Major Dundee
1965  NR  WESTERN  2h 3min
CAST— Charlton Heston, Richard Harris, Jim Hutton, James Coburn, Michael Anderson, Jr., Marlo Adorf, Brock Peters, Senta Berger
MUSIC— Daniele Amfitheatrof  DIRECTOR— Sam Peckinpah

     Charlton Heston stars in this standard Western that predominantly tells of a grudging respect between sworn enemies. After a regiment of Union cavalry troops are slaughtered by Apaches nearby post commander Heston swears vengeance. His post holds mostly untested soldiers guarding Confederate prisoners, among them former ally turned deserter Richard Harris. Selecting men from among these prisoners, his own men and assorted volunteers including thieves and drunkards, Heston sets out to engage the renegade Apache war party. The various men in the newly formed regiment distrust and largely dislike one another, but months on the trail begins to change the perspectives of many, including Heston and Harris. Though neither one would admit it, their travels show that both are actually trustworthy men of integrity, despite past mistakes. The film chronicles their journey into Mexico and back again, though by the time of their return battles have been won and lost, lessons have been learned and their numbers severely depleted. Primarily focusing on the relationship between the two leads, the film also tries to bring in subplots dealing with romances between soldiers and Mexican village women, to little effect. The action sequences, while ably handled, are few and far between. Falls short of greatness but remains moderately entertaining for the duration. Extended version also available.
OUR RATING— **