My favorite Clint Eastwood movies: #2 "The Outlaw Josey Wales" (1976)

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“Are you gonna pull those pistols or whistle dixie” says Josey Wales to four Union soldiers. You know who wins that face off. “The Outlaw Josey Wales” is considered by some as Eastwood’s finest western and most violent movie ever. Eastwood took over direction after disagreements with original director and co-writer Philip Kaufman. Running 135 minutes, the film is epic and more than just a high dead body count revenge tale by possessing soul and depth. Wales was a guerilla fighter for the Confederacy during the Civil War therefore he must a racist, right? By today’s standards, anyone who fought for the stars and bars is labeled racist. Nothing is further from the truth concerning Wales and the so-called Union warriors for what is “just” or “evil.” The man was a poor Missouri farmer peacefully staying out of the war. In ride Union troops that burn his farm down, murder his wife and son and leave him for dead. That tends to make a man turn vengeful. After the war, Wales and other prisoners are offered amnesty if they swear allegiance to the Union which he refuses. Union soldiers kill them anyway and Wales escapes. Now branded an outlaw pursued by Union bounty hunters, Wales heads west to start a new life. He hooks up with settlers (including a new love interest) needing his protection. They are joined by displaced Indians (the movie is sympathetic to Native Americans also victims of Union tyranny). After reaching a Texas ranch to settle, the past catches up with Wales who must defend those he cares about. All Wales desires to do is hang up his guns and live a quiet peaceful existence. “The Outlaw Josey Wales” has the visual style and feel of a spaghetti western. As usual, Eastwood surrounds himself with a stellar supporting cast that includes his former “Rawhide” castmate Sheb Woolley. There is humor to lighten the darkness. Jerry Fielding’s score received an Academy Award nomination.