Pale Rider (1985)

 

After Clint Eastwoord finally made a name for himself as the 'Man With No Name' in Sergio Leone's classic spaghetti westerns, he did try his hand at different things. Not surprising, as you can only do so many westerns before it becomes a bit trite. However, the fact that Eastwood would return to the genre several times while delivering either really good or excellent films does make it seem as though he lived and breathed the genre. Now, 'Pale Rider' might not be as powerful as 'Unforgiven', but for an earlier directorial feat by the man himself, this is a very, very decent story.

It might even link to his previous outings actually, seeing as Eastwood once again plays a nameless character who shows up, does his thing and then rides off into the sunset. 

A small camp of prospectors is being harassed by hoodlums from a nearby mine. This is all a ploy by the wealthy owner of said mine to get those people out, so he can lay claim to their land and seek for gold. But just when most of the prospectors are about ready to pack it in, a mysterious stranger rides into town. This turns out to be a preacher who also is not afraid and manages to teach the hoodlums a lesson or two. 

Not only that, but the prospectors slowly begin to gain more confidence. In fact, it even comes down to the malicious LaHood (owner of the mine and a ridiculously on the nose name) hiring a group of marshalls who are nothing but hired killers. The leader of this band has some history with our preacher figure, even if it isn't all too clear. 

Will the preacher save the day and show those greedy hoodlums what's what and will he get the prospectors to rise above themselves and stand their ground?

Well, of course he will. Duh.

Even though you pretty much know how it will all play out, this is still a very enjoyable watch. Eastwood is that chiselled face and the gruff voice a lot have come to love and he plays it as expected. But you get a lot of character out of the other actors. Michael Moriarty in particular is really good as Hull Barrett, the one man in the camp who wants to take a stand when others do not. 

The action is cool and as it should be, the final gunfight is a pretty tense experience, with a nice, slow build; something that Eastwood clearly learned/adapted from Leone's films. 

Oh, and Eastwood's character is basically a revenant returned from the afterlife because a young girl prayed for a miracle. 

No really.

But don't let that take away from the enjoyment, as this is a really solid western with all the trimmings and trappings you want and need from a film like this. So put on your hat and cock that sixshooter.