It would be interesting to learn who originated this story of bamboozled couriers. Though this movie was made in 1974, a 1963 story by Gene Roddenberry appeared as The Virginian episode 1:29, 'Run Away Home' featuring this same basic plot with the same slug-fisted ending. I remember seeing it reworked again in 1988 as Miami Vice 5:6, 'Line of Fire' where Sonny Crockett is transporting a 'top secret' witness. Another variant is Airwolf 3:18, 'Hawke's Run'. Does anybody remember any other variations? I am sure there must be more. This plot-line seems to be another one of those television tropes that pops up every few years wearing another hat or in this case, being transported by another vehicle, i.e. horse, truck, or boat.
Reviews
2 Reviews
Shades of Sartre
4 September 2012
I thought that this particular episode, 'Strangers At Sundown', was quite intriguing. Watching this episode reminded me of Sartre's play, 'No Exit', Jim Henson's 'The Cube', Pirandello's 'Six Characters In search of An Exit' or the classic Twilight Zone, 'Five Characters In Search of An Exit'. The ending also reminds me somewhat of Gunsmoke 15:7, 'Charlie Noon'.
Like many episodes of The Virginian, this one featured commentary on many moral principles such as loyalty, betrayal, love, family, abandonment, and redemption.
I enjoy The Virginian series because it is often contemplative and the action is an accent for the principles taught, rather than an end in itself.
Like many episodes of The Virginian, this one featured commentary on many moral principles such as loyalty, betrayal, love, family, abandonment, and redemption.
I enjoy The Virginian series because it is often contemplative and the action is an accent for the principles taught, rather than an end in itself.
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