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BillPrich
Reviews
The Rifleman: The Marshal (1958)
Sam Meet Warren
This is a highly entertaining episode that puts the series firmly on its way to a winning formula. But what really distinguishes this episode -- indeed, makes it historic -- is that it is the first time that Warren Oates ever appeared in a Sam Peckinpah-directed project. Oates would go on to become one of the constants, one of the trademarks, of a Peckinpah movie. This would culminate 16 years later in the classic "Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia," one of my all-time favorites. And, I must say, the thing that makes this episode so entertaining is that it certainly has all the trademarks of a Peckinpah-Oates collaboration, even on the first outing. There is the explosive violence -- people, including Oates, getting thrown into the air backwards by gun blast; and Oates breaking up a bar with the same loud, dumb, bad boy-man glee he'd raise to perfection in the "Wild Bunch." Find this episode and watch history in the making!
Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia (1974)
Sam Peckinpaugh's Greatest
I have seen many of Sam's works -- the Riflemen episodes he directed, Ride the High Country (a close second), Major Dundee, The Wild Bunch (the opening shoot out, yes, is perhaps the greatest scene, thanks to the supporting players, Bo Hopkins and Strother Martin), Straw Dogs, Junior Bonner, The Getaway, The Killer Elite, The Iron Cross -- all fine movies. Yet, "Bring Me the Head..." is Sam's greatest.
Just compiling this list of great works wears me out. All I can say is see this move if you have not already. Watch it two times. Maybe three. After that, I think you will agree with me.
Before I post, I'm told I have to generate 10 lines. Is that ridiculous or what? Warren Oates was never better! Need I say more?