Magnum Force (1973)

Directed by: Ted Post | 124 minutes | action, drama, thriller, crime | Actors: Clint Eastwood, Hal Holbrook, Mitch Ryan, David Soul, Tim Matheson, Kip Niven, Robert Urich, Felton Perry, Maurice Argent, Margaret Avery, Richard Devon, Tony Giorgio, Jack Kosslyn, Bob March, Bob McClurg, John Mitchum, Russ Moro, Clifford A. Pellow, Albert Popwell, Christine White, Adele Yoshioka

From minute one it is clear that the sequel to director Don Siegel’s blockbuster ‘Dirty Harry’ builds on the strong elements of part one, so that this time too you look over the shoulder of the recalcitrant, amiable and cynical Harry Callahan (Eastwood). During the title roles you can see the gigantic barrel of his 357 for minutes. Magnum, accompanied by the raw soundtrack of music virtuoso Lalo Shifrin: magnificent start! The role of Inspector Callahan fits Eastwood perfectly. He is a thorn in the side of his superiors, takes a hard line with criminals and is, at the same time, very honest with his colleagues and is good in the market with the ladies. The rest of the cast is in the shadow of the protagonist, but is by no means of a mediocre level. Holbrook (‘All the President’s Men’) matches the overbearing Eastwood well in the role as the bastard-of-a-chef, Briggs. The chemistry between Holbrook and Eastwood is unmistakable and leads to some compelling dialogue, where cynicism is elevated to an art form. In addition, you see David Soul (‘Salem’s Lot’) in a beautiful, understated role as a rookie to the police. The role of Eastwood’s black police partner (Perry) is remarkably limited, especially in terms of his lyrics.

In addition, ‘Force’ is a typical police film from the early seventies. Eastwood is the straightforward answer to the looser morals and mores of the post-sixties. The government can no longer handle it all and is unreliable, while criminals seem to have free rein in the eyes of Jan with the Pet. When one criminal after another in and around San Francisco dies, you’d say someone like Eastwood is all right. After all, tidy is neat! But he senses that the matter stinks and investigates in his own way. The story is then well put together, so that the tension about the denouement is preserved for a long time. Most interesting, but also morally problematic, is that the alleged killers are not standard criminals, but figures who are usually on the right side of the law.

Director Post (‘Hang ‘Em High’) delivers a fine piece of work. Noteworthy are the numerous shots from below, which firstly provide a distorted image of reality and secondly make Eastwood appear physically larger than he is. Moreover, the often great music, lavish make-up, sideburns, afros, cigarettes, large cars, chase scenes and brutal murders make it a very nice trip into the time machine. Too bad Hollywood doesn’t make movies like this anymore. ‘Force’ keeps pace with the first part of the ‘Dirty Harry’ series. The film is a logical continuation of the previous success with a strong protagonist, places of San Francisco and a story that is firmly put together. Who’s behind the bills and why is Eastwood getting so little wiggle room from his superiors to solve the case? Sit back and enjoy a nice film with a surprising denouement.