A Man Called Sledge

 

Is it or is it not a Spaghetti Western?

It’s got the grime, the grit, the garish set-pieces, and a largely Italian crew, but you have James Garner at the helm [against charming type as a cynical bad man], along with Claude Aikens and an excellent [I repeat] excellent Dennis Weaver.

The film was directed and co-scripted by actor Vic Morrow, who seems to bring a bit more of Samuel Fuller to the proceedings than mere Leone knock-off.

The script is far more coherent than most Spaghetti Westerns, and Morrow stages very well, it must be said.

This strikes me as a “fallen thru the cracks” picture. While no classic, if it were a pure Spaghetti Western it would be in the Top 10.

Released as it was in 1970 in the time of Westerns moving towards cynical portrayals [The Wild Bunch etc.], it still holds its own.

Perhaps the “against type” Garner performance was the holdback; I don’t really see why as he is top-notch here.

The film is mighty fine and deserving of a far better reputation.

One Last Note: Garner forgoes cowboy boots and wears low-cut moccasins throughout. Something that hews to fact more commonly than thought, but I can’t recall another film where a non-Indian character sports this authentic footwear.