Based on a novel by Richard Stark (Donald Westlake), who was also the inspiration for Point Blank, with which it shares certain similarities - a convict is released from prison, he has been set up, and seeks revenge. This is better in that Robert Duvall brings along his ex, Karen Black, and enlists help from useful buddy Joe Don Baker (a nice touch being that they are always sharing drinks). We take it 'The Outfit' is the Mafia. The ending is great.
Robert Ryan is the chief baddie. With Richard Jaeckel (car dealer), Bill McKinney (his brother), Sheree North (his evil wife), Felice Orlandi, noir era actors Timothy Carey (no. 2 baddie), Jane Greer, Marie Windsor and Elisha Cook Jr. (both in The Killing), Henry Jones, Joanna Cassidy (Six Feet Under).
Great photography from Bruce Surtees and editing from Ralph Winters, MGM stalwart who was mentored by Margaret Booth. Music by Jerry Fielding. Cars and music very of its time. Loved the bird shit on the car windscreen - you never see that sort of thing in films usually.
A favourite of Quentin's, apparently - he writes about it in his book 'Cinema Speculation'.
It was a Carter DeHaven production for MGM.
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