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Clint Eastwood directs and stars in this drama about a cop named Ben Shockley who is given the task of escorting a prisoner, Gus Mally (Sondra Locke). Ben is told the task is merely routine, but Gus immediately warns him that someone wants her dead. The chemistry between these two real-life partners works well in the film, as some dangerous experiences cause them to bond.

Much has been written about the over-the-top gunfire effects, but it is the chase scenes that make this worth watching from an action standpoint. Most of the film is one long chase---in various locales, with different vehicles.

Everything leads up to a grand finale that, sorry to say, is disappointing for a couple of reasons. Still, it's not the destination, it's the journey that occupies most of the film.

Sam Peckinpah is said to have called this film his favorite of those he directed. That may be due to personal experiences on set, because the film is not objectively among his best. Its primary problem is a very uneven script; it almost feels like various directors had a part in filming, and the scenes were spliced together. In some sections, the story rambles; in others, it is concise and well-constructed; in still others, it feels cartoonish.

Cable Hogue (Jason Robards) is a poor man who discovers a spring in the middle of barren land. He thinks he can cash in on his find, so he buys the parcel of land. While in town, he meets a prostitute, Hildy (Stella Stevens), who he is attracted to. Part of the story is about their relationship. But what drives the story is his dream of revenge against two men who did him wrong.

The beautiful Stella Stevens does her best to elevate the film, but the script is working against her. Robards is somewhat miscast, but it feels like he places his faith in the director, yielding mixed results.

David Warner plays a creepy "minister" whose presence draws focus from the main story. The film's music is distracting and sometimes amateurish. There is a weird deathbed scene that ruins the ending. But if you like the Cable character, you may enjoy this western that falls short of other Peckinpah efforts.

Sydney (Brian Klugman) is a single actor who is too much in his head. A friend urges, nearly forces, him to approach a woman in the park, and that is how me meets Sunny (Adrianne Palicki), a bartender with dreams of being a recognized artist. She is attractive, fun-loving, kind, almost perfect, so Sydney's self-doubts kick in, and he wonders if he deserves her. Will he just lose her?

Klugman--the writer, director, actor-uses internal monologues and "stories" to illustrate the concerns of daters, like how much baggage is too much. Sydney, who is reminiscent of a neurotic Woody Allen character, digs too much and overreacts to minor issues. Losing a major relationship can be a self-fulfilling prophecy, which Sydney knows, but he cannot help himself.

This film delves into relationship issues. It is a tragic-comedic exploration that reveals little new ground, but Klugman and Palicki are fun to watch, so I can recommend it to most who like rom-coms.