Watch The Hunting Party

The Hunting Party, released in 1971, is a Western film directed by Don Medford, starring Oliver Reed, Candice Bergen, and Gene Hackman. Set in 1883, the movie takes us on a journey through the American West as two former friends, Brandt Ruger (Reed) and Frank Calder (Hackman), come face to face after several years. The film revolves around their strained relationship, their love for the same woman, and a hunting trip that turns into a battle for survival.

The Hunting Party begins with Brandt Ruger and his wife, Melissa (Bergen), hosting a grand hunting party at their ranch. The party is attended by many wealthy guests, including Brandt's former friend, Frank Calder, who has fallen on hard times. Despite the strained relationship between the two, Brandt invites Frank to stay at the ranch and join the hunting party. Melissa, who has an attraction towards Frank, tries to rekindle their friendship, which leads to a love triangle between the three.

As the hunting party moves out, tensions begin to rise between Brandt and Frank. Brandt, who is known for his arrogance and aggression, tries to dominate the group and make all the decisions, which Frank sees as a direct challenge to his authority. Frank, a more practical and experienced hunter, tries to take control of the situation, which creates a rift between the two.

Things take an unexpected turn when Brandt accidentally shoots and injures a local rancher. Fearing retaliation from the rancher's men, Brandt orders the group to split up and head towards safety. However, the group soon realizes that they are being hunted by a group of vengeful ranchers who are out for blood.

The rest of the movie focuses on the group's fight for survival as they try to outrun the ranchers and make their way back to safety. As they face one challenge after another, the group begins to crumble under the pressure, and alliances are formed and broken. Brandt's arrogance and aggression prove to be more of a liability than a strength, and Frank emerges as the natural leader of the group.

The Hunting Party is a classic Western movie that explores the themes of friendship, betrayal, and survival. The dynamic cast, including the charismatic Oliver Reed and the beautiful Candice Bergen, delivers strong performances that keep the audience engaged throughout the movie. The stunning cinematography captures the breathtaking beauty of the American West, and the action sequences are intense and thrilling.

Overall, The Hunting Party is a cinematic gem that offers a unique perspective on the classic Western genre. It is a must-watch for fans of the genre and anyone who loves a good adventure story filled with drama, action, and suspense.

The Hunting Party is a 1971 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.