Westworld **** (1973, Yul Brynner, Richard Benjamin, James Brolin) – Classic Movie Review 5994

Writer-director Michael Crichton’s 1973 sci-fi action thriller is a great entertainment and a bona fide Seventies classic, and now also a cult favourite.

The idea of theme parks running out of control may be a frequent premise in movies, and the man versus machines idea of an evil robot as a menace is hardly new either. But it isn’t about how old the story is, it is all in the way you tell it, and both ideas get a tremendous, satisfying, imaginative workout here. And also in this one Yul Brynner is perfectly cast in one of his most memorable appearances as the Gunslinger, an out-of-control robotic cowboy gunning for the guests.

Richard Benjamin plays Peter Martin, the hapless vacationer who chooses a Wild West adventure at the amusement park and, after a computer breakdown, soon finds he’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do – run!

It is excitingly made by Crichton, who also wrote the script for Jurassic Park, which shares its theme. As both writer and director, the admirable Crichton ensures a very smooth ride.

Also in the none-too-new department, the Gunslinger is a witty spin on Brynner’s character Chris in The Magnificent Seven (1960), even wearing the same clothes.

Also in the cast are James Brolin, Norman Bartold, Alan Oppenheimer, Victoria Shaw, Dick Van Patten, Steve Franken, Linda Scott, Michael Mikler, Terry Wilson and Majel Barrett.

It is released by MGM, shot in widescreen and Metrocolor by Gene Polito, produced by Paul N Lazarus III and scored by Fred Karlin.

It is notable on the technical front: the Gunslinger’s point of view shots are the first use of computer digitised images as part of a feature film.

Brynner returned for the sequel: Futureworld (1976).

Brynner is a Best Actor Oscar winner for The King and I.

© Derek Winnert 2017 Classic Movie Review 5994

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