Relentless

Released to TV (CBS) in 1977, "Relentless" stars Will Sampson as a Native American sheriff in Arizona whose tracking & hunting skills prove invaluable as he leads a posse in pursuit of a murderous gang of ex-guerrilla soldiers into the high country. Larry Wilcox, Monte Markham and David Pendleton play posse members while John Hillerman appears as the leader of the bank robbers. Hottie Marianna Hill is on hand as a hostage, although she's seriously underused.

This was Sampson's first starring bill and he proves effective as the towering laconic tracker. This could very well be the first film where a Native American plays a starring Indian hero. Production-wise, the movie's on par with "Pray for the Wildcats" (1974), but not as compelling, although it's notably superior to "Savages" (1974). The score is serviceable, but too bland 70s-ish, although it eventually throws in some good militaristic percussion. The story was taken from the book by the writer of "Death Wish" (1974). While "Relentless" doesn't rise to the excellence of that iconic movie, it's effective enough as a straightforward Western-in-the-modern-day and is worth checking out if you like the cast. Unfortunately, it was never released on VHS or DVD, but it's currently available to view (for free) on Youtube.

The film runs 89 minutes and was shot in Arizona. DIRECTOR: Lee H. Katzin. WRITERS: Sam Rolfe from Brian Garfield's novel.

GRADE: B-