101. Buck and the Preacher; movie review

 

BUCK AND THE PREACHER

Cert 12A

103 mins

BBFC advice: Contains moderate violence, racism, sex references, sexual violence references

There is no doubt that Buck and the Preacher is an important movie but it is a good one?

This was the first film directed by Sidney Poitier and, at the time, was unique because it cast black actors as central characters of a Hollywood Western.

It also broke new ground by examining the relationship between African Americans and the indigenous population.

The pity is that the script is stilted, the editing isn't great quality and the action scenes certainly don't pass the test of time.

Buck and the Preacher is set shortly after the American Civil War when former slaves have been given emancipation.

However, Louisiana plantation owners, now short of labourers, have sent violent thugs to force wagon trains to turn back or kill those on them.

Poitier plays Buck, the leader of those seeking a new life and target number one for the gang, led by a cruel killer (Cameron Mitchell).

Meanwhile, there is some comedy relief from a 'preacher', played by Poitier's real-life best friend and fellow civil rights campaigner, Harry Belafonte.

After initially being wary of each other, the two characters make an unlikely combo against the ugly racists.

And then there is their intriguing pact with the Native Americans who are suspicious if not outright hostile to everyone.

It adds up to an intoxicating and thought-provoking mix.

It is a shame then shoot-outs are so hammed up and the dialogue is exaggerated. This is a disappointment given the depth of Poitier's more famous films.

Reasons to watch: A film of rare importance

Reasons to avoid: Lots of cliched western action

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: Bare bum

Overall rating: 6.5/10

Did you know? From the late eighteenth century through the end of the Civil War, Choctaw and Chickasaw Indians bought, sold, and owned Africans and African Americans as slaves and continued to do so after the tribes' removal from the Deep South to Indian Territory.

The final word. Harry Belafonte: "We have used our power, we have used our craft, in order to set platforms for other artists to be able to project themselves, other Black artists. So that despite the inequities, despite the contradictions, within this society, it has not deterred us from a Black consciousness." Criterion

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