High Plains Drifter (1973)

Director: Clint Eastwood

Plot: A gunfighting stranger comes to the small town of Lago and is hired to hold off three outlaws who are on their way.

Pros: Eastwood, Direction, Black Humor
Cons: Low Production Values, Somewhat sleezy

"High Plains Drifter" is a well made, enjoyable, American 'Spaghetti Western'. Like his other 'Spaghetti Westerns', you have Eastwood playing the "The Man with No Name" along with low production values, black humor, violence, broad characters and a fantasy plot rather than real West. The only differences are: better supporting actors, a couple of rapes, and no Lee Van Cleff.

I first saw this 25 years ago and didn't like it - too mean. Today, the nasty edge doesn't bother me. So, either I've become meaner, or Pop Culture has become so toxic the causal sadism in "High Plains Drifter" seems rather quaint. I'm guessing the second is true.

Conclusion: High Plains Drifter has a hard edge and low production values, otherwise its an excellent Spaghetti Western with enough violence and black humor to keep Eastwood fans interested. Rating ***