Watch When You Comin' Back, Red Ryder?

When You Comin' Back, Red Ryder? is a tense drama film released in 1979, directed by Milton Katselas, and starring Candy Clark, Marjoe Gortner, and Stephanie Faracy. The movie takes place in a small roadside diner in New Mexico, named Red Ryder. The plot revolves around the night shift, where a group of strangers finds themselves trapped in a hauntingly eerie and intense situation.

A married couple named Teddy (Candy Clark) and Richard (Christopher Connelly) stops by the diner in the middle of the night, hoping to get some food before continuing their long drive. However, instead of finding a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, they are greeted by an ambivalent and unfriendly waitress, Angel (Stephanie Faracy). Meanwhile, a group of young adults including a boisterous military veteran named Teddy (Marjoe Gortner) and his girlfriend Cheryl (Parker Stevenson), a flirtatious young woman named Clarisse (Roberta Collins), and her meeker companion, Dinah (Jennifer Lee) are also present in the diner.

However, things take a dark turn when Teddy takes everyone inside the diner hostage, convinced that their lives are going nowhere, and he's going to force them to confront their fears and insecurities. As the night progresses, the atmosphere in the diner becomes more oppressive and claustrophobic, and the hostages become increasingly desperate to escape. And as past traumas and hidden secrets are revealed, Teddy's grip on reality becomes more and more tenuous, leading to a tense and suspenseful climax.

The film effectively explores themes of isolation, loneliness, and self-discovery. All of the characters are damaged in some way and are struggling to find meaning in their lives. Teddy is a complex and intriguing character, a brooding Vietnam War veteran who is disillusioned with society and believes he's the only one who can help these people confront their demons. His motivations are both noble and selfish at the same time, and his character is conflicting and fascinating to watch.

The rest of the cast is also impressive, with each actor delivering nuanced and realistic performances. The tension between them is palpable throughout the film, and the chemistry between Teddy and Angel is especially noteworthy, with Teddy's aggressive behavior matched by Angel's seething rage.

The direction by Milton Katselas is careful and detailed, with a slow-burn style that builds gradually towards the final climax. The use of light and shadow is striking, and the setting of the isolated diner is done justice, with its bleak and lonely atmosphere adding to the overall mood of the film.

Overall, When You Comin' Back, Red Ryder? is a gripping and intense drama that explores challenging themes in a compelling and impactful way. The nuanced performances and tight direction make it a captivating and unforgettable film that is worth watching even after more than 4 decades since its release.