Watch The Gauntlet

The Gauntlet is an action-packed thriller that was released in 1977. The film was directed by Clint Eastwood himself and stars Clint Eastwood, Sondra Locke, and Pat Hingle. The movie follows the story of a down-on-his-luck cop named Ben Shockley (played by Clint Eastwood) who is sent to Las Vegas to bring back a witness named Gus Mally (played by Sondra Locke) who is set to testify against some big-time mobsters.

The story begins with Shockley, a poorly-regarded police officer, being given the low-priority task of escorting a witness from Las Vegas to Phoenix. However, Shockley soon learns that the witness, Gus Mally, is in fact a key witness in a high-profile case against the Mob. Shockley also discovers that a corrupt cop wants to kill Mally before she can testify in court. Shockley then makes the decision to protect Mally and escort her on the dangerous journey to Phoenix, facing a gauntlet of obstacles, including an attempt on their lives, corrupt law enforcement officials, and a hail of bullets.

As the two journey across the country, they find themselves increasingly isolated and pursued, with seemingly no hope of escape. The pair must outsmart the corrupt police officers who are out to silence them at all costs, and work together to get to their destination alive. With bullets flying, car chases and intense action scenes, The Gauntlet is an edge-of-your-seat thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end.

The movie showcases Clint Eastwood's talents as both an actor and director. He delivers a solid performance that blends humor, action, and grit in a way that only he can. The chemistry between Eastwood and Locke's characters adds depth to the movie and helps to create a dynamic story that is impossible to resist.

Another standout from the movie is the action scenes. The Gauntlet features intense, high-speed car chases, shootouts, and hand-to-hand combat, all of which are executed with style and precision. Fans of the action genre will not be disappointed by the sheer level of adrenaline and excitement that these scenes provide.

However, The Gauntlet isn't just a mindless action movie; it also has a message about the corrupt nature of law enforcement and the vigilante mentality that it can breed. The movie ultimately poses the question of whether it is possible to trust the police or the justice system to protect citizens in cases of corruption. As the characters navigate their way through the corrupt police force and fight for their lives, they ultimately come to question all they thought they knew about the system.

In conclusion, The Gauntlet is a gripping, intense movie that delivers on all levels. With Clint Eastwood's signature style and action sequences that keep you hooked from start to finish, it is no surprise that the movie continues to be remembered as a classic action film that pushes the boundaries of the genre. Its nuanced treatment of corruption and justice elevates it beyond other films of its kind and makes it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

The Gauntlet is a 1977 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 59.