Cast
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Brian Keith
as John McCanless
Alfonso Arau
as Paco
Michele Carey
as Amanda McCanless
Rick Lenz
as Jimmy Whittaker
Harry Morgan
as Sheriff Pippin
Simon Oakland
as Barton Whittaker
Bruce Glover
as Sludge
Bill Williams
as Sheriff Hart
Christopher Dark
as Card Dealer
Fran Ryan
as Farm Woman
Richard Hale
as Old Indian
Jimmy Lydon
as Grotch
John Ritter
as Wendell
Iris Adrian
as Mavis
Larry D. Mann
as Bartender
Crew
Director
- Robert Butler
Producer
- Bill Walsh
Reviews
r96sk
I almost enjoyed <em>'Scandalous John'</em>, but that's only down to the ending - the rest is average, at best.
I like the idea of having Brian Keith and Alfonso Arau as a duo, but Keith acts over the top too many times and his character isn't the most likeable - while Arau's role falls into periods of nothingness here and there. I will say that I actually did like the ending, which went a way I wasn't expecting and surprisingly added a bit of heart to proceedings.
The aforementioned, unfortunately, wasn't enough to raise it higher in my thoughts. 3*.
Jan 29, 2021
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Scandalous John examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Robert Butler brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1971, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Scandalous John took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 113 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 141 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 954 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1971, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Scandalous John shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike They Call Me Trinity, which focuses more on action than character development, Scandalous John offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like All Hat and La malquerida explore similar territory, Scandalous John stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 22, 1971
- Runtime: 1h 53m
