I'm surprised that this is the first time this film has been reviewed. I wonder if it's because it is difficult to obtain or because viewers are indifferent at the mention of Fess Parker (in my opinion a very underrated actor but then I was a "Davy, Davy Crockett" fan).
This was Fess's last movie appearance, okay it's a TV movie but it's a whole lot better than the many hundreds of cinema released films of that year.
Made in 1972, the story (without revealing too much) is the old chestnut of two lawmen having to put their differences aside to locate an escaped fugitive( akin to 80's 'Deadly pursuit' & the Cimino film 'Sunchaser').
It is the cast that makes this variation work, Fess Parker retains his age well as the easy going, level headed Sheriff Elisha Cooper who is relentless in capturing his quarry. Barry Nelson is quirky as the city detective lost in the wilderness ways. Arthur Hunnicutt (seasoned veteran), Stella Stevens (Cable Hogue) and Mary Dusay offer staunch support in their roles but special mention must go to Joe Kapp(ex American footballer) as the tortured convict who displays desperation and apathy mixed with terror and menace in his brutish ways and finally Clay o' Brien, a strong performance as the unnecessary hostage.
A nice touch at the start has Fess, shown as a father instead of the Sheriff, with his children conveying tenderness to his fragile daughter.
Is this the only film to have two actors who have portrayed Davy Crockett acting together?
If you have a chance to view this film, take it!
