I was always a Charles Bronson fan. If he had a movie come out, I wanted to see it. Lucky for me the local drive-in where I grew up seemed to show them all. Now I think about it and realize that there is a whole generation who most likely have no idea who he was. I find that sad. Hopefully with his movies being released on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber that will change. One of those, and one of my favorites, is MR. MAJESTYK.
MR. MAJESTYK was released in 1974. It was written by famed action author Elmore Leonard whose books were often turned into films like GET SHORTY, JACKIE BROWN and 3:10 TO YUMA among them. At the directed helm was Richard Fleischer, known for directing films like 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA, THE VIKINGS, FANTASTIC VOYAGE, THE NEW CENTURIONS and SOYLENT GREEN as well as countless others. Combined with Bronson in one of his best roles and the movie was a hit.
Bronson stars as Vince Majestyk, a simple watermelon farmer just trying to earn a living from the land in Colorado. Vince is an ex-con, former U.S. Army Ranger and Vietnam Vet and his current crop is needed to keep his farm running. One morning he shows up to find his workers replaced by a group of drunks hired by local hood Bobby Kopas (Paul Koslo). Bobby is running a protection racket and makes the mistake of springing this one on Vince. Instead Vince runs Bobby off with his own shotgun and brings in experienced Mexican migrant workers led by union organizer Nancy Chavez (Linda Crystal).
Kopas files assault charges against Vince which lands him in jail where he shares a cell with mob hitman Frank Renda (Al Lettieri). As the two are being transferred via bus Renda’s men attempt and escape. Vince takes control of the bus and heads to his cabin in the woods. Still handcuffed Renda offers Vince $25,000 to turn him lose. Vince turns him down, intending to turn him over to the police in return for his freedom so he can finish harvesting his crop.
Both the police and Renda’s men are contacted to pick him up but Renda eventually escapes. He learns that the charges against him have been dropped and he’s free to go. His friend tells him that he should head out of the US and just relax. But Renda has been angered and all that he worries about is revenge on Vince. He brings in Kopas and tells him to drop the assault charges. With Vince free he can go about taking him out.
One of the most famous scenes in the film is when Renda and his men show up at Vince’s farm ready to kill him only to discover he’s in town. They beat up his crew and take machine guns to the watermelons blowing them all apart. This leads to the climax of the film, a battle between a man who just wanted to harvest his watermelons and a ruthless killer seeking revenge.
The thing that makes this film work so well is that the story is simple. There are no convoluted plot devices put in place here. It is one man trying to do the right thing versus a killer who has no compunction about killing another man for the most minor of slights. Today there would be all sorts of subplots to complicate things rather than sticking to a simple story.
Bronson is on top of his game here. This is the type of role
that made him a much sought after action star. No ranting and raving, just a
subtle touch of annoyance in the character. And he has the skills to back up
his beliefs and uses them to full advantage when his patience finally breaks.
Lettieri always played mob connected characters and he plays this one to the
hilt. Crystal come through as a caring character ready to help Bronson who
treats her friends right.
The movie was a box office success and was followed by
Bronson’s breakout role in DEATH WISH. It remains a favorite among fans and
once you see it you can understand why. For me this was one I wanted in my
collection and I’m happy that Kino Lorber has made that happen. If you love
Bronson or just a solid action film you need to add it to your collection as
well.
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