Mr. Majestyk

Based on Elmore Leonard's original screenplay, Charles Bronson stars as the titular 'Mr. Majestyk', one of the many characters in his filmography where he played a strong man who exudes "an imposing aspect," one of the definitions of "majestic," on all those he encounters. Released in July 1974, the following week would see the release of Bronson's more famous work 'Death Wish', another film where his character must stand up for himself against criminals because the system can’t protect him.

Set in Colorado, we first meet Majestyk helping a group of Mexican migrant workers, led by Nancy Chavez (Linda Cristal). A gas station attendant refuses to let them use the bathroom until Majestyk presses the issue. Majestyk is a melon farmer and hires the migrants to assist him with his harvest, which needs to be done soon. This point is repeated a few times to create some tension and raise the stakes for Majestyk's character, but it never amounts to anything.

However, when he arrives at his place, Bobby Kopas (Paul Koslo), a tough guy, although it's never clear why anyone would ever follow this man, has a bunch of drunks picking the melons and offers protection. What's very odd about the offer is why Kopas would think anyone would want to use such terrible workers. If he's going to try and monopolize the picking business, why not find the best people to do the job?

But even if he had the best, it wouldn’t matter, because Majestyk isn't going to be forced to do anything he doesn't want, and he sends that message loud and clear with his fists and Kopas' gun. As well as Majestyk fights, it suggests he is more than a humble farmer. The local police show up later and jail Majestyk for assault. They don't perform much of an investigation and seem indifferent to the case, but it proves to be forced plotting by the screenwriter in order for Majestyk to cross paths with assassin Frank Renda (Al Lettieri), the main antagonist of the story who develops a vendetta against Majestyk for not helping him escape.

While the prisoners are being transported, director Richard Fleischer and the stunt team stage an over-the-top action sequence as Renda's men try to break him out. There's a lot of gunfire and vehicles exploding, some inexplicably. It seems making the film exciting takes precedence over logic, as seen in a later sequence when Majestyk flees the bad guys in his Ford truck. The thing speeds along the bumpy Colorado terrain and catches so much air it's impossible to believe the vehicle could survive except for a little movie magic.

'Mr. Majestyk', which has the feel of a Western, is an enjoyable, albeit lightweight, '70s action movie. The story is a simple tale of good guys versus bad guys and that's about as much depth as the characters are given. It might not be listed at the top of either Bronson's or Leonard's resume, but as fun as it is, it certainly shouldn't be left off.

The Blu-ray: Vital Disc Stats

Kino Lorber Studio Classics presents 'Mr. Majestyk' on a 25GB Region A Blu-ray disc in a standard Blue case. The disc boots up directly to the menu screen without any promotional advertisements.