Mr. Majestyk (1974) User Reviews

"He Was Really Trying To Kill Me"

[bkoganbing · 8/10 · 3 April 2008]

Mr. Majestyk is one of my favorite Charles Bronson action films. The plot which is a bit complex for an action film does not get in the way of any of the action. By the way Bronson whose real name was Buckinski must have been happy to play a person of Polish ancestry in this one, I believe it is one of the few times he did.

Bronson is Vincent Majestyk former army ranger who is now running a watermelon ranch. He's being squeezed by time because he needs to get his melons picked and to market in a matter of days and a local strong arm guy played by Paul Koslo tries to muscle him into hiring his crew.

Big mistake for Koslo, but not right then because he has sheriff Frank Maxwell arrest Bronson. While in jail Bronson also runs afoul of big time hit man Al Lettieri and when Lettieri finally escapes he's out to get him.

Bronson's willing to live and let live, but Lettieri crowds him and he's not given a choice. So he settles matters in the usual Bronson way.

Lettieri was really coming into his own during the early Seventies with villainous roles in The Godfather, The Getaway, and McQ. A year later the cinema lost him, a real tragedy because he was superb in any part he played.

Two women figure prominently in the proceedings. Linda Cristal who is an organizer for the United Farm Workers who Bronson aids and she in turn becomes pretty valuable to him. The second is Lee Purcell who plays a more modern version of a gangster moll from the Thirties.

Over 30 years since I first saw Mr. Majestyk in the theater and I still love the way Bronson turns from the hunted to the hunter.

Charlie's got a melon to pick with you!

[Coventry · 8/10 · 22 November 2010]

"Mr. Majestyk" is inarguably one of Charles Bronson's most masterful action movie accomplishments (not counting the westerns like "Once Upon a Time in the West" and "The Magnificent Seven" because he didn't play the central character in those) and this is mainly thanks to the skillful writing of Elmore Leonard and the tight direction of Richard Fleischer. More than in the other contemporary Bronson action vehicles, "Mr. Majestyk" benefices from a steadily paced and intelligent screenplay that fully revolves on Charles Bronson, but at least never exaggeratedly idolizes him. Vince Majestyk is a modest and introvert Colorado melon farmer who only wants to bring in his harvest… He ends up in jail after a conflict with a local small time crook, but things get really serious when a wanted mafia hit man targets him for assassination. Mr. Majestyk wanted to deliver the escaped convict Frank Renda back to the police, but his plan failed and now Renda is obsessed with killing Vince with his own hands. The plot isn't hyper-convoluted, but it's definitely more ambitious than the average "Death Wish" sequel in which Charles blows away random street scum. The villainous characters in "Mr. Majestyk" are interesting personalities. Frank Renda (brilliant performance from Al Lettieri) is a genuinely menacing and relentless criminal, whereas Bobby Kopas is just a sleazy and cowardly local marauder who thinks he's a big shot. The interactions between Vince and these gangsters confirm their personalities. He's not afraid of Renda but remains wary and respectful at all times, whereas he continuously mocks and humiliates the racist wannabe cowboy Bobby Kopas. It is definitely the sharp and seasoned writing of Elmore Leonard what brings the film to a higher quality level. "Mr. Majestyk" certainly isn't a non-stop spitfire of action sequences, but there are a couple of explosively violent moments that are unforgettable. The escape during the prison transportation, for example, as well as the Ford pick-up chase and the climatic shootout. Great film, highly recommended to all action cinema fanatics!

Classic Bronson

[ramsfan · 8/10 · 24 November 2008]

One of the big stars of 70's cinema, Charles Bronson doesn't disappoint in Mr.Majestyk- an entertaining film which came on the heels of the critically successful "Death Wish". In this film, Bronson plays Vince Majestyk, a melon farmer who simply wants to bring in his crops on time. A local labor racketeer, Bobby Kopas (Paul Koslo) tries to exert pressure on Majestyk to use Kopas' work crew instead of the migrant workers Majestyk has hired. Unfazed by Kopas' threats, Majestyk knocks him down and drives him from the premises. As a result, he is thrown in jail on an assault charge.

