Movie Review: Hang'Em High (1968)

Genre: Western  

Director: Ted Post  

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Inger Stevens, Pat Hingle, Ed Begley, Ben Johnson, Bruce Dern  

Running Time: 114 minutes  

Synopsis: In Oklahoma Territory of 1889, ex-lawman Jed Cooper (Clint Eastwood) is wrongfully accused of cattle rustling and summarily lynched by a posse led by Captain Wilson (Ed Begley). He survives thanks to the intervention of Marshal Bliss (Ben Johnson). In Fort Grant, Cooper is set free by Judge Fenton (Pat Hingle), who also convinces him to become a Marshal and to avoid extrajudicial killings. In addition to tracking down bad guys throughout the territory, Cooper gets involved with the widow Rachel Warren (Inger Stevens), who is keen to take a close look at every captured outlaw. 

What Works Well: Eastwood's first US-based Western after achieving stardom through the Dollars trilogy effectively combines toned-down spaghetti stylings with robust genre traditions. The plot is inspired by the real-life "Hanging Judge" Isaac C. Parker, and the scene of multiple hangings as carnival-like entertainment for the whole community is impressive commentary about the guise of violence. Reflections on the nature of justice and governance basics required to achieve statehood also emerge from the debates between Eastwood's Cooper and Hingle's Judge Fenton. With the help of an impressive supporting cast and a Dominic Frontiere music score saluting Morricone, director Ted Post still allocates plenty of time for revenge, survival, romance, and a few action set-pieces. 

What Does Not Work As Well:

Inger Stevens is unable to do much with Rachel Warren's side-story, which appears tacked-on to justify a leading female role.

Key Quote:

Jed Cooper (to Reno, a member of the lynch mob): When you hang a man, you better look at him.



All Ace Black Movie Blog reviews are here.