Death Rides a Horse

Tough, uncompromising and always entertaining, this film begins with a pretty surprisingly brutal event and ends in high drama. The handsome, green-eyed John Phillip Law doesn't seem to work quite as hard as Van Cleef to establish his character (what's that about beautiful people not having to try?) but he's effective enough and the obvious chemistry between the two men carries things along very nicely. Mention must be made of the very fine and occasionally playful Morricone score. The film is well enough shot but there are quiet moments when you realise that the composer himself is carrying the scene! Some feel the film a little slow and others mention plot holes but I disagree on both counts and highly recommend this especially as it is now looking so well turned out.

On a remote Firebase in Vietnam, we received a 16mm movie each day by helicopter. We typically watched about 3:00AM in our small fire direction center (FDC). "Death Rides a Horse" was delivered at least 15 times in 10 months. We were moved by the expressive eyes and dramatic stares throughout the movie. After several viewings, we'd decided to leave the sound off and provide our own dialog. This movie was a great tension buster in the middle of undesired action. Thank you Lee VanCleef!