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The Master Gunfighter (1975)

Director: Frank Laughlin Tom Laughlin

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From Time Out Film Guide

The Billy Jack series (featuring a disillusioned half-breed Indian Vietnam veteran) was sufficiently successful in the States to produce this spin-off Western. Set in Spanish California, it has Laughlin alone in challenging a decadent aristocracy for exploiting the peaceful local Indians. The film could have worked but for an excess of formula ingredients and muddled preachings. Adapted from a Japanese film, the transposition dubiously retains much samurai swordfighting and semi-Oriental costumes. Meanwhile, the over-mannered camerawork pays its dues to the Italian Western. In the resulting cultural hash, the plot with its strong anti-religious theme is too often disregarded. Laughlin is spectacularly uncharismatic, his doughy features laughable in brooding close-up. Best are the superb Monterey coast locations, reminiscent of One-Eyed Jacks; a pity nothing else is.

Author: CPe 0000-00-00 00:00:00

Time Out Film Guide

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Cast & crew

Director: Frank Laughlin Tom Laughlin

Producer: Philip L Parslow

Cast: Tom Laughlin, Ron O'Neal, Lincoln Kilpatrick, Barbara Carrera, Geo Ann Sosa, Victor Campos, Hector Elias full cast

Duration: 121 mins


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