“Joe Kidd” started with a terrific Elmore Leonard script, great casting and a well known director on board; then why was it critically bashed and compromised when it appeared in theaters? Part of that was due to the pedigree of the project-John Sturges the director of “The Magnificent Seven”, “Bad Dayat Black Rock” and “The Great Escape” was behind the camera, Clint Eastwood, Robert Duvall, John Saxon, Don Stroud and a host of strong character actors were in front and shooting was done on location at the Old Tucson studio where “Rio Bravo” had exteriors shot.
The first problem was the script-no not Elmore’s script but the rewriting that occurred. The result was a diminished role for Saxon and character development in favor of Eastwood’s character. Eastwood wanted his character to be a stronger hero at the expense of Saxon’s. The director was also a problem. As great as Sturges could be as a film director, here he was a bit of a mess—evidently Sturges was drinking a lot in the evening after shooting which impacted his )nest direction due to massive hangovers. Eastwood and Sturges butted heads during the entire shoot with the result that Sturges would sometimes be absent from shooting and the assistant director James Fargo who would go on to work with and direct Eastwood films such as “The Enforcer” and TV. Fargo worked along with Eastwood rolling the cameras to complete the production that Eastwood’s Malpaso Company was produc(ng for Universal.
Nevertheless, the film looks gorgeous courtesy of the great Bruce Surtees (who also went on to work with Eastwood quite a bit) and the performances are exceptional if occasion)Bally the actors work with cardboard characters. It’s an entertaining film with some strong set pieces (including the conclusion that, as I recall, was Sturges suggestion). Removed from expectations and context of the time, it’s a good western with some terrific iconic moments.
The *movers all transfer looks extremely good. There’s some unsteadiness at the beginning during the Universal logo but that quickly clears up. The colors are strong, detail is good (though this along with the Kino reissue use the same master, a newer remaster at 4K dithered down for Blu would improve derails a little bit more). Nevertheless, the film looks in good shape with some nice restoration work done. If you are watching a streaming versi0n, it’s likely the same transfer. The audio sounds fine with dialog crisp and clear and the score by Lalo Schafrin sounding very nice.
This only includes the trailer as an extra so, if you are a special features fan, the Kino reissue from 2020 should be your choice as it has an image gallery, commentary track by director Alex Cox and new interview with Don Stroud.
‘Joe Kidd’ is a fine but flawed western that suffers from onset drama, last minute rewriting and a director often MIA.
