Set in Southern Texas in the late 19th century, a dairy farmer (Jason Robards) hires a mysterious Swede (Per Oscarsson) to help him on the farm. The farm hand proves to be a hard worker who helps turn the farm into a profit making enterprise. But when a bounty hunter (Theodore Bikel) shows up and claims the farm hand escaped from a mental asylum where he was placed after killing his brother, tragedy ensues. Based on the short novel by Katherine Anne Porter (SHIP OF FOOLS) and directed by Sam Peckinpah (STRAW DOGS). Peckinpah's career was in the doldrums after the failure of MAJOR DUNDEE as well as being unceremoniously fired from THE CINCINNATI KID. This critically acclaimed television adaptation of Porter's book restored his reputation and THE WILD BUNCH soon followed. It's a solid dramatic piece that captures the essence of Porter's novella. The film's only flaw is a terribly miscast Theodore Bikel who gives a phony performance. Unlike the other performers, he's clearly an actor "acting". With Olivia De Havilland, Ben Johnson, Steve Sanders and Robert Emhardt.
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