Watch Harry Tracy, Desperado

Harry Tracy, Desperado is a 1982 American Western film directed by William A. Graham that tells the story of the notorious outlaw, Harry Tracy, who was considered as one of the last true desperados of the Wild West. The film stars Bruce Dern as Harry Tracy, Helen Shaver as his love interest, and Michael C. Gwynne as the lawman who relentlessly pursued him.

The film is set in the early 1900s, where Harry Tracy is on the run after escaping from prison. He is a skilled gunslinger, and many people regard him as a hero who stood up against the corrupt lawmen and big corporations that were exploiting the working class. Tracy has a Robin Hood-like image, and he uses this to his advantage to gain support from the people.

As Tracy continues his path of robbery and violence, he meets and falls in love with a woman named Catherine Tuttle, played by Helen Shaver. Catherine is a journalist who believes in his cause and is sympathetic towards him. She accompanies him on his journey, and they both start getting closer to each other. However, as Tracy's enemies grow, and the law closes in on him, his relationship with Catherine faces obstacles, and they both find themselves in danger.

On the other hand, the lawman who is chasing Tracy is Sheriff Bob Grubb, played convincingly by Michael C. Gwynne. Grubb is determined to capture Tracy and bring him to justice, even if it means using unscrupulous methods. He is not satisfied with the way the system works, and he believes that there is a need for reform.

The film's screenplay, written by Robert Boris, explores the conflicting themes of justice, loyalty, and love. It raises the question of whether an outlaw like Tracy can be forgiven for his crimes, or whether he should be punished for them. The character of Tracy is not portrayed as a simple villain but as someone who has suffered injustices and has taken the law into his own hands. The film does a good job of balancing his actions with his motivations, making him a complex and sympathetic character.

The cinematography by Richard C. Kratina beautifully captures the diverse landscapes of the Wild West, from the dusty plains to the vast mountains, and the action sequences are well staged and thrilling. The film's music, composed by John Scott, adds to the tense and moody atmosphere of the film.

One of the main highlights of Harry Tracy, Desperado is Bruce Dern's remarkable performance as the titular character. Dern's portrayal of Tracy is both charismatic and menacing. He is a captivating presence on screen, and his performance elevates the film from being just another run-of-the-mill Western. Helen Shaver is also impressive as Catherine Tuttle, providing a strong and tender foil to Dern's character.

Overall, Harry Tracy, Desperado is an entertaining and well-made Western that combines thrilling action with engaging characters and themes. It is a film that not only entertains but also makes you think about the complexities of justice and morality. Although it did not gain much popularity upon its release, it is still regarded as one of the more underrated Westerns of the 1980s.