I was reminded of this little gem recently as I was talking to a young actor who is working with said Mr Sheen at the mo, and it really took me back to my childhood.
Back in the early to mid 70's there were some really interesting tv movies that used to show up on TV. Duel is probably the best known one, plus there were the occasional 'horror' or 'suspense' movies that were usually quite good for the time.
But one that really sticks in my mind is this one, The California Kid, with Martin Sheen.
It stars the late, great Vic Morrow as a sadistic sherriff of a small town who has a hatred of speeding drivers, so much so that he often runs them off the road and kills them. Sheen shows up as the brother of one of the victims, and goes head-to-head with Morrow in an effort to avenge his brothers death.
It's a classic, simple teens-versus-authority pic, but made with that great economic style that tv directors knew how to do in those days - they had no money, so had to rely on simple storytelling and getting the best from their actors.
I was actually surprised to find that it is available on R1 dvd, and only for a couple of quid too. All being well I should have it next week - really looking forward to seeing it again.
Back in the early to mid 70's there were some really interesting tv movies that used to show up on TV. Duel is probably the best known one, plus there were the occasional 'horror' or 'suspense' movies that were usually quite good for the time.
But one that really sticks in my mind is this one, The California Kid, with Martin Sheen.
It stars the late, great Vic Morrow as a sadistic sherriff of a small town who has a hatred of speeding drivers, so much so that he often runs them off the road and kills them. Sheen shows up as the brother of one of the victims, and goes head-to-head with Morrow in an effort to avenge his brothers death.
It's a classic, simple teens-versus-authority pic, but made with that great economic style that tv directors knew how to do in those days - they had no money, so had to rely on simple storytelling and getting the best from their actors.
I was actually surprised to find that it is available on R1 dvd, and only for a couple of quid too. All being well I should have it next week - really looking forward to seeing it again.