Hang'em High

Hang'em High

This was the first 'American Spaghetti Western', probably a cinematic contradiction-in-terms if ever there was one. Eastwood's first major starring role outside of Europe, and produced by his Malpaso enterprise. Clint here turns quickly from quiet rancher to revengeful Oklahoma Territory (map) lawman, effectively using the Marshal's badge pinned on him by hanging Judge Adam Fenton (Pat Hingle) to exact revenge on the men who tried to lynch him for faulty accusations of cattle rustling. His spaghetti non-name persona is softened here for the American audience as he does have a name (Jed Cooper) and a persona (ex-St. Louis lawman turned Oklahoma rancher) and even a love interest (Inger Stevens). So the movie is worthwhile for those interested in seeing the Americanization of a very cool European film concept. The film was commercially successful at the time, though rather uneven when viewed today. Be sure and keep your eye out for a young, sneering Bruce Dern, an even smaller role for Dennis Hopper, and Clint arresting the skipper of the SS Minnow, Alan Hale, Jr.. All things considered, we call this American Spaghetti nothing more that a Good Viewer.

Director: Ted Post (and portions by Clint...)

Screenwriters: Leonard Freeman & Mel Goldberg

Original music by Dominic Frontiere - Note: Frontiere has some big shoes to fill as he follows Ennio Morricone's amazing "Man with No Name" movie scores. The whistle-less Frontiere music uses Morricone's bells, drums, horns, and flamenco guitar. All made somewhat soggy by flat organ play.

Cast: Clint Eastwood.... Marshal Jedediah Cooper
Inger Stevens.... Rachel Warren
Ed Begley.... Capt. Wilson
Pat Hingle.... Territorial Judge Adam Fenton, Fort Grant Arkansas
Ben Johnson .... Marshal Dave Bliss
Charles McGraw.... Red Creek Sheriff Ray Calhoun
Ruth White .... Madame 'Peaches' Sophie
Bruce Dern.... Miller, Rustler
Alan Hale Jr..... Stone, Red Creek Blacksmith
Arlene Golonka.... Jennifer, Prostitute
James Westerfield.... Prisoner
Dennis Hopper.... The Prophet
L.Q. Jones.... M. Loomis, Cooper Hanging Party

Date: 1967 114 minutes