Lawman Blu-ray Review, Exceptional 1971 Burt Lancaster Western?

I’m taking a look at another Burt Lancaster film, this is my Lawman Blu-ray review. Fortunately this one has had a UK Blu-ray release thanks to Final Cut Entertainment.

Lawman (1971) is western which also features Robert Ryan, Lee J. Cobb and Robert Duvall. So it has a strong cast but should you give it a look? Well I think you are going to enjoy this one.

• Lawman (1971)
• Genre: Western
• Directed by Michael Winner
• UK Rating 15
• Discs: 1
• Released By Final Cut Entertainment
• Blu-ray Released: 30th August 2021

Plot

When a bunch of cowboys shoot up a town an innocent man is killed. The town’s marshal, Jared Maddox (Burt Lancaster) is determined to bring those responsible to justice. His investigation leads him to a nearby town where he asks that the men surrender and return with him to face justice.

However the men have no intention of going voluntary and decide to take action.

Style / Direction

Michael Winner directs and produces this overall well made western. I wasn’t too keen on the way a couple of shots would use the zoom. Apart from that it’s a good western.

Music / Audio Effects

The film’s score comes from Jerry Fielding.

Acting / Characters

As I mentioned at the beginning of this review the cast list is strong. Just take a look at the actors involved below.

They all put in strong performances which really keeps you interested in their plight.

Cast

• Burt Lancaster as Jared Maddox
• Robert Ryan as Cotton Ryan
• Lee J. Cobb as Vincent Bronson
• Robert Duvall as Vernon Adams
• Sheree North as Laura Shelby
• Albert Salmi as Harvey Stenbaugh
• J. D. Cannon as Hurd Price
• Joseph Wiseman as Lucas
• Richard Jordan as Crowe Wheelwright
• John McGiver as Mayor Sam Bolden
• Ralph Waite as Jack Dekker
• John Beck as Jason Bronson
• William C. Watson as Choctaw Lee
• Walter Brooke as Luther Harris
• Robert Emhardt as Hersham
• Richard Bull as Dusaine
• John Hillerman as Totts
• Hugh McDermott as L.G. Moss
• Wilford Brimley as Marc Corman.

Conclusion: Lawman (1971) Film Review

I found the film to be a thoroughly absorbing western helped in no small way by great casting. This one’s a must for all western fans!

If you’ve enjoyed my Lawman Blu-ray review so far you may want to check out the following films:

• High Noon (1952)
• Shane (1953)

Lawman Blu-ray Review

I had no real issues with the image quality and found it to be very good Blu-ray release.

Purchase Information

Lawman (1971) is available now on Blu-ray for £10 from up via Amazon. (Price correct as 30th June 2025)

The Amazon links on this page are affiliate / associate links. By buying through the links we may receive a commission for the sale. This has no effect on the price you pay.

Lawman (1971) Film Trailer

For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…

Clip NOT representative of the Blu-ray version

Popcorn Cinema Rating: Lawman (1971)

MOVIE RATING: GOOD

BLU-RAY RATING: VERY GOOD

POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED

Final Thought

That concludes my Lawman Blu-ray review, please let me know what you thought of the film over on our Facebook page. I’m aiming to review more classic westerns soon.

What’s next? Check back soon…

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