Buck and the Preacher

Sidney Poitier (1972)

98min

PG Certificate

Review

Our Score

by Tom Hutchinson

Sidney Poitier's first film as director is a lively reworking of a Wagon Train idea, with Poitier as leader of a group of slaves, newly freed after the American Civil War, making their way through the wilderness despite harassment by white nightriders trying to take them back to the plantations. A mainly black cast notably avoids "hush-mah-mouth" clichés, while Harry Belafonte gives real edge to his conman preacher whose slickness turns eventually to integrity. One of those rare movies in which the Indians rather than the cowboys ride to the rescue.

Summary

A wagon train guide leads a party of freed slaves to a new settlement after the Civil War, but they come under attack from a band of racist Southern outlaws. The wagonmaster must form an uneasy alliance with a conman posing as a preacher to protect the homesteaders. Comedy Western, directed by and starring Sidney Poitier. With Harry Belafonte and Ruby Dee.

Cast & Crew

Buck Sidney Poitier

Preacher Harry Belafonte

Ruth Ruby Dee

Deshay Cameron Mitchell

Floyd Denny Miller

Madam Esther Nita Talbot

Kingston James McEachin

Cudjo Clarence Muse

Director Sidney Poitier

Other Information

Language: EnglishColourTheatrical distributor: Columbia-Emi-Warner Dists LtdGuidance: Contains swearing. Available on: video and DVD

Comedy Drama

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Sidney Poitier (1972)

Review

Summary

Cast & Crew

Other Information

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