Hang 'Em High 4K 1968 Ultra HD 2160p

Story Movie

Jeda Cooper was mistakenly identified as a robber and murderer who had stolen someone else’s livestock. The corrupt Judge Wilson sentenced the hero to a “lynching” by hanging. The wounded cowboy miraculously survived, only because the local sheriff cut the rope...

Review 4K Movie

What could one expect from this film? Nine people committed a crime; nine people will be killed. A common plot in action films, including Westerns. But… the screenwriters and director achieved the impossible, in some ways even surpassing the “Dollar Trilogy.” The two key factors behind this were the film’s dynamic pace and its dialogue.

Unlike Sergio Leone’s films, the plot unfolds at a breakneck pace. There’s another story here (about murder and cattle rustling) that’s seamlessly woven into the main narrative. We’re also treated to a rather well-crafted love story. The film features two conflicts: an external one (revenge) and an internal one (the judge).

A line of dialogue is spoken every minute of the film, which is already an improvement (remember *The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly*, where the first word wasn’t spoken until the 10-minute mark). All the dialogue is superbly written; while the supporting characters’ personalities aren’t fully fleshed out, Cooper’s character is fully revealed (Yes, yes! Now he’s not just a guy with a Colt!)

Equally important is who portrayed them, since even a supporting character has a notable role. But the actors were chosen superbly. The standout performer is Pat Hingle, who plays Judge Fenton—best known to us as Commissioner Gordon in the *Batman* films. His character is constantly butting heads with Cooper, and Hingle was convincing in this confrontation.

As for Eastwood… Eastwood acted well, but didn’t stand out from his previous roles: the stern face, the same menacing glare. The musical score is top-notch; the film features an excellent main theme as well as a worthy love theme.

One of the best Westerns in the history of cinema.