Undeniably the best film Eastwood ever appeared in.
One could make an objective case for TARANTULA, but for films in which Eastwood was top billing or in the top four names, this is clearly his classic film, his best film.
It is too much Ox Bow, Bravados, Southern Comfort, Jungle Fighters for the dorks, of course, straying from revenge into a three dimensional story that shows revenge for what it is.
Amazing that this had the biggest all star cast of any film Eastwood ever appeared in, too. Big names up and down the line up.
It's the characters that make the film, however, characters much more credible than any we see in the ignorant excuses we saw with Leone Westerns. Leone almost single handedly destroyed the Western by trying to fix what wasn't broke, and it took decades for some directors to figure it out, though few will ever admit it.
This film could work just as well on stage, it is that good. Obviously, none of Leone's could. They would look like the goofy stories they are.
A very satisfying and professional film, with credible characters in incredible circumstances.
But if ye do doubt your courage, go no further, for Death awaits you with nasty pointy teeth!