLaurentis produced the film and it was released in Italy, Europe, and the UK before being dumped into drive-ins and grindhouses in the USA.
James Garner had played hardmen in the past but Luther Sledge is an out-and-out desperado who engineers the theft of a shipment of gold. The film starts out with a stagecoach robbery in the snowbound mountains (ala THE GREAT SILENCE) but soon Garner and company are rooting around the deserts of southern Spain (standing in for the American Southwest). Several standout scenes include a breakout from a federal prison to cover Sledge's robbery; Sledge's card game with the old man (John Marley); and the religous procession that leaves the village that Sledge has a showdown with his turncoat gang members in. After dealing with the gang but losing the gold, Sledge rides out just as the villagers return.
Laura Antonelli went on to be a major star in adult European films; her sex scenes with Garner were cut from most American prints.
This review of A Man Called Sledge (1970) was written by Michael T on 23 Aug 2008.
A Man Called Sledge has generally received mixed reviews.
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