Wizard-8 It's pretty obvious that the made-for-TV movie "The Gun and the Pulpit" was a television pilot in disguise. It didn't get picked up by any network for a series, and maybe that's for the best. Not that this movie is awful, but I think writers would have soon run out of ideas for this gunfighter- disguised-as-a-preacher character. I think this idea works best as a one- shot, and the movie does a fairly good job at that. Marjoe Gortner is pretty good as the main character, showing a sense of humor as well as a lot of enthusiasm. (Though his resemblance to B movie actor Michael Dudikoff is unintentionally funny.) There are some genuinely funny moments here and there, and the movie unfolds at a brisk clip and never outstays its welcome. This movie isn't hard to find - it's apparently fallen into the public domain, so many video companies are selling it - so keep an eye out for it.

classicsoncall I picked up this flick as part of a double film DVD offer along with "The Hanged Man" for just a buck, and truth be told, both movies were a whole lot better than either had a right to be for the price. The title on this one was "The Gun and The Cross", close enough to the original to get the message across. The title character wields both, as Marjoe Gortner is revealed to be gunfighter Ernie Parsons, masquerading as a preacher after he finds a real one who was bushwhacked. Donning the clothes of the dead minister, he arrives at the town of Castle Walk just in time to help the local folk deal with nasty town boss Ross (David Huddleston). It's fairly formulaic, with nods to 1952's "High Noon" and 1973's "High Plains Drifter", along with a preview of 1985's "Pale Rider". However with it's own spin on things, it comes across both interesting and entertaining, particularly with the inclusion of Pamela Sue Martin as Gortner's love interest. Their scenes together are played both for romance and camp value, and I got a kick out of Sally (Martin) explaining how she wouldn't be the youngest widow in town if Parsons were to meet his demise.Along with the principals, you have some fine supporting players doing character portrayals you might have seen before; Slim Pickens as a sidekick of the preacher, Geoffrey Lewis as a hired gun, and Estelle Parsons, who starts out somewhat annoying as Sally's mom. but then settles down a bit to accept the preacher and his mission. The ending comes as just a bit of a surprise, and you have to fill in your own blanks as to the town's reaction, especially Sally's, when Gortner's character realizes Billy's (Pickens) advice is correct. Though it's not likely to show up on TV again, it wouldn't hurt to check out the bargain bins at your local store every now and then to see if this one turns up.

surlygreaser i saw this funny western only once when it came on TV when i was a mear eleven years old,but i was in love with the vivacious pamela sue martin who i'd seen in 'the posideon adventure' two years before and of course because of her i loved it then very much. as for now i'd say it was kinda corny in an 'alias smith and jones' kind of way,but harmless and fun just the same and of course who can deny a film with marjoe gortner its due. i wish it was on video so i could leer at the gorgeous ms. martin once again,but it is rare to find a 70's TV movie on video,let alone DVD. but for old time sake,i give it five stars. i hope this nostalgic rant helps somebody.

roger_nt I've seen this movie about 4 times, under various circumstances, including a night in the hospital when I couldn't sleep. I have always liked Marjo Gortner in his limited career, and this movie was a lot of fun. It reminds me of the old TV westerns like "Maverick" in its humour and characterizations. I can't believe it's not had 5 votes yet.