Movie spotlight
Raw Deal
In the 1870s, the colonial administrator hires bounty hunter Palmer and gun salesman Ben to wipe out an army of Irish Catholic revolutionaries in their stronghold. Palmer and Ben recruit three gun men to help them and their mission is successful but when they go to get their payment they are trapped by treacherous officials. Ben and Palmer must fight their way to safety.
Insights
Plot Summary
A disgraced former detective, haunted by a past failure, is drawn back into the criminal underworld when his estranged daughter becomes involved with a dangerous mob.
Critical Reception
Raw Deal is a lesser-known crime thriller that received mixed reviews upon its release, often cited for its gritty atmosphere but criticized for its predictable plot and uneven pacing. It remains a cult favorite among fans of 1970s crime dramas.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its tense atmosphere and a gritty performance by Peter Fonda.
Criticized for a formulaic storyline and occasional lapses in logic.
Considered a solid, if unexceptional, entry in the crime thriller genre of its era.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this film, but general sentiment points to it being an enjoyable, albeit somewhat dated, crime drama with a decent performance from its lead.
Fun Fact
Arthur Lubin, the director, was primarily known for his work in television, directing episodes of popular shows like 'Mister Ed' and 'The Addams Family' before tackling this grittier film.
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