

While passing through the town of Bannock, a bunch of drunken cattlemen go overboard with their celebrating and accidentally kill an old man with a stray shot. They return home to Sabbath unaware of his death. Bannock lawman Jered Maddox later arrives there to arrest everyone involved on a charge of murder. Sabbath is run by land baron Vince Bronson, a benevolent despot, who, upon hearing of the death, offers restitution for the incident.
Acting
Lancaster's jaw could cut glass; Ryan's exhaustion is palpable.
Cinematography
Dusty, cramped interiors that suffocate.
Writing
Gerald Wilson's script lets nobody off easy.

Director
Michael Winner
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Winner made this between Chato's Land and Death Wish — his 'men with codes' era. Lancaster reportedly hated the character's inflexibility.
Released during Vietnam, the film's critique of rigid authority and 'just following orders' hit different — though audiences then mostly missed it.