Here, he meets up with Frank Renda (Al Lettieri), a mob boss who is planning an escape during a bus transfer to another prison. The escape attempt goes awry and Majestyk alternately humiliates and abuses Renda while using him as a bargaining chip for his own freedom. Renda later escapes and spares no effort in seeking revenge on Majestyk.

The film moves nicely and never gets bogged down with unnecessary detail. This is a simple story about the "little guy" being wronged, and the enjoyment lies in watching both Kopas and Renda underestimate the guy they're bullying. Bronson plays his role with his usual quiet toughness, but it is Lettieri who stands out. His character is a vicious brute who makes it easy for us to root against him. Lettieri had several great roles (The Godfather, The Getaway, McQ) before his untimely death. Paul Koslo does his customary nice job in a character role, while Linda Cristal plays Bronson's love interest in a low-key dignified manner. Lee Purcell, Renda's "squeeze" is strictly eye candy.

Overall, classic 70's action cinema and an enjoyable watch.

WHAT A RIDE!

[GOWBTW · 4 June 2003]

This movie is a Bronson classic in my book. My favorite scene is the pick-up ride when Majestyk and Chavez make their escape from the mob. I liked it the the pick-up made all those long jumps. In most drive scenes the pickup truck would definitely be torn to pieces, but not here. they must have bought a lot of them for the movie. This movie was packed with action, suspense, and also intrigue. This was absolutely one of Charles Bronson's best!

Don't Mess With His Watermelons

[iquine · 7/10 · 13 March 2020]

(Flash Reviews)

Bronson plays a watermelon land owner with a checkered past including stints in the military and behind bars. While on the straight, he gets hassled by the local toughs who heavily 'encourage' him to use their picking crew. He gets arrested while noisily disagreeing with him and subsequently crosses paths with another serious criminal. They don't...um...get along and the criminal wants Bronson dead. Who will outsmart who and actually more importantly will Bronson get good melons picked before they spoil? As expected, Bronson won't take gruff from anyone. He just wants to pick his melons. Ha Ha! This is a solid 70s tough guy movie with some very entertaining car chases.

Action and thriller with a two-fisted Charles Bronson

[ma-cortes · 6/10 · 12 July 2005]

The picture talks about a Vietnam veteran (Charles Bronson) attempting to begin a new life in honorable issues . He works as an upright watermelon farmer who helps other workers when are really harassed , but a mobster hit-man (Al Lettieri) and a local syndicate villain (Paul Koslo) are menacing his plans and the melons harvest . They go after him but Bronson'll execute his legitimate defense as well as extreme wrath and he'll become in judge , jury and executioner . Later on , the vendetta of the mob is turned onto Mr. Majestyk himself . The melon farmer only has acquaintance to a beautiful Mexican woman (Linda Crystal) to battle the organized crime .

In the film there is action , exciting car pursuits , shootouts , thrills , suspense and a little bit of violence . From the beginning to finish the noisy action-packed and fast-moving are continued and that's why it results to be entertaining . The great climax of the film is the final confrontation between the starring and the enemies that's stimulating and moving . The story is an adaptation from Elmore Leonard novel who also did the storyline . This is the only filmed adaptation of an Elmore Leonard crime novel that Charles Bronson ever appeared in . This film was premiered in the same year another Charles Bronson picture , the successful Death wish (1974) that created several sequels .

Charles Bronson acting is wooden as being habitual in his roles as a merciless revenger . This picture represents one of a handful of films starring Charles Bronson that deal with Mexico and/or specifically Chicano characters , the pictures resulted to be : Breakout (1975) by Tom Gries , Borderline (1980) by Jerrold Freeman and this one Mr. Majestyk (1974) by Richard Fleischer . Nice support cast , such as : Linda Crystal , Paul Koslo and special mention for Al Lettier , his tremendous interpretation is terrific , as a nasty and nefarious mob killer , though with quite gesticulation , his appearance is the best part of the film . The pic was well directed by Richard Fleischer , it's narrated understanding as well as hardly . The flick will appeal to Charles Bronson fans .

Don't mess with a man and his melons!

