The Anti-Western had been Around for a while so Producer, Director, Star Kirk Douglas was Bandwagoning a bit and Chronologically it was Not as Unexpected as Moderns might Think.
The Difference here is the Political Story-Line not often Used in the Genre. Western Fans are more Comfortable with the Traditional. Kirk Douglas was never known for His Restraint as an Actor relying on Bombasticity most of the Time to Literally Jump off the Screen.
That Less than subtle Approach was Transferred to the Director's Chair. It's Clear from the Opening Who the Villain is here. But still, it is Fascinating to Watch "White Hat vs Black Hat" Characters Exchange Roles in this Solid Telling of an Ambitious and Selfish Marshall with Senatorial Ambitions.
Bruce Dern is Perfectly Cast as the Smart and somewhat Charming Outlaw. Basically His Ability to be Insightful and Pragmatic in His chosen Profession and is much More Likable than the Duplicitous Douglas.
Overall, Above Average Watergate Western with enough Good Character Actors in Support and Good Professionals behind the Script and Cinematography that make this one a Must See for Fans of the Genre and Might even Impress Viewers Not Usually Drawn to Tales of the Old West.
The Difference here is the Political Story-Line not often Used in the Genre. Western Fans are more Comfortable with the Traditional. Kirk Douglas was never known for His Restraint as an Actor relying on Bombasticity most of the Time to Literally Jump off the Screen.
That Less than subtle Approach was Transferred to the Director's Chair. It's Clear from the Opening Who the Villain is here. But still, it is Fascinating to Watch "White Hat vs Black Hat" Characters Exchange Roles in this Solid Telling of an Ambitious and Selfish Marshall with Senatorial Ambitions.
Bruce Dern is Perfectly Cast as the Smart and somewhat Charming Outlaw. Basically His Ability to be Insightful and Pragmatic in His chosen Profession and is much More Likable than the Duplicitous Douglas.
Overall, Above Average Watergate Western with enough Good Character Actors in Support and Good Professionals behind the Script and Cinematography that make this one a Must See for Fans of the Genre and Might even Impress Viewers Not Usually Drawn to Tales of the Old West.