Review of Lawman (1971) by Monsieur R — 17 Nov 2010

A fine, tense Western, action and drama filled with marshal Burt Lancaster on a one man crusade for justice. Lots of veteran actors in this one and future veteran actors as well. This film is thankfully all Burt Lancaster's. Easy to follow plot too, a bonus.

Lawman and marshal of the western town of Bannock, a now older Burt Lancaster as Jered Maddox is on the trail of men he wants to bring back to Bannock or else. But he finds the trail leads to an uncooperative but friend, marshal Robert Ryan of the town of Sabbath.

Even the town rises against him. Bringing back to Bannock the cowboys who accidentally shot an old man in Bannock is no easy matter. Lancaster is up to the challenge in a Dirty Harry, matter-of-fact, passionless way.

One scene in particular comes between Louis Jordan and Lancaster at a beautiful setting of a lake and waterfall. Jordan aims to fight it out with Lancaster, but all he ends up with is a fine lecture from the lawman. The segment is worth watching all by itself.

Directed and produced by Michael Winner, he had a lot to lose by hatching a loser film. But the direction is petty good, much better than I am used to seeing in these older Westerns. While preposterous that a lone lawman can outgun all these revenge filled cowhands of Cobb is simple... Lancaster tells Louis Jordan they are not professional gunmen.

This reasonably authentic film reveals a deadly and truthful look at the way the West really was, not always a honest duel. Those with money ran things. The law was in books, for the most part and that was all. Starring Burt Lancaster, Robert Ryan, Robert Duvall and Lee J. Cobb, with many, many others in supporting roles you should be able to recognize.

Just a delight to see all these veteran guys in one place.

I recommend this Western to suspense/action fans of serious dramas. Why this was rated PG I will never know as there is violent shooting and death all around plus bed scenes.

Cast.

Lee J. Cobb (veteran actor plays Bronson, the rich cattle rancher and big man in the county).

Robert Duvall (works for Cobb, he too ambushes Lancaster).

Richard Jordan (Cobb cowhand, in several Wayne westerns).

John Hillermam.

Burt Lancaster (the Lawman Maddox, sheriff of Bannon).

Sheree North.

Robert Ryan (sheriff, meek and a Cobb hired man, but good).

Crew.

Costume Designer: Ron Beck.

Composer: Jerry Fielding.

Production Designer: Stan Jolley.

Set Decorator : Ray Moyer.

Cinematographer: Robert Paynter.

Editor: Frederick Wilson.

Screenplay: Gerald Wilson.

Art Director: Herbert Westbrook.

Director: Michael Winner.

Producer: Michael Winner.