[Hey_Sweden · 7/10 · 8 September 2014]

Especially if the man in question is the great Charles Bronson. The iconic tough guy actor plays the title role, who merely wants to go about his business in peace. And that business is watermelon farming. When Majestyk is arrested for roughing up sleazy, worthless little weasel Bobby Kopas (Paul Koslo), it brings him into contact with syndicate hit man Frank Renda (Al Lettieri). After a series of incidents, Renda comes to utterly despise Majestyk and want him dead.

Very capably directed by the versatile Richard Fleischer, "Mr. Majestyk" features an engaging Bronson performance, and a strong supporting cast. The tongue in cheek antics are courtesy of screenwriter Elmore Leonard. Brief bursts of violence and a few action set pieces help to make this watchable, as well as a brilliant music score by Charles Bernstein. Lettieri is an effectively intense antagonist, Linda Cristal has lots of appeal as migrant worker Nancy Chavez, and Koslo is great fun as the pathetic Kopas, although Lee Purcell has an underdeveloped role as Rendas' associate "Wiley". Taylor Lacher, Frank Maxwell, Alejandro Rey, Jordan Rhodes, and Bert Santos are all good as well. Veteran character actor Richard Erdman appears uncredited as attorney Dick Richard.

In the end, "Mr. Majestyk" is no great shakes, but is still nicely plotted and solidly entertaining for its duration. For a disposable bit of entertainment, it is quite agreeable.

Seven out of 10.

The Vidiot Reviews...

[capone666 · 6/10 · 14 November 2016]

Mr. Majestyk

You should never anger a farmer because they exact revenge very early in the morning.

Unfortunately, the hit-man in this action movie went and done it anyway.

All ex-Army Ranger turned watermelon farmer Vince Majestyk (Charles Bronson) wants to do is bring in his harvest. A local hood, however, wants Majestyk to employ his lazy workers over Mexican migrants to perform this task.

Their disagreement lands Majestyk in lockup where he gets entangled with a button-man (Al Lettieri) plotting a prison break. The melon farmer hopes to leverage this info towards saving his crop. But doing so makes him a marked man.

A role tailored made for Bronson's brand of cool bravado, this skillfully directed adaptation of crime novelist Elmore Leonard's book has a real sense of grit and realism to it that most angry veteran movies lack.

Moreover, melon farming sounds way more titillating than it actually is.

Yellow Light

vidiotreviews.blogspot.ca

1970s Fun

[magellan333 · 6/10 · 9 March 2007]

Watch this film to be entertained. Don't view it expecting something the quality/caliber of "Death Wish" or "Dirty Harry". The story is simple, the acting good and the action average. Charles Bronson did well in most any role he took on. Mr. Majestyk is no exception. I can think of only a few other "average man" actors who could have made this film work. The role of a "melon farmer" seems too tame for many of the action stars of the day. It was a very good fit for Charles Bronson. He is not the only one delivering a fine acting job. The "muscled" head-thug did a good job too. He greets the scrawny little blonde guy with "Who is this ass-hole?". The movie is simple, entertaining and just the right length. They didn't try to make a "melon farmer" more than he should be.

"You make sounds like your a mean little a** kicker..."

[longrifles · 9/10 · 3 September 2002]

This is great stuff, if not perfect. Charles Bronson gives a great performance here as the wronged man out for justice, which is a standard Elmore Leonard set-piece. (See "Valdez is Coming" and "Hombre".) But I never get tired of these situations as he writes them, because the stories are all unique, thrilling, well told, and (if you stretch a little) believable. Majestyk is a simple guy who just wants to get his melon crop in, but he steps on some toes, winds up in the drunk tank, and then accidentally foils a ham handed attempt to break a big time criminal out of the same jail. Well, he's too much for any of them when the crap hits the fan, and of course he can't be bought off. He just wants to get his melons in, remember? One thing leads to another, the criminals come to get him, and you can fill in the blanks from there. But it isn't all cut and paste; there is some really good story telling here and bravura performances by the man who plays the main criminal. (His hame escapes me, but he was also the bad guy in "The Getaway".) When things get hot and heavy, he looks at Majestyk with grudging admiration and says "You know something? You move, melon picker. You don't say much...but you move!" True fact, and so does this movie, which is also the home of one of the two or three best car chases on film, along with "Bullitt", although this time it isn't a Mustang, but a good old Ford F-150. What could be more perfect? Also a nice job by the man who plays the worthless little weasel wannabe crook...you just want to slap him. Neither side likes him worth a flip. Great fun.

