Review of The Gatling Gun (1971) by John R — 08 Jan 2017

170108: Can a film be labeled fantastic and terribly entertaining? The poor quality of the copy I own (Platinum Disc Corporation) initially camouflaged The Gatling Gun's otherwise amazing cast. It took me a few minutes to pick up on them but eventually I recognized Private Sneed (Robert Fuller), Runner the Scout (Woody Strode), Jim Boland (Parick Wayne), Tin Pot (Pat Buttram), and Reverand Harper (John Carradine).

From the moment a Trooper gets blown to flaming bits, I was surprised at the level of violence contained in this 1972 film. Conversely, off setting the violence was a subtle humor that I imagine was both intentional and not.

From Martha Boland's (Judy Jordan) decision to put on a dress to Lieutenant Wayne Malcom (Guy Stockwell) calling Two-Knife (Carlos Rivas) a squaw, this film entertains. I'm thinking many of the laughs I enjoyed were not so designed as representative of the era in which this film was produced.

The great thing is, you continually anticipate, and know, that old Tin Pot is going to get that "King Gun" functional. Though an obvious attempt at political commentary regarding the destructive force of weapons, as well as a weaker view at First Nations equality, The Gatling Gun never fails to entertain.

In fact, I'd almost think a modern version should be done incorporating better bean can grenades; longer cat fights; and more blood-haired Indians in the cast, or were they Vaqueros? Perhaps Runner the Scout can even get a chance to reach into that curiously cumbersome quiver as well (watch the movie)? A "4" because it made me smile so much.