Watch The Gun and the Pulpit

The Gun and the Pulpit is a Western drama film from 1974 directed by Daniel Petrie, starring Marjoe Gortner, Slim Pickens, and David Huddleston. The movie tells the story of a gang of outlaws led by a ruthless and unstable man named P.T. Cavanaugh (Gortner) who, after a failed bank robbery, takes refuge in a small town in Texas. However, the townspeople are not easily intimidated and instead of cowering, they turn to a former gunfighter turned preacher, Reverend Leland W. Cain (Pickens) for help. Cain initially refuses due to his aversion to violence, but after witnessing the destruction that Cavanaugh and his men unleash on the town, he decides to take up arms one final time and confront the outlaws.

The Gun and the Pulpit takes place in the late 19th century and captures the essence of the Wild West era, with dusty streets, saloons, and shootouts. The film's tone is serious and gritty, with moments of tension and violence that escalate as the story unfolds. The characters are well-crafted, with the protagonist Reverend Cain grappling with his faith and past as a gunfighter. Slim Pickens gives a solid performance as the conflicted preacher, who must weigh his religious principles with the lives of the innocent townsfolk who depend on him.

Marjoe Gortner's performance as the charismatic and homicidal Cavanaugh is one of the highlights of the film. Gortner infuses his character with a manic energy, becoming a memorable villain whose unpredictability keeps the audience on edge. His interactions with his gang are especially well done, showcasing a level of camaraderie and ruthlessness among the outlaws that feels authentic to the setting. David Huddleston is also effective in a supporting role as the town's doctor, who aids Reverend Cain in his efforts and serves as a voice of reason in the midst of chaos.

The Gun and the Pulpit is a well-paced film that manages to balance action with character development. The visuals are impressive, with excellent cinematography that captures the desert landscapes and small town atmosphere with authenticity. The scenes of violence are bloody and intense, but never gratuitous, and serve to establish the stakes for the characters involved. The score by Michael Small is also noteworthy, with a haunting and melancholic theme that underscores the film's themes of redemption and sacrifice.

Overall, The Gun and the Pulpit is a solid Western movie that delivers on both entertainment and character depth. The film brings a fresh perspective to the classic narrative of the gunslinger-turned-preacher, portraying the stakes and moral quandaries in a thoughtful and engaging way. It's a must-see for fans of the genre and anyone interested in a tense and exciting film set in the Wild West.

The Gun and the Pulpit is a 1974 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.