Lettieri + Koslo = Great Double Act

[Theo Robertson · 7/10 · 23 August 2002]

MR MAJESTYK is without doubt one of Charles Bronsan`s greatest films . I know that`s not saying much but if you`ve never seen it then you can`t appreciate just how enjoyable it is . Bronsan is outshined on screen by Al Lettieri`s performance as mafia hitman Frank Renda . Witness the scene in the prison dining hall

MAJESTYK : ( To Renda - Referring to meal ) Hey buddy you finished with that ?

RENDA : ( Knocks prison tray onto floor ) You want it ? You eat it

MAJESTYK : I`ll tell you what I`ll have one of those cigarettes of yours

CUT to Renda giving a facial expression that resembles a rabid rottweiller . But it`s when Paul Koslo as Bobby Kopas arrives onto the scene to get revenge on Vince Majestyk that the deadpan humour really takes off

KOPAS : Hi Mister Renda . I thought maybe after you`d finished with Majestyk I could maybe put a couple of slugs into him

RENDA : ( Referring to Kopas ) Who`s this a$$hole ?

Or the scene where Renda , Kopas and a couple of other bad guys are driving past Majestyk`s farm on a stakeout when they notice a police patrol car parked on the road

RENDA : Cops . How long the cops been here ?

KOPAS : ( Nonchalantly ) Too long I guess

RENDA : ( grabs Kopas violently ) Listen a$$hole . I ain`t known you two minutes but already you`re talking s*** to me boy ( Kopas becomes visibly more and more terrified ) What`s the matter with you a$$hole ?

Lettieri and Koslo make a great team and it`s a pity they never appeared in their own show entitled THE MAFIA HITMAN AND THEA$$HOLE

Bronson, an action-violence king!

[Nazi_Fighter_David · 8/10 · 27 August 2001]

Like Clint Eastwood, Bronson never had real success until he went to Europe in 1968... Then he hit, and hit big... In one year he becomes a star, and an action-violence king...

Bronson has a strong Slavic face, invisible slit eyes, a gently menacing smile-something like Jack Palance, but more humane...

Social themes are not the usual stuff of Bronson films, but in 'Mr. Majestyk,' he looks tough, yet manages to convey a sympathetic streak in the character he portrays...

He stars as a cool fighting loner who finds his efforts far to be carried out, and solves his problems with muscle and firearms - this time a formidable shotgun..

Vince Majestyk, a Colorado melon grower who haven't clipped his melons yet, gets trouble from a local racist labor racketeer Paul Koslo (Bobby Kopas) who attempts to force him to do business with him, using his crew rather than the hand-picked Chicano migrants he employed...

Majestyk straight advise to the unscrupulous punk is clear: Not to interfere... In this moment, Richard Fleisher's film looks as an action picture about labor and race troubles.... But the script twists it on throwing our genuine working man in prison on false charges...

Accidentally in the same jail is gangster Frank Renda (Al Lettieri).

When Renda's mafia associates stage a breakout for their boss, Majestyk seizes Frank and frustrates their carefully-schemed plan... He then offers to exchange the mafia thug for his own freedom... However, his own plan is ruined when Frank escapes from him, promising bloody revenge...

Al Lettieri, the ruthless hoodlum, is probably best known as Solozzo in "The Godfather," and as a loan shark in 'Rocky.'

Dragging along with Bronson, while he battles the mafia and cops, is Linda Cristal (Nancy Chavez), the beautiful Labor Organizer who provides all the necessary help to our hero... Nancy is quite clear with her Latin accent: 'If you want to go to bed with me, why don't you say so?'

If you like to watch the machine-gun slaughter of hundreds of defenseless watermelons, this is the movie to watch...

Better than expected

[kneiss1 · 6/10 · 29 July 2010]

This is the first Charles Bronson movie I have seen, and I expected way worse. Like most action Heroes Charles Bronson is a bit too "cool". I didn't like the main-character of this movie much. Pretty much all other characters in this movie are great though. Especially the gangster are great, convincing and unusual characters. The story isn't that bad either. The first half of the story was something totally new to me. The second half of the story though is totally predictable. But because of the good action the movie stays entertaining the whole way. Also worth mentioning is the great atmosphere and music.

