☆ ☆ ☆
Coogan’s
Bluff (1968) – D. Siegel
In a sort of prelude to Dirty Harry
(1971), Don Siegel directs Clint Eastwood as a steely Arizona deputy sheriff
come to the Big Apple to extradite a killer.
As was his m. o., Eastwood breaks all the rules, roughing up suspects
(and others) and using whatever means were available (including sex) to get his
way. The expected fish-out-of-water gags
are soon dispensed with in favour of straightforward action (fights and
chases). Siegel’s direction is no frills
but it is effective and concise. Lee J.
Cobb is good in support as a harried NYC precinct chief (with other acting here
just ordinary), but basically Eastwood’s star quality holds the film
together. Somehow, though, I just can’t
find it in my heart to root for a reactionary hero.
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