Cisco Pike **** (1972, Kris Kristofferson, Karen Black, Gene Hackman) – Classic Movie Review 6021

Co-writer/ director Bill W L Norton’s excellent, hard-hitting 1971 thriller stars Gene Hackman as crooked LAPD narcotics agent Sergeant Leo Holland, who blackmails has-been rock star Cisco Pike (Kris Kristofferson) into dealing $10,000 worth of Acapulco gold marijuana in one weekend.

Powerful acting from the fine cast, a menacing tone in the script and atmospheric direction make it mean a lot more than the mundane plot might suggest.

This Seventies melodrama was a cult favourite when it was first shown and it still packs a punch.

Acting in his debut, Kristofferson also sings his hit ‘Lovin’ Her Was Easier’. Karen Black is excellent as Sue, Cisco’s girlfriend.

Also in the cast are Harry Dean Stanton, Viva, Roscoe Lee Browne, Severn Darden, Joy Bang, Chuy Franco, Herb Weil, Antonio Fargas, Doug Sahm, Don Sturdy [Howard Hesseman] and Allan [Alan] Arbus.

© Derek Winnert 2017 Classic Movie Review 6021

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