This movie is above average action flicks and worth to watch.

Better Than Average Pre-Rambo Plot - Mr. Majestyk

[arthur_tafero · 5/10 · 3 March 2021]

Another Vietnam Vet gets screwed and we have an instant plot for an us against the world scenario in the melon fields of California. There is a bit of melloncholy behavior from Bronson, as he gets his children shot up by a hitman. The melloncide that takes place is brutal and will turn the stomachs of anyone who loves watermelon. There are no actors in the film, but none are really needed. Everyone knows what's going to happen in the predictable plot, anyway. Oh, the horror, though, of the lost melons. Majestyk is a former melon, I mean felon, who was convicted of using a shotgun violently. He is now a watermelon farmer. He is also a Vietnam Veteran, which, of course, means he is crazy and good with guns. Unfortunately, from staying in the sun too long, Majestyk developed a mellonoma which you can see on his skin. However, this does not stop him from using his shotgun to blow a hole the size of a watermelon in a few of the bad guys. The moral of this film is not to count your melons before they get to market. And this film was not sponsored by the Mellon Foundation. There; I won a bet with my friend, Doug that I could mention melons ten times in the review without being boring.

Classic Underrated Film

[FilmFan-25 · 26 June 2001]

This film will probably never be on a list of the greatest films of all time but it is one of my favourites.

The thing which makes the film outstanding is the acting. The selection of Charles Bronson, Al Lettieri, Paul Koslo and Linda Crystal are perfect. Their performances, not out of character, are what you would expect from them. Al Lettieri plays the same part as in "The Godfather" and "The Getaway" - menacing and charismatic. Bronson is at his best in his usual strong silent way and Linda Crystal gives an excellent performance as a mexican woman - a sort of shop steward for some Melon Pickers.

The thing which raises this film above many others in my opinion is the interaction between the characters, in particular Bronson/Lettieri and Lettieri/Koslo.

The film is not too heavy and allows a self deprecating sense of humour to enter the action.

The more you see it the more you respect it as a work of art.

"I got a melon to pick"

[Quinoa1984 · 7/10 · 23 September 2006]

Mr. Majestyk isn't great art, but then Charles Bronson hasn't often been in many movies (Once Upon a Time in the West and possibly the Great Escape as exceptions) that might even be considered full-on 'films'. He's a movie-star, and on the B-side of the record, so to speak, of 1974's Death Wish was this little diddy where he plays, of all things, a melon farmer. But don't let that fool you into thinking this movie's a campy push-over. The first part of that might be true here and there, as it's hard to avoid it being a little goofy seeing a guy like Bronson as a farmer. Elmore Leonard as screenwriter, however, elevates the material to being fun without being overly stupid. Richard Fleischer as director, too, keeps the material afloat above that dangerous level of being one of those more forgettable Bronson programmers of the 80s. This is a writer, director and star all knowing what can be done with the material, and it works for what it's worth. I loved seeing some of the action, even if it early on is fairly brief (albeit with an amazing shot of Bronson literally crashing out of the back window of a car), and there's always a fresh way in terms of attitude with him.

Mr. Majestyk is, if nothing else, a showcase for Bronson and his 'quiet but don't-f***-with-me' take on his character. He's believable because of a very simple character establishment- a war hero, already served time, divorced, just wanting to do his work, right? Wrong. He gets put in jail for getting in a scuffle with a cowboy (a funny scene all-around), gets put into a rock and a hard place with a mob boss (Al Lettieri) who is obsessed with rubbing him out for almost taking him back to jail. Soon, once the melons get involved, it becomes a mano-a-mano movie. Some of the acting is less than great, specifically from Linda Cristal as the Migrant lady whom Bronson's Majestyk falls for. But all the way the sense of tongue-in-cheek never becomes too much, as a mob movie crossed with vigilante drama could get. It's just enough to garner some big dumb grins, and mostly it's very professionally shot and scored in a very 70s style too. It's a tough better than average 'guy' action-genre movie, and definitely one of the Bronson vehicles I'd recommend.

