A western (a so-called soul western because of the black actors) which was mainly carried by the two leading actors Sidney Poitier (as Buck) and Harry Belafonte (as the priest). Poitier was not planning to direct, because at first Joseph Sargent had the job. But Poitier sacked him after five days’ shooting. Poitier argues that Belafonte pressed him to take over the directing.Immediately after the American Civil War, ex officer Buck is given responsibility for escorting a group of freed slaves. The convoy is beset by a gang hired by plantation owners who want their cheap labour back. Buck receives support from an unexpected quarter: the black gangster Willis Oakes Rutherford, who introduces himself as ‘reverend of the High and Low Orders of the Holiness Persuasion Church’ and who is at first interested in the price on Buck’s head. But after a bloodbath caused by the gang, he takes sides with Buck.
