Watch Ride the High Country

Ride the High Country, released in 1962, stars Joel McCrea, Randolph Scott, and Mariette Hartley in an epic Western adventure. Directed by Sam Peckinpah, the film tells the story of two aging gunfighters who come together for one last job. McCrea plays Steve Judd, a former lawman who now operates as a hired gun. Scott is his best friend, Gil Westrum, another outlaw who is tired of the life and is ready to retire. They are hired to transport gold across dangerous territory, and they encounter a range of characters along the way. Among them is Elsa Knudsen (Mariette Hartley), a young woman who is trying to escape from her strict religious upbringing.

The plot of the film revolves around the unlikely friendship that develops between Judd and Westrum, as they face their own mortality and contemplate the choices they’ve made in life. Along the way, they are both tested in their own unique ways, and must grapple with the notion of doing what is right, even when it is difficult.

Peckinpah is known for his depiction of violence, and Ride the High Country is no exception. The film is filled with gunfights and tense moments, but it is not gratuitous violence. Rather, it serves to heighten the tension of the story and create a sense of danger for the characters.

What sets Ride the High Country apart from other Westerns of the era is its focus on character development. The relationship between Judd and Westrum is the heart of the film, and both McCrea and Scott give powerful performances that convey the depth of their friendship.

Hartley is excellent as Elsa, a character who is torn between her desire for freedom and her duty to her family. Her interactions with Judd and Westrum provide a sense of hope and optimism amidst the bleakness of the world in which they live.

The film is beautifully shot, with stunning landscapes that capture the rugged terrain of the Wild West. Peckinpah pays close attention to detail, and the costumes and sets are both authentic and visually appealing.

Ride the High Country is a film that explores themes of morality, loyalty, and redemption. Its characters are flawed and complex, and their struggles feel real and relatable. It is a Western that goes beyond the typical tropes of the genre, and offers a thoughtful and poignant reflection on the human experience.

Ride the High Country is a 1962 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received outstanding reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 92.