Enjoyable

[TurboarrowIII · 7/10 · 10 March 2017]

I thought this was an enjoyable film.

Bronson is good as Majestyk but Lettieri is excellent as Renda. Renda is a nasty and violent killer who Majestyk upsets when he takes him hostage when they are both in a police bus that Renda's hoods try to hijack to rescue him. Majestyk hopes to exchange Renda in return for the police dropping assault charges against him. These charges were brought by Bobby Kopas (Paul Koslo) who had tried to make Majestyk use workers he didn't want to to harvest his melon crop. Majestyk had not taken kindly to this and had smacked Kopas although Kopas was the one to blame.

Unfortunately for Majestyk Renda manages to escape and decides that he wants to kill Majestyk. His thugs "persuade" Kopas to drop the charges so that Majestyk is freed so that Renda can kill him.

There are some great performances. Koslo is excellent as the small time crook who thinks he is a big man. His scenes with Lettieri are great as his attempts to sound tough and clever are met with menacing disdain from Lettieri. Near the end he finally realises what an unpleasant killer Renda is when Renda deliberately sacrifices one of his "friends" in an attempt to flush Majestyk out. Lee Purcell is also good as Renda's girlfriend.

The "massacre" of the melons is also memorable.

Overall not a very complex film but enjoyable I thought with some great performances and a nice theme tune.

'Next time, I'll grow bulletproof melons.'

[paul_johnr · 7/10 · 14 July 2006]

World cinema recently lost producer-director Richard Fleischer, who died on March 25th in Los Angeles. Fleischer left behind some 60 films in his biography, including a fairly prolific stretch during the late 1960s and early 70s that included 'Doctor Dolittle,' 'The Boston Strangler,' portions of 'Tora! Tora! Tora!,' and 'The Last Run,' a George C. Scott vehicle. It was at the tail end of this period that he joined Walter Mirisch in co-producing and directing 'Mr. Majestyk,' a pulp thriller written by Elmore Leonard.

'Mr. Majestyk' also came during the most lucrative phase of Charles Bronson's career, when moviegoers packed the house to see actioners like 'Red Sun,' 'Chato's Land,' 'The Mechanic,' and 'Death Wish.' Indeed, 1974 was probably the best season of all for Bronson, as 'Mr. Majestyk' and 'Death Wish' were running in theaters simultaneously. While lacking the controversy of Michael Winner's potboiler that spawned other vigilante films, 'Majestyk' still packs a wallop and is certainly one of the best productions that Bronson was associated with.

Bronson plays Vincent Majestyk, a Vietnam War veteran who owns a Colorado melon farm and values his peaceful existence. This changes when he returns to the farm one morning and finds his crop being picked by groupies of Bobby Kopas (Paul Koslo), a young, scurvy blonde who is trying to make his way on the organized crime circuit. With a busload of Majestyk-hired Chicanos idling nearby, the former solider gives Kopas a sound beating and throws him off the grounds.

Kopas files bogus charges against Majestyk and he is soon arrested. While in the local jail, he encounters Frank Renda (Al Lettieri), a far more experienced crime boss with several murders on his résumé. The two men are later placed on a bus heading for court, which is intercepted by a group of Renda's cronies. Majestyk shrewdly hijacks the bus during a bloody shootout and takes Renda as his hostage into the nearby hills. Over the phone, he strikes a deal with Lieutenant McAllen (Frank Maxwell) to return Renda in exchange for dropping his charge. However, Renda escapes with his girlfriend Wiley (Lee Purcell) and Majestyk finds himself back where he started.

Renda becomes enraged over Majestyk's treatment of him and plots his death. Of course, Majestyk has plans of his own, which includes getting the melon crop in and saving his farm from bankruptcy. His new girlfriend Nancy Chavez (Linda Cristal), an organizer of the migrants, is very willing to help out in situations where the police sit idly and use Majestyk as their pawn of surveillance. While not offering any kind of philosophy or profound statement, 'Mr. Majestyk' turns out to be a solid action film in which the good guys win.

