Tell Them Willie Boy Is Here

Robert Redford receives top billing in this 1969 Western inspired by real events, playing Deputy Sheriff Cooper, who makes the manhunt for Willie Boy (Robert Blake), a Paiute Indian accused of murder, a personal matter. Redford was a newly-christened major star after Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, but the more interesting story here belongs to Willie Boy, a restless young man who is frustrated by his oppressive existence on the reservation but unwelcome in the cities of 1909 America. Willie Boy kills the father of his girlfriend, Lola (Katharine Ross in unfortunate red-face makeup), in self-defense and then runs off with her, claiming Lola as his wife as per tribal custom. Susan Oliver is the reservation agent who demands that Cooper, who is also her sometime lover, bring Lola back to the res. The manhunt through the California desert plays out as President Taft visits the state, bringing national attention to this local crime. This was the first film from Communist witch-hunt blacklisted director and Oscar-nominated screenwriter Abraham Polonsky in over 20 years, and it is full of commentary on racism, bigotry, class arrogance, mob justice, and media hysteria. The film was not a financial success but Redford is excellent, and the themes are as relevant as ever. Extras include audio commentary by actor/filmmaker Pat Healy and film historian Jim Healy. Recommended. (S. Axmaker)