The Night Rider
The Night Rider

The Night Rider

1979Movie90 minEnglish

"The Mark of Zorro" was updated for this pilot for a prospective series that tells of a New Orleans gentleman who turns masked rider to fight for law and order and avenge his family's killing by four men who wanted their silver mine.

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Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Director: Vince EdwardsGenres: Drama, Action

Plot Summary

A former Marine captain, haunted by his experiences in Vietnam, struggles to adjust to civilian life. He takes on the role of a vigilante, using his combat skills to fight crime and injustice in his community, often operating outside the law. His actions bring him into conflict with both criminals and law enforcement.

Critical Reception

The Night Rider was a made-for-television film that garnered a moderate reception, often described as a gritty, action-oriented drama that tapped into the post-Vietnam anxieties of the era. While not a critical darling, its themes and Vince Edwards's performance were noted.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its intense action sequences and thematic exploration of a troubled protagonist.
  • Criticized by some for its sometimes simplistic portrayal of crime-fighting and moral ambiguity.
  • Vince Edwards's compelling performance as the lead character was a frequent highlight.

Google audience: Audience reactions were mixed, with some appreciating the straightforward action and the anti-hero narrative, while others found the plot predictable and the character's motivations somewhat underdeveloped.

Fun Fact

Vince Edwards, who also directed and co-wrote the film, was known for his starring role in the 1960s medical drama 'Ben Casey'.

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