THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES (1976) C widescreen 135m dir: Clint Eastwood

w/Clint Eastwood, Chief Dan George, Sondra Locke, Bill McKinney, John Vernon, Paula Trueman, Sam Bottoms, Geraldine Keams, Woodrow Parfrey, Joyce Jameson

Tough rancher Josey Wales (Eastwood) is provided with a powerful motive for revenge when his family is massacred by renegades. He sets about on this mission, helping vulnerable people and knocking off enemies along the way.

From The Movie Guide: "An underrated early directorial effort by Clint Eastwood. ...

"Whereas Eastwood's homage to director Sergio Leone, HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER, was bleak from start to finish, THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES begins with life (Eastwood and his family). In between is a long period of healing and rebuilding wherein Eastwood re-examines the 'man with no name' screen persona he developed with Leone [FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE]. THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES is a cautiously optimistic epic, deeply rooted in the history of America. Wales, despite his efforts, is not a loner. Instead of surrendering and assimilating into the 'rebuilt' post-war society full of carpetbaggers, Klansmen and dishonor, Wales and his group create their own society, steeped in honor, mutual respect and love. Bolstered by [Bruce] Surtees's magnificent photography, [Jerry] Fielding's fine score and an excellent supporting cast highlighted by the scene-stealing dry wit of Chief Dan George, JOSEY WALES affirms life and community with bracing conviction."

THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES was nominated for an Oscar for Best Score (Fielding).