Lawman [DVD]

A post-Wild Bunch western starring Burt Lancaster as the Lawman Maddox, a sheriff out to get the drunken gang responsible for the death of an old man. What marks this out is that the gang comprising of Lee J Cobb, Robert Duvall and others aren't especially bad or evil men. They got drunk, shot up a town and as Cotton [Ryan] says, if they go back for trial they can buy the town and the judge. That's not enough and when Stenbaugh [Salmi] draws and loses the line has been crossed, for everyone involved. But, the law's the law and a man's gotta do and that's all that matters to Maddox. When, it looks like he's going to ride away ... I won't spoil it. Lawman is one of Winner's better films as he's a bit more restrained than usual although he can't help himself when it comes to shooting a horse which would've been better off-screen. [He's not the most subtle director]. Winner assembles a tremendous cast for this western although it must be said, most were past their best by 1971 and only Duvall, possibly Jordan, would become bigger stars than they are here. Burt is Burt [i.e. thoroughly professional] although he's doesn't do any smiling, running or jumping in this one. It's one of his serious performances and it suits the material. In a way, the stoic Maddox is Lancaster's Wyatt Earp from 14 years before. The locations are fine and the town set is particularly impressive and it's a pity we don't see it until that final crane shot. It's a good job Winner packed his zoom lens because he uses it all the time, to mixed effect it must be said. Perhaps, a little less of it would've worked better. On the negative side, I found Jerry Fielding's score a little bombastic especially during the round-up. There are faint lines and medium grain on this German Blu-ray by 'WVG Media' but nothing to spoil the viewing pleasure. Close-ups show significant detail. Sound is acceptable. There are no English subtitles. The Blu-ray begins with two trailers that you have to sit through before the main menu appears. Lastly, two of the best things aren't in it ... and they're Sheree North's boobs. However, the UK-censored horse-tripping scene of Robert Duvall remains intact. It's swings and roundabouts: no boobs but animal cruelty [the Yanks are weird]. I've looked into this and I think two scenes were shot: with and without the bed-sheet. [The dialogue is similar for both versions]. Without, was for the 'foreign' market, with, was for the more prudish US market. As most of these Blu-rays are licensed from the US, it means that even a German Blu-ray such as this can be a 'censored' version. Don't retire that DVD just yet.

Purchase choice was poor….via mobile or pc….via tv would be handy even if security code via mobile is needed….my tech knowledge is basic even though at 57 I try…..if you make it easier, a service will be used more….

I first saw this movie in London on its release and was pleased to watch it again. It is gritty and realistic with a great cast - Burt Lancaster, Robert Ryan, Lee J Cobb, Robert Duvall, Richard Jordan and Sheree North among others. Lancaster plays the upright by-the-book lawman, much like his Wyatt Earp in Gunfight at the OK Corral, while Ryan plays the past it Sheriff of the town that the Lawman reaches looking for his cowboys who shot up his town and killed a man. Lee J Cobb is the ranch owner and boss of these men. By the end of the movie Lancaster has killed five men and locked up two more. The ending may be seen as unsatisfactory by some.My main gripe with the BluRay version is a complete lack of extras.

Implacable lawman Burt Lancaster takes no prisoners in ruthless western drama. He tracks down drunken cowboys to a town run by Texan cattle baron Lee J. Cobb and the sheriff in his pocket, Robert Ryan. Burt bides his time, but he’s wearing a badge and a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do. Especially when he’s provoked. Michael Winner’s direction is typically slipshod, using gratuitous zoom shots and some clumsy editing, but Gerald Wilson’s script doesn’t waste words and the distinguished cast is compelling. None more so than Lancaster, a law unto himself as he rides upright through a community which can’t wait to see the back of him. The shocking ending makes sense only when it’s remembered that America was at war with itself in 1971.

Although western fans regard this as a classic of the genre, i've been reluctant to purchase it because I'm not a big fan of Burt Lancaster's acting; and Michael Winner - it's director - doesn't have a glowing reputation. What convinced me to give it a go was the presence of Robert Duvall and Lee J. Cobb in the cast. And I'm pleased that I did.Bronson's (Cobb)cowboy outfit accidentally kills an innocent bystander in Maddox's (Lancaster) town during a drunken night of fooling around at the end of a cattle drive. His men then leave not realising that their gun play has caused a death. Maddox was out of town at the time, and when he returns he heads out to arrest the men to stand trial.Hearing of Maddox's arrival and of the accident, Bronson is remorseful and offers to pay anything to put it right. Maddox, though, is a honourable law man and refuses, saying he's only interested in arresting the men responsible. When Cobb's right hand man is killed by Maddox when he's called out, he vows revenge.Like a machine, Maddox continues to stick to his plan and the tension builds. However, I felt let down by the ending, or the near ending. I can't really go into detail because it will spoil the movie for the viewer, but I found it hard to believe. It seemed a bit rushed to come up with that scenario.Picture quality suffers at times, but overall is good. I would have given it 3.5 stars, but Amazon won't allow me to do that. So I've given it 3 because 4 suggests a near masterpiece, which it isn't, although it is very good and if you enjoy westerns you'll find much to like in this film. There won't be too many surprises, but the traditional elements work and it's all carried off very well by a fine cast and, surprisingly, good, taut directing.