Hard Times Photos

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Cast

Charles Bronson
as Chaney

James Coburn
as Spencer "Speed" Weed

Jill Ireland
as Luby Simpson

Strother Martin
as Poe

Maggie Blye
as Gayleen Schoonover

Michael McGuire
as Gandil

Robert Tessier
as Jim Henry

Nick Dimitri
as Street

Felice Orlandi
as Le Beau

Bruce Glover
as Doty

Ed Walsh
as Pettibon

Frank McRae
as Hammerman

Maurice Kowalewski
as Caesare

Naomi Stevens
as Madam

Robert Castleberry
as Counterman

Becky Allen
as Poe's Date

Joan Kleven
as Carol

Anne Welsch
as Secretary

Lyla Kay Owen
as Diner waitress

Lyla Hay Owen
as Diner Waitress

Jim Nickerson
as Barge fighter

John Creamer
as Apartment Manager

Fred Lerner
as Caesare's hitter

Chuck Hicks
as Speed's hitter

Walter Scott
as Poolplayer

Max Kleven
as Poolplayer

Valerian Smith
as Handler

Bob Minor
as Zack

Larry Martindale
as Driver

Charles W. Schaeffer Jr.
as Card Player

Leslie Bonano
as Card Player

Ronnie Phillips
as Cajun Fighter

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Critic Reviews for Hard Times

Audience Reviews for Hard Times

• Mar 05, 2014

  Riding on the coattails of the popularity of The Sting and Bonnie and Clyde before it, Walter Hill's Depression era tale, while Hollywood's picturesque version of the times (even the dirt is cleaner), and often with the puppeteer's strings very much in evidence, it still charms through the work of the familiar experienced cast that sells the by now cliche story of the iconic mysterious stranger coming to town to change everything. And Strother Martin!
  Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
• Jan 29, 2013

  Charles Bronson, for me is one of Hollywood's classic bad ass actors. Along with greats like Clint Eastwood, Steve McQueen, Lee Marvin and Henry Fonda to name a few, he has carved a niche in cinemas one of the finest tough guy actors ever. By the time he made this movie, Bronson had already assembled an impressive repertoire of films to his name. Film such as The Dirty Dozen, The Mechanic and Death Wish made him one of the best actors. Where does his role as bare knuckle boxer fit in? This is a compelling and well acted movie that relies on a great cast to tell its story. Bronson plays Chaney, the bare knuckle boxer who is hired by Spencer "Speed" Weed, brilliantly played by James Coburn. This is a well crafted film by Alien Screenwriter Walter Hill, who makes film in the director's chair. Bronson fans will certainly enjoy this change of pace, as he has mostly starred in action films. Hard Times is more of a drama. I thought that Bronson brought a unique charm to Cheney, who happens to be a drifter with great fighting skill. The fight scenes are great and well executed, and the cast do a fine job in their performances. Walter Hill is a great director, and he most certainly crafts a great first film with this one. If you love period pieces, then check this one out. With a great cast, and wonderful story, Hard Times is sure to be an entertaining picture that is worth your time. Hard Times delivers something different for fans of Charles Bronson, and if you enjoy a good drama with an engaging story, then this film is a must see. Walter Hill is a director that can create something raw, gritty and in your face, and that is how I would describe this power house movie. Hard Times is one of the best films starring Charles Bronson, and even with the fact that he has made several classics before this, Hard Times is one of of his most defining works in terms of acting and skill.
  Alex r Super Reviewer
• Jan 09, 2011

  You sir, <a href="http://www.flixster.com/actor/charles-bronson">Charles Bronson</a>, are the original badass.
  Ed K Super Reviewer
• Sep 05, 2010

  Sure it's a tough violent movie, but the story is familiar and predictable. It has a good cast, but it's pretty boring for the most part.
  Aj V Super Reviewer

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