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 A horse ride through hell Feb 08, 2009
In the 1970s when westerns were typically cynical, dark and violent, Bite the Bullet went for a more traditional movie, and it works because when it comes right down to it, it's a good story. In the early 1900s, saddle tramp Sam Clayton is out of work after delivering a horse to the start point of a 700-mile horse race. At first, Clayton wants none of the race, but comes around and ends up joining the competition. One of nine riders, Clayton sets off through hellish terrain with little water. Can the riders tread that fine line between pushing both themselves and their mounts too far, and who will win? Not much action here, but I never found myself bored. Great location shooting, a good score by Alex North, and a strong ensemble cast make this 70s western an enjoyable one.
At the height of his popularity, Gene Hackman leads the ensemble cast as Sam Clayton, the cowboy looking for work who joins the 700-mile race. Clayton wants to win, but not at a cost of his own beliefs and morals. If someone's in trouble, he'll help. Candice Bergen stars as Miss Jones, a former prostitute who joins the race to earn some much-needed money, but there may be more going on than she tells. James Coburn plays Luke Matthews, Clayton's old friend who has bet every cent he has on the most reliable rider...himself. Hackman's scenes with Coburn make their past friendship more realistic and believable, you like both characters. Ben Johnson is great in a small part as Mister, an ex-Pony Express rider who's tried everything in life but believes he won't be remembered, winning the race on the other hand would immortalize him. Some of the other riders include Ian Bannen as Sir Harry Norfolk, a British sportsmen who loves competition, Jean-Michael Vincent as Carbo, a youngster trying to prove himself, Mario Arteaga as the Mexican, and Robert Hoy as Christie, the early favorite.
The DVD seems like it was just thrown together. No special features, not even a trailer, and a fullscreen presentation of a movie that would look great in widescreen. Even more frustrating, the credits are in widescreen, but the movie goes to pan-n-scan immediately after. Too bad, but the movie's a good one, an old fashioned western with a great cast, check out Bite the Bullet!
3 of 4 found the following review helpful:
 This item is *still* not widescreen Feb 23, 2008
Despite the description given, this DVD does NOT have a wdescreen version on it. Only the opening credits and a few following scenes are in widescreen. The film then changes to full screen. Interestingly the ending also seems to have been truncated/cut off, e.g., not even "The End" apppears at the conclusion!
For what it may be worth, this film, especially the desert scenes, reminds me of "Hidalgo" and might even have served as the inspiration for that film. It has an excellent 5-Star cast and story but the DVD is a bust.
3 of 4 found the following review helpful:
Widescreen format NOT included Feb 20, 2008
As another customer has stated, this version does NOT include the widescreen format. I have asked Amazon to change their Web page showing the format but please be aware before you buy.
0 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Hackman rules. Oct 09, 2007
Good little action piece. Nice ensemble cast. It's a little dated as far as effects and cinematography go, but the acting and unfettered plot make up for that. Gene Hackman (as always) adds a depth and weight to a character that could otherwise be your cliched hero of films today. Some minor social commentary and emotional content make this film a little more poignant than others of it's ilk. Precursor to big budget action flicks of today that lack most of these elements. Very 70's in style and feel.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 "Horse don't give a damn who wins the race. Me either." Jul 04, 2007
If "Bite the Bullet" sentimentalizes the independence and force of ordinary men without glamor who have to struggle for a prize in a hard, bitter, and lonely environment, it also examines the cruel or inhumane treatment often inflicted on animals...
"Bite the Bullet" is an all-star Western about a 700-mile horse race that takes place in the middle of 'Nowhere, USA' at the turn of the last century, for a chance to win the grand prize of $2000...
At the head of the line is Gene Hackman, an ex-Rough Rider who believes in caring for lame animals, and despises cruelty to horses, ladies in distress, lost kids and lost causes...Hackman has got the heart, and at the film's climax, he is the sleeper--the one to beat...
His old-timer friend from fighting days at San Juan Hill is James Coburn, a natural-born gambler who certainly can't afford to lose... He just bet everything on this race, and got seven-to-one... Coburn and Hackman have a great chemistry together, and their friendly rivalry imposes the name of the game...
Also riding: Candice Bergen, who has 'two thousand reasons' to compete in the race; Ben Johnson who desperately wants to win the prize to be a man to remember; Ian Bannen, the tough Englishman who comes 5,000 miles to beat the best; Mario Arteaga, the cool Mexican who needs the money for his loving family in spite of suffering from unbearable toothache; and Jan Michael-Vincent who brings the lower calibrations of judgment, antagonism, and rage to his interactions... This punk kid certainly has a knack of provoking a man to violence... He soon will be in his own best way to learn some life lessons from 'real' cowboys...
Brooks' movie has the courage to show how beauty can flourish in our treatments for animals... He accomplished a film that is beautifully photographed and expertly put together... Brooks leaves a whole host of abiding impressions through his nine riders' true character...
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