Watch The Hanged Man
- NR
- 1974
- 1 hr 13 min
-
5.6 (404)
The Hanged Man is a Western movie from 1974 starring Steve Forrest, Dean Jagger, and Will Geer. The film follows the story of a man named Lewton Cole who returns to his hometown after an absence of many years. He finds that the town is dominated by a wealthy rancher, who is also the local judge, and that the townspeople are living in fear of him.
Lewton Cole is a professional gambler who has made a name for himself in the big cities. He comes to his hometown in search of his father's killer. Along the way, he meets a young woman named Susie, played by Sharon Acker, who is the daughter of the rancher. She is engaged to the judge's son, played by Cameron Mitchell. Lewton and Susie's attraction to each other complicates an already tense situation.
The movie is set in the late 1800s and explores the themes of revenge, justice, and redemption. The Hanged Man has a good cast, with Forrest giving a solid performance as the protagonist, and Jagger and Geer providing the necessary gravitas as the town's elder statesmen.
One of the interesting aspects of the movie is how it portrays the corrupt judge, who rules over the town with an iron fist. He uses his power to suppress dissent, to exert control over the townspeople, and to maintain his grip on power. He also has a personal vendetta against Lewton, which only adds to the tension.
The Hanged Man has a well-crafted script that does an excellent job of balancing the action with the storytelling. The movie has some great action scenes, including a shoot-out at the end, but it is the characters and their motivations that really drive the story. The tension between Lewton and the judge creates an atmosphere of unease that keeps the viewer engaged throughout.
The movie also benefits from its strong visual style. The cinematography is excellent, and the film makes good use of the outdoor locations, capturing the beauty of the Western landscape. The score is also effective, with composer Richard LaSalle providing a mix of classic Western tropes and more modern elements.
Another interesting aspect of The Hanged Man is how it explores the idea of the "outsider" in the Western genre. Lewton is a man who has lived in cities for many years and is returning to a place where he is no longer welcome. He is seen as an outsider by the townspeople, who are suspicious of his motives. This creates a sense of tension and conflict that drives the story forward.
Overall, The Hanged Man is a solid Western movie that should appeal to fans of the genre. It has a good story, a great cast, and some excellent action scenes. The movie also explores some interesting themes, which sets it apart from other Westerns of the time. If you're looking for a well-crafted movie about revenge, redemption, and justice, The Hanged Man is definitely worth watching.
The Hanged Man is a 1974 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.