ClassicFilmEra The story of "The Traveling Executioner" is quirky and original, but recommended only if you wish to see the performances of Bud Cort or Stacey Keach. Otherwise, the story tends to progress slowly, not enticing me to have repeated viewings. Interesting, though, is to contemplate why the character of Bud Cort would want to follow in Steach's character's profession.Despite the film not being the best in Cort's oeuvre, it was wonderful to see him in a large supporting role, which came scarcely after having been type-casted. His performance is excellent, as always, being able to rise above the material. He gives his character an appealing, amiable on-screen personality (opposite of the demure Harold Chasen he portrayed in "Harold and Maude").

shepardjessica This hard-to-find cool little film starring Stacy Keach is really special. A great performance by Keach (along with other early films of his, such as The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, Fat City, Judge Roy Bean, Brewster McCloud, and The Dion Brothers) and a fascinating study of this quirky traveling man who pushed his luck. Why is this not on video or DVD? Before Keach became a Hollywood hack (with the exception of Long Riders) he made a series of films that showed the tremendous promise he had on stage. After the TV show Caribe he seemed to slide into obscurity except for Mike Hammer. This is a charming film that slipped under the radar in 1970 and is well worth your time. An 8 out of 10.

plmarbes SpoilerI saw this movie on television quite a long time ago. I think it was one of the best movies Stacy Keach acted in. My brother and I had many laughs during the film. The setting was in the very early 1900's when prisons didn't have electric chairs yet. Keach played this man who had an old van type truck with an electric generator and chair for executing prisoners on death row. He has an apprentice who goes with him to learn the trade. Keach ends up on death row after murdering a woman. At the end his apprentice has to execute him. I always remember the line he blurts out when he is finally strapped in. "O.K., Willie, fry me while I'm hot!" I would like very much to find a copy on VHS or DVD if anyone has one. I thought of contacting a TV station to see if they could air it some night. I think it would be a great seller!

zog-3 An unusual movie about a vanished type of tradesman who like the iceman, buggy whip maker, milkman, and fuller brush man has gone from the American scene. Formerly this type of tradesman traveled about the south with his truck, switchboard, genarator, and of course electric chairexeucutin' folks who wuz on death row yeah! Stacy Keach plays such a' one in this 1970 "gallows~humor" tradgi~comedy