Vincent Majestyk is far more animated than Paul Kersey of 'Death Wish,' thanks largely to the fast-paced writing of Elmore Leonard. While Bronson may not give his best performance, it is certainly one of his most entertaining. This film was made when Bronson was younger and in peak physical condition. Besides a very good chemistry with Argentinian actress Linda Cristal, he shows uncharacteristic wit and plows through the action scenes, which are nicely choreographed. Cristal is also physically attractive and energetic, which helps her to keep a visibility that is uncommon amongst Bronson sidekicks.

In this good guys-versus-bad guys film, the bad guys are suitably obnoxious. Al Lettieri ('McQ') definitely looks and sounds the part, both burly and temperamental. Paul Koslo is most annoying as a hapless mafia wannabe who ends up as Renda's servant. There is a somewhat bad gal, this being Lee Purcell, who is little more than window dressing; her job is to look pretty and she is barely involved in the developments. The additional supporting cast gets the job done, including Frank Maxwell as gruff Lieutenant McAllen.

While basic and relaxed compared to the jarring films of Michael Winner, 'Mr. Majestyk' arguably has the best technical work of any Bronson film during the early 1970s. Its presentation is solid from the outset, with opening credits shown during a finely-constructed montage. The main theme by Charles Bernstein ('A Nightmare on Elm Street,' numerous television movies) is not very unique but easy to remember. Colorado's expansive scenery is used in full by cinematographer Richard Klein ('Camelot,' 'The Boston Strangler,' 'The Mechanic'), whose visuals are well-lit and pleasant. Continuity and overall editing by Ralph Winters ('Ben-Hur') are immaculate, as one would expect from a past Academy Award winner. One modest setback is the dubbing of Spanish accents, which falls victim to early 1970s audio technology.

'Mr. Majestyk' is required viewing for those interested in Bronson's legacy and a worthy selection for fans of 1970s actioners. A DVD is available from MGM/UA, which offers this 103-minute film in both widescreen and standard format with three-language subtitles; the theatrical trailer is included as an extra. 'Mr. Majestyk' is in excellent condition on this disc, with clear visuals, no visible artifacts, and balanced sound. The trailer is a different story, however, with audible fuzz at its beginning and considerable age marks. For a film over thirty years old, MGM has re-released 'Majestyk' with dignity.

*** out of 4

Not Majestic but Not Bad

[jcohen1 · 6/10 · 15 January 2011]

As noted this is Bronson's sole Elmore Leonard title. Too bad, as Bronson is perfectly cast as the toughest farmer since Van Heflin or Alan Ladd. The cap on his head is a nice touch. Majestyk is pitted against an organized crime hit man presumably at the rank of The Mechanic and played by the quirky Al Lettieri. Al had already completed The Godfather and The Getaway. The latter role of Rudy was fine preparation for this one. In the battle of the tough guy killers, Bronson is by far the best. He physically bests Renda in every one on one battle. He also out maneuvers him every time. Renda needs a gang of support to deal with this Viet Nam ranger and ex-con.

This role was the perfect prep for Bronson as he moves from Colorado into Death Wish territory.

A classic early Elmore Leonard script.

[ej-brennan · 7/10 · 27 March 2006]

Written by the noted author of scores of well known books and movies, ranging from Hombre and Valez Is Coming to Rum Punch and the cute story about the Deputy United States Marshal Karen whatever (later played in the movie version by Jennifer Lopez against George Clooney's male lead), and Get Shorty! Bronson is perfect as the patient, easy going Korean War vet who seeks no trouble but is able to handle it when it is forced upon him. In classic Elmore Leonard hero style, he is underestimated, put upon and provoked until he surprises the bad guys with unexpectedly effective resistance. Pickup trucks get a real workout, as do California farm melons and Chicano pickers who assist him. More would spoil the fun.....

Bronson's Best Action Film, Period.

[actionpro · 10/10 · 9 July 2003]

This movie is simply Bronson's finest work. While I concede that the movie is formulaic and predictable, his acting is top-notch, as is the acting of the supporting cast. The premise is also exciting and downright cool: Bronson as a watermelon farmer who gets screwed by the man for protecting his property and then gets screwed when he attempts to secure his freedom via a poorly conceived plan. I can see him farming anything, but not watermelons (or maybe blueberries). Rent this movie along with The Mechanic, and you'll see Bronson in 2 of his finest action films. You definitely won't be disappointed.

