Cactus Jack [The Villain] ** (1979, Kirk Douglas, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ann-Margret, Paul Lynde, Ruth Buzzi) – Classic Movie Review 8281

Director Hal Needham’s 1979 over-broad, cartoonish comedy Western spoof Cactus Jack [The Villain] stars Kirk Douglas as a mane but incompetent outlaw called Cactus Jack Slade caught between his prey, the charming heroine Charming Jones (Ann-Margret) whom he kidnaps, and her rescuer, the handsome young hero Handsome Stranger (Arnold Schwarzenegger).

Cactus Jack offers undemanding spoofy amusement with some extremely silly comedy and some exciting stunts. Amiable, relaxed and easy-going, it is a typical work of its director Needham, who steered some equally rickety Burt Reynolds’ vehicles.

The pace carries the film over its short running time of 89 minutes, which is fortunate because Robert G Kane’s screenplay and the three star turns would not be able to, though the support performances bring some cheer, especially Paul Lynde as a daffy Indian chief called Nervous Elk, but also Ruth Buzzi, Foster Brooks, Jack Elam, Strother Martin, Mel Tillis, Jan Eddy and Robert Tessier.

Schwarzenegger wears an outfit the same as Clayton Moore’s The Lone Ranger without the mask.

© Derek Winnert 2019 Classic Movie Review 8281

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