Director: George Armitage
Starring: Kris Kristofferson, Jan-Michael Vincent, Victoria Principal, Bernadette Peters
Running Time: 89 minutes
Running Time: 89 minutes
Synopsis: The small town of Elk Hills, California is experiencing rowdy lawlessness due to an oil boom. At the request of local leaders, respected businessman Ben Arnold (Jan-Michael Vincent) recruits his brother Aaron (Kris Kristofferson), a Vietnam War veteran, to hurriedly join the police force and restore law and order. Aaron and his buddies are initially successful and the locals are pleased, but Aaron then reveals his dark side, turning on the town and unleashing a wave of extortion and violence. A showdown looms between the brothers.
What Works Well: Some of the explosions and stunts are not bad, and Bernadette Peters as an out-of-tune singer adds a lonely touch of victimized humanity.
What Does Not Work As Well: In better hands, this trashy story could have better explored the foxes-invited-to-save-the-henhouse Vietnam War metaphor. And with some investment in character, Aaron's war-damaged soul could have been given expressive space. Instead, director George Armitage resorts to mass brawls and cold-blooded shootings every three minutes, with none of the deaths causing even a momentary pause for shock, reflection, or grief. Sophomoric writing merges with wooden acting to create bottom-of-the-barrel drive-in entertainment focused on ogling Kris Kristofferson's shirtless physique.
Key Quote:
Ben (to Aaron): I'm the one that brought you here, and I'm the one that's gonna run you out.
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