This film begins with a cowboy by the name of "Willett 'Willie' Gashade" (Warren Oates) riding into a mining area he and three other men have set up only to find it somewhat deserted. Suddenly, gunshots ring out and he is forced to take cover. He then discovers that the gunfire is coming from a colleague named "Coley" (Will Hutchens) who has recently witnessed the cold-blooded murder of one of the other miners and has fired upon Willie inadvertently. It's also at this time that Coley tells him that apparently Willie's brother "Coigne" (also played by Warren Oates) had accidentally killed a child accidentally in town and had ridden off after their other colleague was shot and killed. Not long after that a strange woman (played by Millie Perkins) rides into town who refuses to give her name but offers Willie $1000 is she will help her get to the town of Kingsley which is about 30 miles away over inhospitable terrain. Initially reluctant at first he subsequent agrees due to pressure from Coley who seems to be attracted to her. Along the way, however, she does several things that arouses Willie's suspicions and they are confirmed once they are joined by a gunslinger named "Billy Spear" (Jack Nicholson). Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this was a rather odd but still entertaining Western which featured a unique plot and good performances by both Jack Nicholson and Warren Oates. Admittedly, the ending was a bit vague and could have been handled better but all things considered I still enjoyed this film and have rated it accordingly. Above average.
Review of The Shooting
