If you like Lee Van Cleef you must have this film now on DVD in an excellent transfer. Yes this looks like a TV Movie. Yes the plot has been done a million times etc. But it DOES have an excellent performance by Van Cleef playing Chris. On the plus side - Some TV movies are pretty damn good! This is a solid western in all departments with good acting all around. It's almost a Whose who of 70's character actors- James Sikking, Ed Lauter, faces you've seen all the time and a young Gary Busey. The dialog is pretty brilliant at times(scene with Chris and the Monk is a hoot) and is never less than good. Stand out scenes for me were when Chris and the writer find his dead wife. Van cleef underplays fantastically and it is genuinely touching and simply done. Also his "love scene" - Stephanie Powers looks stunning and Van Cleef absolutely Oozes restrained machismo. It's a moment of simple affection portrayed spot on by both actors. If you want to know what "screen presence" means check this scene out. These two scenes alone are worth the price of the movie. If you're a fan of IL "Angel Eyes" this is a must have.
Review of The Magnificent Seven Ride!
