The film is okay. Since this is James Guercio's first - and only - directorial turn there are some unusual approaches taken and some rough edges. One of the things I was reminded of is his approach in some scenes to shoot from what he must have considered the main character's POV. As such, in those scenes (interior mostly) you will see folks from the neck down - no face. To emphasize this fact for the audience Blake's character - John Wintergreen - mentions the fact that he and Alan Ladd are the same height (5' 4") to the two women behind him in the waiting line to order from a food truck. I could be completely wrong, but that would make the director more inept than I think he was to explain those camera angles. Conrad Hall's work on the exterior shots, on the other hand, are beautiful and a big plus. I liked the story and found it as easy to follow as, say, Bullitt. Could it be improved? Perhaps. Could it have been worse? Absolutely. I think this is an individual thing which the viewer can only answer for themselves. The chase could have been done better. Having 2 cops on Electra Glides chasing a group of cyclists on smaller bikes just didn't work as well as it might have. The music? Mark Spoelstras two tunes, The Marcels tune and Madura's concert music work well and do not belie the film's origin of the early 70s. The movie music does not fair as well. It sounds kind of dated and a bit like Chicago (as it should. Members of the group played on the soundtrack and Guercio produced all of their albums up through Chicago XI). The last tune"Tell Me" has been characterized as preachy by some. Putting on 'gospel sounding' background vocals does not MAKE it preachy, but I get why some would come away with that feeling. I like the tune and think Terry Kath does a good job singing it with the only weak spot being the ad-libs on the ride out. The ending has been accused of being a riff on Easy Rider which pre-dates this film by a few years. I get that, but to me it feels more like a statement on how poorly different generations communicate with each other and the divisiveness that occurs due to fear, not valuing other human beings as one ought and the prejudice that comes from those actions/feelings. (kind of like current day, eh?) Should you buy this? If you like what has been come to be called 'cult' films then yes. I would honestly suggest seeing it at least once and then making the purchase decision. For me I'll watch this enough times to make my cost per view $1 or below. That's just me.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is a film that more than likely only those of us that have some memories of the 70’s can appreciate. And then, we had the wait ourselves for about 20 years to realize what a rather good film it is. It is more like 4 small movies wrapped into one. First we have Robert Blake’s character of a dedicated Arizona motorcycle highway cop John Witergreen hoping better himself and become a detective. He hates the limitations placed on him by the status qua hierarchy and is desperate to escape. There is the catalyst drug dealer murder mystery giving him a chance to use his brains in chance to get noticed outside the ranks. There is the buddy film between Blake and his roadside partner Billy “Green” Bush who is perfectly willing to settle into his meager position in life and remain there. Finally there is the western using motorcycles instead of horses and white helmets instead of hats. The good deputy fighting for the truth against the crooked sheriff. The film moves fast giving little time to establish or blend each story line but, seems to give just enough of each to make the film work. The outside scenes with the Arizona desert just as much a main character as Blake, are simply breathe taking. The seventies soundtrack anchors the period and gives its classic appeal. The final song along with the closing scene mesh perfectly. I first saw this film when I about 12 or 13 years old and was totally blown away by the ending. I had to wait for about another decade or so to see it again to even being to appreciate the film as a whole. Now on DVD, the film seems to be much more vivid. If you like motorcycles, cops and robbers, or westerns; this film will give a little of each. Well worth adding to your collection.Read full review
Great film,story.This film upholds the artistic storytelling of the time. Robert Blake was a genuine sincere actor in his roles. Direction was tops! Editing was tops!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I liked this movie when I was a kid, and hadn't seen it in years. In fact I didn't even think I could find it anymore. After watching it again after all these years,I was again very impressed by the movie. Robert Blake plays an excellent role as a police officer you can't help but feel some compassion and sympathy for. Made in 1973.
Great movie with Robert Blake. Haven't seen it in years. Loved it.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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