Review of Coogan's Bluff (1968) by Mike A — 16 Oct 2011

A historically retrospective crime drama with a terrific late 60's ambiance, and a young, buffed Clint Eastwood who delivers a solid performance as a tough, no-nonsense, womanizing Arizona deputy sheriff named Walt Coogan, who is sent to New York City to extradite James Ringerman, a sleazy hood wanted for murder, he is played superbly by Don Stroud who registers strongly in the role, the minute Coogan lands in New York City he begins to have trouble, first with incompetent police and their some-called departmental procedures, it seems that he will have to wait for Ringerman for however long it takes because he is recovering from a bad acid trip at Bellevue Hospital, but Coogan is not about to that, he cons a orderly into releasing Ringerman into his custody, on the way back to Arizona, Ringemanr's dangerous hippie girlfriend, well played by Tisha Sterling and a sadistic accomplice, nicely played by the late David Doyle help him escape from Coogan's custody, by knocking him out and leaving him unconscious, now Coogan's must hit the mean streets of New York City to fine Ringman, he is a fish out of water who runs into all manner of low-lifes and freaks along the way including a pair of dope-smoking hippies at a psychedelic hippie nightclub, in a highly amusing scene that gives a look at the cultural style of the late 60's.

One of Coogan's favorite tactics to get information is to seduce young women, and Clint is a true ladykiller in that department, real smooth. There are fine supporting performances from Susan Clark, and veteran actors Lee J.

Cobb and Betty Ford, this is the first collaboration between Eastword and his mentor and close friend Don Siegel three years before their legendary pairing on the classic cop-thriller "Dirty Harry.

" This quirky, quick-witted film is entertaining and very enjoyable. Highly Recommended. Note: "Coogan's Bluff" later evolved into the hit television series "McCloud," that starred the late Dennis Weaver.