Review of The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970) by Jason C — 01 Dec 2012

I wasn't really prepared for the comedy of this film, but once the tone was established it is really quite enjoyable. Robards gives one of the best performance I've ever seen by him as an illiterate prospector who stumbles upon water after being left to die in the desert.

It's the only water in a 50+ mile stretch of stagecoach trail and he makes a claim and a business for himself, all the while waiting to doll out revenge on those who would have killed him. The comedy arises primarily through the films relationship with religion, with David Warner providing the most laughs as a self appointed preacher more interested in getting laid than doing 'the lord's work.

" Comedy aside, there is also bitter-sweetness to the film as we watch Cable grow more savvy, but not in time to avoid being crushed by the encroachment of modern civilization.