A Long Ride from Hell
A Long Ride from Hell

Movie spotlight

A Long Ride from Hell

1968
Movie
95 min
Italian

Mike Sturges and his younger brother, Roy, are sentenced to Yuma Penitentiary on a trumped-up train robbery charge. Both endure cruel treatment before Mike escapes to extract revenge on their enemies.

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Director: Edward DmytrykGenres: Western, Drama

Plot Summary

A hardened outlaw, serving time for murder, is released early due to a rare pardon. His plans for a quiet life are shattered when his former gang members, seeking revenge for his perceived betrayal, track him down. He's forced to confront his violent past and protect his estranged family from their brutal retribution. The film explores themes of redemption and the inescapable nature of one's history.

Critical Reception

While not a critical darling upon release, 'A Long Ride from Hell' has gained a cult following over the years, appreciated for its gritty portrayal of the Old West and a compelling performance from Lee Van Cleef. It's often seen as a darker, more mature entry in the Spaghetti Western genre, though some critics found its pacing uneven.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its atmospheric Spaghetti Western style and intense performances.

  • Acknowledged for its exploration of redemption and the consequences of past actions.

  • Criticized by some for a predictable plot and occasional slow pacing.

Google audience: Audience reviews are mixed, with some appreciating the film's gritty tone and Lee Van Cleef's stoic performance. Others found the storyline to be somewhat formulaic for the genre, and a portion of viewers noted that the film could have benefited from tighter editing.

Fun Fact

The film was shot in Spain, a common practice for Spaghetti Westerns due to cost-effectiveness and the landscape's resemblance to the American West, though it was primarily marketed as an Italian production.

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