Clint Eastwood's 1968 Western, "Hang 'Em High," is currently available to stream for free on YouTube. Directed by Ted Post and co-written by Leonard Freeman and Mel Goldberg, the film is notable for its gritty portrayal of vengeance and its significance in Eastwood's burgeoning career as a filmmaker.
Following the international success of Sergio Leone's "Man with No Name" trilogy – "A Fistful of Dollars," "For a Few Dollars More," and "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" – Eastwood returned to American Westerns with "Hang 'Em High." He played a key role in its production, personally selecting Post, a former collaborator from the television show "Rawhide," to direct. Eastwood also contributed to script revisions to further develop his character, Jed Cooper.
The film is set in the Oklahoma territory in 1889, where Cooper, an ex-lawman seeking a peaceful life as a rancher, is wrongly accused of cattle theft by a posse. He survives a brutal lynching only to be compelled to once again take up the badge as a lawman, this time under the authority of Judge Fenton, portrayed by Pat Hingle.
"Hang 'Em High" distinguishes itself from Eastwood's earlier "Man with No Name" characters by presenting Jed Cooper as a more sympathetic and morally complex figure. Despite his brutal actions, Cooper's motivations are understandable given his traumatic experience. Judge Fenton, rather than being purely villainous, is depicted as a figure striving to establish order and prepare Oklahoma for statehood, believing his severe methods are necessary. Hingle's performance adds depth to the character, showcasing a magistrate driven by a conviction in his ruthless approach.
The Western explores themes of morality and justice without providing easy answers, prompting viewers to contemplate the complexities long after viewing. Both Cooper and Fenton are presented as deeply human characters with their own justifications and internal conflicts. The film is also noted for its surprising level of violence for its time, with the titular hangings forming a significant part of the narrative.
"Hang 'Em High" marked a crucial point in Eastwood's career, demonstrating his ability to portray more relatable characters and signaling his development as a thoughtful filmmaker who would later become known for morally ambiguous stories and nuanced characters. Its availability on YouTube offers a timely opportunity to revisit this significant, though often overlooked, film.