Director: Sidney Poitier
Script: Ernest Kiney
Cast: Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Ruby Dee, Cameron Mitchel, Denny Maller, Clarence Muse, John Kelly
Running time: 95.5 minutes
Year: 1971
Certificate: PG
Sidney Poitier’s directorial debut has been sadly overlooked for over 50 years, but hopefully this excellent Criterion Collection Blu-ray release will readdress the balance and rightfully ‘shine a light’ on this under-appreciated gem of a film.
It’s after the American Civil War and Poitier stars as Buck, a wagon train master who helps ex-slaves find themselves new opportunities in lands many miles away from the areas of oppression that they’re fleeing from. But he’s got his work cut out for himself as he’s being hunted by a band of bounty hunters who’ve been tasked to turn around as many wagon trains as possible to better enable the white land-owners to keep hold of their cheap/free workforce. Heading one such band of low-lifes is Deshay (Cameron Mitchell), a man with much hate in his heart, but plenty of street-wise cunning, making him a formidable opponent.
After a close escape, Buck encounters Preacher, (played by Belafonte), steals his horse, and then later teams up with him when the two slowly realise that they’re not so different and have the same enemies. Our intrepid duo, plus Buck’s wife, Ruth (Ruby Dee), end up robbing the bounty hunters of some of money they themselves stole from a wagon train, and then later a bank, in order to pay off an American Indian tribe in order to let the black wagon train safely through their lands. Not surprisingly what remains of the bounty hunters, plus a local sheriff and deputies, give chase, leading to a final gun fight in the hills.
Buck and the Preacher was certainly way ahead of its time, coming out before the wave of Blaxploitation films that became popular for several years later on during the Seventies. A film where the leads are all black and the ‘bad guys’ all white was practically never heard of back then, especially in the Western genre, prior to this ground-breaking film. It was also the first film that really addressed the relationship between blacks and Native Americans, and talked about the black settlers who migrated Westwards away from the Deep South and other more problematic areas.
Not only is the film historically of interest, but it’s great entertainment too, with some stellar performances, great cinephotography, excellent locations and impressive action sequences, all underpinned by Beny Carter’s excellent score.
Buck and the Preacher works well because the characters are well written and believable and the snippets of day-to-day life, as part of the wagon train, are all very believable too. The supporting cast all do a terrific job of bringing the era to life, and encourage the viewer to want to root for them.
There’s not much to dislike about the film, to be honest. Quite early on there are some questionable day-for-night scenes, and, at one point, Poitier’s horse looks like it’s going to ‘Buck’ him off (sorry!), being the highly-strung sort, which kind of undermines the character’s rover credentials a tad, but other than those slight elements the film is excellent. I particularly enjoyed the interactions between the blacks and American Indians as they negotiate with one another, during tense stand-offs. Highly recommended.
Buck and the Preacher is being distributed by Criterion on Blu-ray. There are a number of extras on the disc including:
Expanding the Western (24.5 mins) – An interview with film scholar and author (of Black Rodeo) Mia Mask who discusses the making of Buck and the Preacher, actor/director Poitier and the history of black Westerns. Apparently the two leads initially met doing theatre and were close friends in real life; well, for the most part. The leads funded the film themselves as part of Poitier’s multi-picture deal with Columbia Pictures.
Behind the Scenes (13 mins) – Some nice on-set interviews with the leads, both separately and together, where Harry sings the praises of the Mexican crew (the film was shot in Durango, Mexico) and where both reveal that they both opened restaurants when their acting careers were struggling. Poitier also admits that the so-called American Dream is more often than not “the American Nightmare”.
Episode of Soul (28 mins) – A round table interview, in front of a live audience, with the two stars. They reveal that the budget was $2 million and they had 120 horses and 45 actors on set at one point. Amusingly, a lady who’s sitting behind the interview table looks like she’s about to crap herself!
The Dick Cavett Show (64 mins) – Talk show host Dick Cavett interviews Harry about his career and about Buck and the Preacher, although he seems a bit obsessed with Harry’s good looks and the fact that Belefonte blacked up his teeth for the role.
Interview with Gina Belefonte, Harry’s daughter (14 min) – An insightful interview where Harry’s daughter, Gina, reveals some interesting facts about her father, including the fact that he never saw himself as a proper singer, despite having an obvious talent for it.
Booklet featuring an essay by critic Aisha Harris (not able to review as not sent)
