Less than a year ago, I traveled to remote Lone Pine, California to see the Alabama Hills and Mount Whitney. Why? Because many of my favorite old movies were filmed there because of its gorgeous scenery. Hundreds of B-westerns and a bunch of features (such as GUNGA DIN and many John Wayne pictures) were filmed in this area...as was "Black Midnight".
"Black Midnight" is interesting because it not only stars Roddy McDowell, but he actually produced it as well...which is impressive for a 21 year-old. It also is a major change of pace from his usual roles...which I appreciate. It also helped that the movie was directed by Budd Boetticher, a man who excelled with westerns and got a lot out of B-movie scripts.
Scott (Roddy McDowell) lives with his Uncle Bill (Damian O'Flynn) on a ranch out west. A neighbor has a horse he hates and cannot control...so he plans on shooting it. Scott sees this about to happen and stops him...begging Daniel to sell him the horse. Scott plans on trying to tame this 'untamable' horse. Can he do it or will it break his neck in the process? And, what will happen when an idiot later tries to harm Midnight?
The film is a typical boy and his (dog, horse, etc.) sort of movie. But it's well directed and acted and they managed to make a much better than usual B-movie. With a limited budget and time, they managed to make a dandy little family movie.
"Black Midnight" is interesting because it not only stars Roddy McDowell, but he actually produced it as well...which is impressive for a 21 year-old. It also is a major change of pace from his usual roles...which I appreciate. It also helped that the movie was directed by Budd Boetticher, a man who excelled with westerns and got a lot out of B-movie scripts.
Scott (Roddy McDowell) lives with his Uncle Bill (Damian O'Flynn) on a ranch out west. A neighbor has a horse he hates and cannot control...so he plans on shooting it. Scott sees this about to happen and stops him...begging Daniel to sell him the horse. Scott plans on trying to tame this 'untamable' horse. Can he do it or will it break his neck in the process? And, what will happen when an idiot later tries to harm Midnight?
The film is a typical boy and his (dog, horse, etc.) sort of movie. But it's well directed and acted and they managed to make a much better than usual B-movie. With a limited budget and time, they managed to make a dandy little family movie.