Auf der Fährte des Todes

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-

The beautiful scenery (including snow) was a highlight. Action and story were adequate. It fell a little into the cliche' of the local cop battling the Fed cop for domination, but didn't harp on it overmuch. As actors, the villains were okay, but nothing special. The native american police officer and his rookie partner were the best actors.

Made for tv movie, Monty Markham one of my favorite tv actors is here as an FBI agent and a tough Indian Sheriff who go after some bank robbers. Lots of outdoor scenes as they hunt the bad guys down.Larry Wilcox from CHIPS is the new officer who proves he's a very capable actor as well. I enjoyed watching this one.

I read the Brian Garfield's book many times and I love it. But at my big surprise, this Tv movie is even more superior. Characterization is pulled at a higher level, especially when tle bad guys leader - the former Special forces in Nam officer - talks about his motivations; the audience feels nearly empathy for him. Terrific, I did not expect this and this is not in the novel. And the bad guy whistling or singing When Johnny Comes Marching Home, that was not in the novel either, and it's excellent for me, that brings a little touch in this topic after all not so new, I admit, but still very well made. You'll also notice offbeat camera angles very unusual for this kind of production. And the face to face between those two men, the Special Forces veteran, the master of military warfare, even in the wilderness, and this Indian, master himself too in tracking a prey in desert, woods, snow, anywhere, it's breathless for someone like me.