Uriah43
After being framed and subsequently imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, "Jud McGraw" (James Caan) is finally released and sets out for the town of Black Miller to avenge himself on those who set him up. Around this same time a young Indian maiden named "Little Moon" (Stefanie Powers) is beaten and raped by some people in this same town and she also decides to get her revenge as well. Eventually, the two realize that they stand a better chance of accomplishing their goal together than on their own. Unfortunately, it doesn't help matters that both of them are slightly inept in their attempts. Now rather than reveal any more of the movie and risk spoiling it for those who haven't seen it I will just say that as a western-comedy the humor somewhat misses the mark and greatly lessens the overall effect. It just wasn't very funny and ended up being more than a little odd despite the presence of the two decent actors just mentioned. I have rated it accordingly.
wes-connors
Poorly presented western starring James Caan (as Jud McGraw) as an outlaw type trying to be good in a corrupt town. Robert Walker (as the Sheriff) shares his beard, Aldo Ray (as as Mimmo) takes a bath, Sammy Davis Jr. (as Kid Dandy) wears black leather pants, and Stefanie Powers (as Little Moon) shows her bare buttocks. To appear more Native American, Ms. Powers wears an "Elvira, Mistress of the Dark" hairpiece. She successfully holds it on during a struggle with Mr. Caan. This film was first shelved, then released as "Gone with the West" in 1975. It should have stayed gone, but was re-produced with new framing and narration as "Little Moon & Jud McGraw" in 1978. The stunts, especially those involving fire, are done well. Otherwise, this is a movie mess.** Gone with the West/ Little Moon & Jud McGraw (1975/1978) Bernard Girard ~ James Caan, Stefanie Powers, Aldo Ray, Sammy Davis Jr.
vandino1
This is probably something that James Caan either doesn't remember or will not talk about. It has a release date of 1975 but was more likely filmed anywhere between '70 and '72 considering Caan's career went into high gear by the end of '72, not to mention how young he and Stefanie Powers look. Obviously something went seriously wrong with the western that some non-entity named Bernard Girard directed, thus the "need" to offer some contemporary (mid-70's) wrap-around footage. Perhaps a total lack of coherence required adding the story-telling narrative. Regardless, the whole thing is a botch, modern-day accessory footage included. It has something to do with Aldo Ray as the town baddie who steals Caan's cattle and molests Powers and the two victims seek revenge by destroying Ray's rotten town. Davis, Jr. is Ray's hired gunslinger. Strange fact: Davis, Jr. was actually a quick draw in real life. Apparently he was clocked at one time as one of the fastest ever. Sammy seemed to be a natural at anything he attempted (just ask Linda Lovelace... but that's another story). Yet poor Sammy appears absurd in his Jack-Palance-from-'Shane' outfit and has little to do except act phony-tough and gun down a few bozos in his few scenes. At least Aldo Ray seems to be having fun (his paycheck happily covering his liquor bill, no doubt). Meanwhile, Powers adds a little comedy relief, a little skin, and not a word of English. Caan is fine (his pleasant demeanor unmolested by the knowledge the film he was ostensibly appearing in would later be edited by a mix-master). Oh, and the music score is as goofy and wrong-headed as the film itself.
charlot60
there are really no words to describe how bad this movie is. thank god we bought it at the dollar store! the only way my sister and i watched it was in fast forward! we couldn't stop laughing, we only watched when we guessed the man was singing, we knew someone was dead! Stephanie powers had the best role, she really did not have much to say or do. i hope they all got paid a lot of money for this mess of a movie.you can tell this movie was made in the late seventies. the music and the way the camera angles were so bad, i thought i was watching a music video. the only way to watch this movie is with a lot of popcorn and a big drink.