This movie has the same name as the Hunting Party released in 2007 starring Richart Gere. But this 1971 movie is a western and there are no similarities between the two.

Brandt Ruger (Gene Hackman) is a rich, ruthless, cruel, sadistic, womanizer rancher who sadomises his wife Melissa Ruger (Candice Bergen). Frank Caldler (Oliver Reed) is a tender hearted dacoit who kidnaps Melissa, rapes her and later falls in love with her. Brandt pursues Frank’s band with vengeance to get his wife back. Seeing Frank’s tenderness Melissa also starts liking Frank. Brutally and with numbing coldness Brandt starts shooting Frank’s band, while doing that he realizes that his wife prefers Frank over him. I won’t tell you the ending.

This is a western movie in its true sense. It has got brilliant scenary, horses, rugged men, action, and blood.

This was director Don Medford’s first movie (earlier he was a TV director). He directed 6 movies between 1971-74, and went back to making TV episodes till 1988. He had a powerful story of love, passion, bravery, tragedy on hand – and I should say that he did a good justice to it. I could imagine that in 1971, the violence in the movie could had been over the top and hard to digest – but in today’s terms it is just a whimper.

This was the first movie I saw of Oliver Reed, and he is a great actor – has his old style of acting and working. Gene Hackman as a cruel and sadist rancher is un-predictably brilliant. Candice Bergen looks beautiful.

Another mention should be made of the original score, sound and songs – all are very pleasing and nice.

If someone wants to see a real good western action movie – this could be the one, to spend an afternoon or evening on.

(Stars 6.75 out of 10)