Originally
broadcast June 22, 2001
OK, all you sodbusters and dance hall queens, hold on to your lariats. Roger Corman's classic role-reversal western "Gunslinger" made its debut on Dumpsterpiece Theatre, and we're just damn proud.
Starring John Ireland, Beverly Garland and Allison Hayes, "Gunslinger" tells the oft told story about a small town anxiously awaiting word whether the railroad is coming through or not. Evil forces are buying out the town businesses in the hopes that the land values will skyrocket with the railroads arrival, and it's up to the town's marshall to stop the killings and the land grabbing.
Now here's the clever Corman touch--- the bad guy and sheriff are women. Beverly Garland plays Rose, the sheriff's widow who takes over the job to avenge her hubby's death (look fast for William Schallert)and the 50 Foot Woman herself, Allison Hayes, plays Erica, the oh so bad saloon keeper who wants the town for herself.
John Ireland completes the triangle as Kane, the title figure who attempts to play both ends of the situation. Corman regulars Dick Miller, Jonathan Haze and Bruno Ve Sota also appear; Miller is the pony express with one of the ugliest hats ever and Haze is Erica's whipping boy (she calls him "little man," it pisses him off.
While "Gunslinger" was a scheduled part of our Corman tribute, viewers can also take part of the blame because you have asked for a western in our dumpsite poll. We aim to please, so we hope you learn to enjoy one of the strangest little oaters in the public domain.
Besides, it has one bitchin' cat fight between Rose and Erica---hot stuff--- which we re-wound and played a couple of times over!!!
This Week on Dumpsterpiece Theatre The History of Dumpsterpiece Theatre About dumptv.com Dumpsterpiece Theatre T-SHIRTS JunkYard John's DVD Pick-of-the-Week Return to The Dumpsite |