Buchanan Rides Alone (1958, dir. Budd Boetticher) [Out of Print]

Buchanan Rides Alone (1958, dir. Budd Boetticher)

What Is It?: A dryly funny, kinda cruel Western by the cult hero Budd Boetticher, about a good man stumbling into an evil town.

What About It?: The last of the aforementioned Ranown cycle of Westerns Boetticher made with Randolph Scott and Producer Harry Joe Brown. Typically brutal with killing demanded with no thought but the joy of it and brothers betraying brothers as casually as changing one's clothes, we know we're in Boetticher Country. The difference is the smiling visage of Scott as Buchanan, who not only doesn't "Ride Alone," he stumbles through the film like an affable fool, rather than the usual taciturn Superman.

Why Should I See It?: 1. Because it's breezy and fun, worth it for the plot machinations alone. And you get to see Scott seemingly enjoy himself, a rare enough treat. 2. ON DEMAND is interestingly trotting out these great Westerns that have never been released on video in any form, so jump on this one!

What Else Is It Like?: High Plains Drifter, Pale Rider, Support Your Local Sheriff!

When Is It Showing Until ON DEMAND?: 9/28/06

Watch It ON DEMAND on Comcast cable.

--ddt/pdx