The Last Rebel

Watch The Last Rebel

  • GP
  • 1971
  • 1 hr 30 min
  • 3.6  (204)

The Last Rebel is a 1971 western film starring Joe Namath, Jack Elam, and Woody Strode. The movie is directed by Denys McCoy and produced by Arthur Gardner and Jules V. Levy. The Last Rebel tells the story of Johnny Yuma (Joe Namath), a former Confederate soldier who returns to his Texas hometown after the Civil War. The movie begins with Johnny arriving in his hometown to find it has changed significantly from the quiet town he left behind. The town is now in the hands of Union soldiers and lawmen who have taken control of the area. The townspeople are not happy with the situation and are looking for someone to lead them in their fight against the Union.

Johnny is hesitant to get involved in the fight, but he is eventually convinced to help the townspeople by a former Confederate soldier, Ben (Jack Elam). Together, Johnny and Ben lead the townspeople in their fight against the Union.

As the story progresses, it becomes clear that there is a bigger threat to the town than just the Union soldiers. A group of outlaws led by a man named Captain Harper (Geoffrey Horne) are terrorizing the area, robbing banks and killing innocent people. Johnny and Ben realize that the only way to protect the town is to take on the outlaws as well.

The Last Rebel is a movie that takes a lot of cues from the classic westerns of the 1950s and 1960s. The movie has all the hallmarks of a classic western, including gunfights, horseback chases, and showdowns in dusty streets. It's an action-packed movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

Joe Namath gives a solid performance as Johnny Yuma. He brings a ruggedness and toughness to the role that is essential for a western hero. Jack Elam is also excellent as Ben, the grizzled old soldier who helps Johnny in his fight. Woody Strode is another standout, playing a former slave who follows Johnny and Ben into battle.

The Last Rebel is a movie that doesn't shy away from violence. There are some brutal and bloody scenes in the movie that may be too much for some viewers. However, the violence is in line with the tone of the movie, and it never feels gratuitous.

One of the strengths of the movie is its pacing. The Last Rebel moves at a brisk pace, and there is never a dull moment. The movie is well-directed, and the action scenes are expertly choreographed. The score, composed by Jimmie Haskell, is also excellent and adds to the film's overall atmosphere.

One of the movie's weaknesses is its character development. The characters are pretty one-dimensional and don't have much depth. While this is a common issue in westerns, it would have been nice to see more development in the characters to create deeper emotional connections with the audience.

Another issue with the movie is its lack of historical accuracy. While the movie is set in a post-Civil War Texas, it doesn't attempt to accurately portray the time period. The movie's depiction of the time is more of an idealized version of the Old West, which is a common trope in westerns but can be frustrating for viewers who are looking for more accuracy.

Overall, The Last Rebel is an enjoyable western that delivers plenty of action and excitement. While it has some flaws, it's a movie that's worth watching if you're a fan of the genre. Joe Namath, Jack Elam, and Woody Strode give great performances, and the movie's action scenes are well-done. If you're looking for a fast-paced western with plenty of gunfights and horseback chases, The Last Rebel is a movie you won't want to miss.

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Description
  • Release Date
    1971
  • MPAA Rating
    GP
  • Runtime
    1 hr 30 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    3.6  (204)