Watch A Man Called Sledge

Set in the Old West, A Man Called Sledge is a 1970 classic western action film that stars James Garner as Sledge, a ruthless outlaw with no loyalty to anyone except himself. Directed by Vic Morrow and starring a talented cast that includes Dennis Weaver and Claude Akins, this movie is full of gunfights, double-crosses, and thrilling action sequences.

The story begins as Sledge and his gang of outlaws rob a bank and become a target for the authorities. As they evade the lawmen, Sledge plots his next move, determined to take revenge on his former partner, a man named The Colonel (Akins), who double-crossed him and left him to rot in jail for five years.

Sledge's plan is simple - he enlists the help of a group of bandits to break him and his gang out of jail, and then proceeds to hunt down The Colonel with the help of a former partner-in-crime, Ernie (Weaver). Along the way, they encounter a variety of characters, including a group of Indian renegades, who add to the excitement of the film.

As the plot unfolds, the audience is treated to some incredible action sequences, including a daring train robbery and several intense shootouts. But what sets A Man Called Sledge apart from other westerns of its time is its depiction of Sledge himself. James Garner's portrayal of the anti-hero is nuanced and complex, making Sledge a character that the audience roots for, despite his criminal tendencies.

Throughout the film, Sledge's moral code is put to the test, as he must choose between his loyalty to his gang and his desire for revenge against The Colonel. This dilemma is particularly evident in his relationship with Ernie, who Sledge views as a friend, but also as a potential liability. Their bond is tested repeatedly, as Ernie struggles to come to terms with Sledge's ruthless nature.

Another standout performance in the film is delivered by Claude Akins as The Colonel. Akins portrays the villain with a sense of menace and cunning that makes him a formidable foe for Sledge. The tension between the two characters is palpable, as Sledge seeks to get revenge while The Colonel prepares to defend himself.

In addition to the thrilling action, A Man Called Sledge also features some beautiful cinematography, with sweeping shots of the rugged western landscape. The film's score, composed by Gianni Ferrio, is equally impressive, adding to the sense of tension and drama throughout.

While the film may not be as well-known as some other westerns from its era, such as The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly or Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, A Man Called Sledge is a hidden gem that is definitely worth watching. With its engaging characters, exciting action sequences, and sharp direction, it is a film that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

In conclusion, A Man Called Sledge is a classic western that stands the test of time, with its memorable characters, thrilling action, and stunning visuals. The film's exploration of themes such as loyalty, revenge, and the morality of anti-heroes make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

A Man Called Sledge is a 1971 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.