An excellent cast, featuring
Gene Hackman,
Ben Johnson, and
James Coburn, highlights this entertaining Western that came and went at the box office, barely noticed by audiences. That doesn't stop the exciting story from capturing the viewer's attention as a disparate group of riders assembles to participate in a marathon 600-mile horse race across the American West at the turn of the century. The standard mutual feelings of distrust give way to respect and grudging admiration as each rider is put to the test. Stunning cinematography and locations, plus a gripping pace set by director
Richard Brooks, set this Western apart at a time when the genre was in decline. ~ Don Kaye, All Movie Guide