The Scalphunters (1968)

User Rating:

6.8/10   

Director:

Sydney Pollack

Writer:

William W. Norton (written by)

Release Date:

2 April 1968 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Western

Tagline:

He'll stop at nothing to take back what's his.

Plot:

Forced to trade his valuable furs for a well-educated escaped slave, a rugged trapper vows to recover the pelts from the Indians and later the renegades that killed them.

Plot Keywords:

Slave | Escaped Slave | Outlaw Gang | Buddy | Native American

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

Burt Lancaster	...	Joe Bass
Shelley Winters	...	Kate
Telly Savalas	...	Jim Howie
Ossie Davis	...	Joseph Lee
Dabney Coleman	...	Jed
Paul Picerni	...	Frank
Dan Vadis	...	Yuma
Armando Silvestre	...	Two Crows
Nick Cravat	...	Yancy
Tony Epper	...	Scalphunter
Chuck Roberson	...	Scalphunter
John Epper	...	Scalphunter
Jack Williams	...	Scalphunter

Runtime:

102 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Certification:

Iceland:12 | West Germany:12 (f) | Finland:K-16 | Norway:16 (1976) | Sweden:15 | UK:A (original rating) | UK:PG (video rating) (1986) | Australia:PG

Filming Locations:

Durango, Mexico

Company:

Bristol Films

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: During the fight scene between Joe and Joseph, the white wire used to pull Joe out of the ditch is clearly visible.

Quotes:

Joe Bass: You ever fight twelve drunk Indians?
Joseph Lee: No, sir, but I'd like to see it done.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Shaft (1971)

Terrific and funny western.

The best thing about this film is the humour, and the sharp dialogue. With this cast just about every scene is enjoyable, but the scenes between Burt Lancaster and Ossie Davies literally crackle. (Ossie Davies practically makes this picture his own, no mean feat with a cast of this quality). Telly Salvalas makes a really great baddie, and Shelley Winters is the perfect counter to him. The script has an edge like a razor, and despite being very funny, has some serious reflections on everything from greed to race. If you haven't seen it yet, you are in for a treat. From start to final minute, a cracking good picture. Even if you are not a western fan, I recommend this film. It's the great characters and dialogue that make it stand out.