Review of Breakheart Pass (1975) by Tim S — 04 Sep 2014

Breakheart Pass is a great action western whodunit from 1976 starring Charles Bronson that was directed by Tom Gries, who also directed Bronson in Breakout the year before. The movie takes place on a train that is carrying a group of men and soldiers and transporting medical supplies to a diphtheria-invested military outpost during the early twentieth century.

When the passengers suddenly start getting bumped off one by one, it's up to John Deacon (Bronson) to figure out what's really going on with this group of people. The movie was based on a novel and a screenplay by Alistair MacLean, but it was unusual in that it was MacLean's attempt at a mystery plot with some action thrown in for good measure.

The movie itself probably doesn't have as strong a tone as its makers intended it to have, but it's still a fun movie with some interesting twists and turns, albeit slightly predictable. There's also some very impressive stunt work and set pieces, including Bronson fighting with one of the bad guys on the roof of an actual moving train.

The film isn't a straight-ahead western, mystery thriller, or even action movie. Even Charles Bronson isn't his typical hard-nosed self. Instead it feels like a much lighter affair overall, even though at times the material would suggest otherwise.

I'd consider the film to be a strong B movie, but with a little more class than usual. It's also another great actioner with Charles Bronson, if nothing else.