Don't mess with Charlie Bronson's melons!

[Boba_Fett1138 · 7/10 · 6 September 2009]

As far as these type of '70's action guilty pleasures go, this is simply among the best. It has a well told story, with some nice characters and actors that are portraying them.

It's hard to imaging how this movie would had been without Charles Bronson in it. He played in lots of movies like this from the '70's, till his death in 2003. He often played the same sort of characters in these type of movies. Proud, hard working and tough but honest men, who get in a dangerous situation with the wrong people.

In this case Bronson messes with the wrong man; Hit-man Frank Renda played by Al Lettieri, who received lots of fame during the '70's, for playing in movies such as "The Godfather" and "The Getaway". With his looks, he was a great movie villain, who unfortunately died way too soon in 1975, only one year after his appearance in this movie. But besides his looks he also really was on fine actor. He started out acting at a pretty late age, which is a bit of shame, also considering that he died also quite young. imaging how many more great movies he could had played in and how many more great villainous characters he could had portrayed, had he started out earlier and/or lived longer.

The movie it's story is kept quite simple but still it's rather well written, despite its rather ridicules and unlikely main premise. It's clever in parts and it's not just an one subject movie. It also knows to keep its balance between its characters and it equally focuses on the good guys and gals and the bad ones.

It must have been a quite cheap movie to make by the looks of it but it doesn't mean that the movie doesn't has any action in it. For an '70's action movie it's quite action packed, with a couple of nice chases and shootouts throughout the movie. More than enough to please the fans of these sort of '70's action movies and Charles Bronson fans.

That movie that showed that there is better not to be messed with Charles Bronson's melons!

7/10

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It sold ten thousand Ford trucks

[savoir · 9/10 · 1 April 2003]

Of all Bronson's starring roles, this is his best. The movie is low budget but effective. I've seen it umpteen times over the years and still enjoy it immensely. Al Lettieri is perfectly cast as the heavy and Paul Koslo is exquisite as the weasel. Linda Crystal's beauty tops off the appeal of the flick.

The truck chase scene is probably one of the best ever filmed. What more can one ask for?

Its not great but its good

[James-328 · 7/10 · 8 April 2002]

I was very reluctant to watch this film. Late friday nite channel5 (it shows garbage if your are not from the UK). However I strangly connected with it, I was fixed to it, what was going to happen next? Will they? wont they?

Charles Bronson has never greatly shined as an actor. But this performance sees him put an effort in and act.

So after succumbing to Bronson acting well and the solid story. I tried to pick apart the directing which ofcourse I could not. I siutes the film:- there are a few dodgy shots were the camera looks like it is about to fall off the car but apart from that it was fine.

Well Okay - if you like the 70's action movies, a bit of violence some chases, then you will like it. 7/10. I have seen him in worse films. I have seen better however.

A Lot Of Fuss Over Spoiled Fruit

[screenman · 5/10 · 28 August 2008]

It's the usual Bronson stuff. He's a surly but basically honest Joe just out to make a living. Then, bad things happen.

People-smuggling hoods try to muscle-in on his (legal) migrant farm workers, and in his typically surly way; he tells 'em to clear off.

Needless to say, he gets no help from the authorities, so in typical fashion, he puts on his flat cap and turns vigilante.

The bad guys blitzkrieg his melon harvest (not a wise move) and waste his best friend (even worse). He responds with the sort of all-out over-the-top slaughter that characterised his 'Death Wish' persona. It's not what you would call an 'intelligent' thriller, unless you consider Steven Segal the stuff of Oscars. However, for those who like some blood and guts with at least a hint of moral righteousness in between their violent computer games, it will pass a pleasing hour or two. This is an early 1970's effort and advertises all of the glitches associated with cheap movies of that time, uneven editing and wobbly dubbing, etc.

Love interest comes from one of his horse-faced Hispanic labourers who spots an opportunity to catch a farmer, a farm, and a nice crisp American passport all rolled into one simple seduction. It's a quick ready-made answer to her migrant-worker poverty trap. Though it's dressed-up in slightly more romantic clothes.

Repetitive, Formulaic and predictable: not recommended unless you have difficulty following plots.