The Hanged Man

Synopsis

The Hanged Man (1974), starring Steve Forrest, unfolds as a gripping drama set against the backdrop of complex personal vendettas and moral dilemmas. The plot centers on an enigmatic drifter who arrives in a small town, quickly becoming entangled in the lives of its residents. As secrets unravel and tensions escalate, the film explores themes of justice, redemption, and the consequences of violence. With a blend of suspense and character-driven storytelling, The Hanged Man presents a raw and gritty narrative that delves into the darker side of human nature, capturing the struggle between past sins and the hope for salvation.

Cast

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  Steve Forrest

  James Devlin

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  Dean Jagger

  Josiah Lowe

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  Will Geer

  Nameless

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  Sharon Acker

  Carrie Gault

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  Brendon Boone

  Billy Irons

• 

  Rafael Campos

  Father Alvaro

Reviews

Critical reception of The Hanged Man tends to be mixed, reflecting a range of opinions on its execution and impact. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 5.6 out of 10, indicative of divided audience responses. Some reviewers commend Steve Forrest’s compelling performance and the film’s atmospheric tension, noting that "the movie offers a moody, measured pace that builds an unsettling ambiance." However, other critics point out pacing issues and a script that occasionally feels uneven, with one reviewer from a vintage film blog stating that "despite strong acting, the narrative sometimes wanders without delivering full emotional payoff." While The Hanged Man does not hold a dedicated score on Rotten Tomatoes, available user comments suggest an appreciation for its old-school Western elements familiar to fans of the genre but acknowledge its limited appeal to a broader audience. Metacritic does not have a formal aggregation for this title due to its niche status and era. Overall, The Hanged Man is regarded as a modestly engaging film that may resonate more with enthusiasts of 1970s Western dramas rather than casual viewers looking for fast-paced action.

See also

Forrest Gump

The Matrix

Avengers: Endgame

Shutter Island