Likable, if less known than some of Eastwood's films, it is not without significance. This movie neatly segues from the Leone westerns to Dirty Harry. Indeed this is where Eastwood and Siegel first pair up and the seeds of the subsequent violent thrillers are clearly visible. It is also significant in that being a 1968 film we get a depiction of sexual politics that still resonates today. There is an early scene where Tisha Sterling is talking to her 'client' or probationer played by Don Stroud and the slimy kid touches, strokes and finally takes a hold of one of her breasts. Eastwood's 'country boy' from Arizona, looking more like a cowboy than a cop takes exception and knocks Stroud away. Tisha's character, who seemed to accept the sexual attention, is upset that her 'client' is now upset. Even more odd, as we now look back, Eastwood then picks up his case, takes her by the arm and announces he's taking her to lunch, and more as it subsequently turns out. Within the storyline of a film of this period it doesn't seem all that strange, no more it was, but looked at now from the era of a new morality, quite astonishing. The story moves well, Siegel has an eye for composition and can choreograph a bar room fight or a chase as good as anyone. The final motorbike chase is set on the slopes of an autumnal Fort Tryon Park and looks very good. Also good looking and very well shot is a hippy gig with back projections, coloured lights, near naked boys and girls and painted faces. Well worth a watch.
Review of Coogan's Bluff
