Review of The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970) by Sandy R — 25 Apr 2011
The Ballad of Cable Hogue is a real oddity from Sam Peckinpah, a director who is renowned for violent films and bloodshed. Here we have a lighthearted western which is equal parts comedy, romance and typical revenge fare with theological overtones.
Jason Robards is superb in the title role, those that enjoyed his turn as Cheyenne in Sergio Leone's Once Upon a Time in the West will no doubt enjoy his performance here. David Warner plays a lecherous confidence trickster in the guise of a priest.
Warner excels in the role and the scene in which he tries to seduce a young woman with a little help from the Lord and by reverting back to his dog collar is a standout. Stella Stevens is great as the whore from the nearest town.
A romance ensues between her and Cable and that forms a strong part of the film. The Ballad of Cable Hogue is a very likeable film with a trio of excellent performances. It's a strange film at times and the odd moments of sped up slapstick humour and bursts of song may grate with some people but these just added a surreality that I liked.
The allegorical ending is particular bizarre but equally touching.
This review of The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970) was written by Sandy R on 25 Apr 2011.
The Ballad of Cable Hogue has generally received positive reviews.
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