Runtime: 87 minutes
Directed by: Jack Arnold
Starring: Fred “The Hammer” Williamson, D'Urville Martin, William Smith, R.G. Armstrong, Don “Red” Barry
From: Dimension Pictures
Yes, this is the actual title of a movie. I self-censored it as I am a white guy so even in this context, I feel more than awkward saying it. It was actually on Turner Classic Movies late last night, but they referred to it as just Boss, for reasons I shouldn't have to elaborate upon. I give all the details before, after I present a YouTube video that shows off its now-famous title song:
Would you believe that this movie played on TCM Underground late last night? It is true. Turner Classic Movies actually showed this, albeit it was listed only under the title “Boss”, for obvious reasons; it happened to be one of the many alternate titles this has. I've known of this infamous movie for many years and yet this was my first time seeing it. I don't even know how this spread back in the day but I remember when the title song became popular, mainly because people listened in shock over a song and a movie actually having such a title.
This is pretty much a standard Western but it's OK as it is a pretty entertaining Western. Fred “The Hammer” Williamson is Boss, and through some circumstances he becomes a Sheriff of a small town and D'Urville Martin is his deputy. At least for me it was natural to think “Blazing Saddles”. After seeing the movie, I'll just say that it's obvious Tarantino is familiar with it. Anyway, they are both bounty hunters and wish to capture Jed Clayton, played by legendary character actor William Smith. Williamson cuts an imposing figure dressed in all black w/ matching hat. The resistance he gets from the town is what you'd expect (it includes mayor R.G. Armstrong) but it is fun seeing the two heroes get their revenge by treating those racist people how they should be treated. At least there are residents that treat them fine and Boss is happy to help out those in need, such as a group of downtrodden Mexicans. All that said, this movie is not afraid to get pretty dark at times... and no I am not using a bigoted pun here.
The two leads deliver nice performances and so do experienced actors Smith and Armstrong. You wouldn't expect the guy who directed The Creature from the Black Lagoon and The Incredible Shrinking Man (Jack Arnold) to be the director of this but it's true and his experience did help make this movie a competent piece of work. You also wouldn't expect a Western to have a funk soundtrack but this does and it manages to fit the movie. Overall, this is an enjoyable picture and it's not just a cheap cash-in on a then-popular trend nor it is just a movie with an in-your-face title.
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