Watch Strange Vengeance of Rosalie

Strange Vengeance of Rosalie is a 1972 Western drama directed by Jack Starrett and starring Bonnie Bedelia, Ken Howard, and Anthony Zerbe. Set in the 19th century American West, this film tells the tale of a determined woman seeking vengeance for the murder of her husband and child, and the unlikely alliances she forms along the way.

The story begins with Rosalie (Bedelia), a young and newlywed woman living with her husband Wayne (Howard) and their baby daughter. They are a happy family living in a remote area of the West, until one day a group of bandits led by the ruthless Caleb (Zerbe) raid their home, killing both Wayne and the baby. Rosalie is left alive, but traumatized and filled with a burning desire for revenge.

The bulk of the movie follows Rosalie as she seeks out Caleb and his gang, enlisting the help of a variety of characters along the way. She encounters a traveling preacher (played by the legendary character actor Ben Johnson), who initially tries to dissuade her from her quest for vengeance but eventually offers his protection. She also teams up with an experienced gunfighter named Lute (played by the always reliable Richard Romanus), who has his own reasons for wanting to take down Caleb.

As Rosalie and her allies track Caleb and his gang through the rugged landscape of the American West, the tension builds and the stakes get increasingly high. There are shootouts, fistfights, chases on horseback, and moments of unexpected tenderness and vulnerability. All the while, Rosalie's determination to avenge her family is the driving force behind everything that happens.

One of the most striking things about Strange Vengeance of Rosalie is the performance of Bonnie Bedelia in the lead role. At the time the film was made, Bedelia was just starting out in her acting career, but she commands the screen with a fierce intensity and a potent combination of anger and grief. She is both vulnerable and dangerous, and her performance is the anchor that holds the movie together.

Ken Howard, who plays Rosalie's husband Wayne, is another standout in the cast. His portrayal of the decent, hardworking man cut down in the prime of his life is moving and sympathetic, and his absence from the rest of the movie is keenly felt. Anthony Zerbe, as the villainous Caleb, is appropriately menacing and slimy. He's a classic Western bad guy, complete with a trademark black hat and a smug grin.

Director Jack Starrett, who got his start in B-movies in the 1960s and later directed episodes of shows like The A-Team and Knight Rider, delivers a film that is both gritty and poetic. The cinematography, by Duke Callaghan, captures the harsh beauty of the Western landscape, while the screenplay by John C. Higgins strikes a balance between tough-guy dialogue and heartfelt emotion. The movie is violent and action-packed, but it's also a meditation on loss, grief, and the importance of human connection.

Overall, Strange Vengeance of Rosalie is a satisfying and entertaining Western that doesn't get the credit it deserves. It's a showcase for some great performances, particularly by Bonnie Bedelia, and it tells a story that is both exciting and emotionally resonant. If you're a fan of classic Westerns or just good storytelling, this movie is well worth a look.

Strange Vengeance of Rosalie is a 1972 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.