Wizard-8 The Canadian TV movie "The Gunfighters" was apparently made to also be a pilot for a prospective weekly television series. Apparently the network decided against this, and I have to say, "Thank goodness!" This is a really bad TV movie, pilot or not. The production values are really poor, ranging from clothing that looks nothing like cowboy garb found in the 1800s to cheesy indoor sets. The musical score is sour, and at one point plagiarizes several bars from Ennio Morricone's score for "A Fistful of Dollars". The acting is sub par, with even George Kennedy (who obviously knocked off his scenes in a few days) unable to generate much enthusiasm. But the worst thing about the movie has to be the script. It is filled with one cliché after another, from the actions of the characters to their dialogue. The icing on the cake is the unbelievable final few minutes that gives us a deus ex machina resolution of sorts (though leave some plot points unresolved.) I find it hard to believe any western fan would be entertained by this.

classicsoncall In 1950, there was "The Gunfighter" with Gregory Peck, one of my all time favorite Westerns. In 1999, there was a Christopher Coppola directed flick simply called "Gunfighter", which was every bit as bad as the 1950 film was good. In between, you had "The Gunfighters", looking very much like a made for TV Western, right down to the obviously edited commercial break fades. With a relatively unknown cast, except for George Kennedy in a major heel role, this film is passable with a few creative touches. Like the barroom bull-whip contest between Dutch Everett (Reinor Schone) and Deke Turner's nameless henchman (Steve Atkinson). And I can't say for sure if it was a goof or not, but when Cole (Art Hindle) shot at the the portrait behind Deke Turner, he knocked both eyes out with a single bullet. Now that's some fancy shootin'! Otherwise this is a pretty standard Western from start to finish, more on the B side than a good theatrical effort. Most of the time the Everret's (brothers Matt and Cole and cousin Dutch) are on the run from the law, thanks to Matt's (Tony Addabbo) quick reflexes and sure-fire aim. Killing someone is always good for a price on your head, especially if the town boss is calling the shots. The Everett's become reluctant outlaws to get some measure of revenge against the Turner bunch, teaming up with a trigger happy Sam Martin (Frances Damberger) and his gang. That was bound to cause trouble.Throw in a few reward posters, some Pinkerton agents, and a pregnant woman on the way to meet up with her husband, and you have the remaining ingredients for a ninety minute oater. Even though the good guys turn bad for a while, they're redeemed in the end by a Wyoming governor who offers them a job as lawmen. Yes, you read that right, and you'll just have to watch it to find out how that came about.You know what puzzles me - how did the newspaper pop up at the line shack with Billy the Kid's death on the front page?

froberts73 Jeez these nitpickers. They don't go for the entertainment, they go to - well - pick nits. The scenery ain't right, the haircuts ain't right, the jeans ain't right, etc. The capper was the yokel who called the fine theme inappropriate for the time. Hey, Jasper, next time you watch "High Noon" turn down the volume when you hear that theme.I gave "The Gunfighters" a big, ole western ten - enjoyed it from beginning to end. The story was intelligent and easy to follow, the characters were very well developed. The fight scenes were among the most convincing, the way they handled the guns were fantastic, the bullwhip fight was outstanding (shades of Lash La Rue but with more conviction).The women were lovely and convincing, the story had a sort-of moral to it. The trio of leads, who kept their hair neat through the melees, were as honest as any of the major actors who made westerns. I was particularly impressed by the German-raised lead whose presence was so commanding.Side note: Art Hindle's uncle is Michael Caine, and the name of the governor in the movie was Michael Kane.George Kennedy was never more obnoxious (and I mean that as a compliment)."The Gunfighters" has quickly become one of my favorite westerns, even though Alberta did not resemble Kansas. Heavens to Betsy!

srlucado Several minuses (silly plot, typical TV-movie production values), several pluses (a fight scene in a bar that is truly unique, good Canadian locations), and quick pacing add up to a decent time-waster.Whatever you do, don't follow the story, actually look at a map, and think about the distances these people need to cover on horseback. It'd be hard enough to do in a Ford Mustang, let alone on a four-legged one. But what the heck.One big plus is a ripping theme song; might've become a dance-club hit--in some alternate universe.Overall, this movie is okay.