Watch The Windsplitter

The Windsplitter is a 1971 Western film that follows the story of a man struggling to find his place in the world. Set in the late 1800s, the movie tells a gripping tale of revenge and redemption as protagonist Ben Goode, played by Jim McMullan, sets out to make things right. The story begins with Ben Goode returning to his hometown after being released from prison on a trumped-up charge. He finds that his father has died, and the family ranch has been taken over by his father's partner, Frank Madden (Paul Lambert). Despite being warned to leave town, Ben decides to take back what is rightfully his - not only the ranch but also the love of his childhood sweetheart, Laurie (Joyce Taylor).

As he sets out to reclaim his ranch, Ben is thwarted at every turn by Madden and his henchmen. But Ben is not one to give up so easily. He enlists the help of an old friend, Indian Joe (played by real-life Apache tribal member Iron Eyes Cody), and together they plot their revenge.

The Windsplitter is a classic Western in every sense of the word. It has all the elements that fans of the genre love - a hero out for justice, a villain to hate, shootouts, and horseback chases. The film also explores the themes of family, loyalty, and betrayal.

Despite its low budget, the filmmakers managed to create a visually stunning film. The landscapes are breathtaking, and the action scenes are well choreographed. The performances of the cast are commendable, especially Jim McMullan, who carries the film with his strong and brooding presence.

One of the most notable things about The Windsplitter is the way it portrays Native Americans. While some Westerns have been criticized for their portrayal of First Nations people, this film is different. Indian Joe is portrayed as a wise and loyal friend to Ben, and his culture is treated with respect. In one scene, Joe tries to teach Ben some of his people's wisdom, saying, "It is a hard thing to find one's way. But once found, one must follow it."

The film's score is also noteworthy. The score perfectly captures the essence of the film, with soaring orchestral pieces during the action scenes and mournful ballads during the more emotional moments. The music was composed by Peter Matz, who is best known for his work on TV shows such as Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In and The Carol Burnett Show.

In conclusion, The Windsplitter is a well-made Western that deserves more attention than it has received. It has all the hallmarks of a classic Western with an engaging story, stunning visuals, and great performances. The film is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Western genre and is sure to satisfy fans of the genre.

The Windsplitter is a 1971 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.