Lawman
Burt Lancaster is an uncompromising lawman who defies the odds when he single-handedly confronts a gang of killers in this "extraordinarily perceptive" (Films & Filming) and action-packed tale of life and justice on the American frontier.
When Sabbath town-boss Vincent Bronson (Cobb) and his drunken ranch hands unwittingly kill an old man on Bannack, everyone knows it was an accident. Everyone, that is, except Bannack's marshal, Jered Maddox (Lancaster). A tough, no nonsense man of the law, Maddox is determined to bring the killers to justice. Trailing them back to Sababth, Maddox makes his intentions clear: "I'm gonna take these men back with me," he vows, "or kill them where they stand." So when Bronson sends word that he wants to make a deal, the inflexible Maddox refuses, a decision that forces Bronson's men to let their guns do the talking. But Jered Maddox is not a man to back down... he'll bring these desperate killers back to Bannack, his way. Dead or alive.
Member Reviews
Quite good, actually. - CroakerBC
I think the fact that Burt Lancaster's character is no better than the criminals he pursues is intentional. After all, we should be getting tired of too-good-to-be-true heroes.
And then again, I have yet to see a western in which the lawman hero accepts to let the criminals go. They are all stubborn. They all have their principles to live by and "letting go" is not in their vocabulary.
With a stellar cast and an above average story, this film is definitely worth watching, whether you are a fan of westerns or not.Not Burt's Fault - bwod
What was director Michael Winner on, when he made this confusing film that ultimately leaves you with a sour taste in your mouth? Don't fault the work of Burt Lancaster as "The Lawman". His presence is commanding, as is Robert Ryan, and Lee J.Cobb. Perhaps the fault lies with the script, penned by Gerald Wilson. You want to cheer Burt on, but when push comes to shove, he's no better than the criminals he's pursuing.
Forget this one, unless you've already seen all the other westerns available on dvd.
Member Reviews
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Quite good, actually. - CroakerBC
I think the fact that Burt Lancaster's character is no better than the criminals he pursues is intentional. After all, we should be getting tired of too-good-to-be-true heroes.
And then again, I have yet to see a western in which the lawman hero accepts ...Not Burt's Fault - bwod
What was director Michael Winner on, when he made this confusing film that ultimately leaves you with a sour taste in your mouth? Don't fault the work of Burt Lancaster as "The Lawman". His presence is commanding, as is Robert Ryan, and Lee J.Cobb. Perhaps ...