Buck and the Preacher Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A straight-laced cowboy and a slippery preacher team up to help freed slaves head west, mostly by arguing, running from bad guys, and occasionally robbing a bank because… Western?

🍿 Buck and the Preacher: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Journey West for Freedom

Set in the post-Civil War era, ‘Buck and the Preacher’ follows a group of recently freed slaves seeking a new life in the American West. They place their hopes in the hands of wagon master Buck, a former Union Army sergeant who knows the treacherous territories and negotiates passage with local Native American tribes. Their journey is fraught with danger, not just from the wilderness, but from hired gangs of white outlaws. These ‘night riders,’ commissioned by desperate Southern plantation owners, aim to terrorize the freed slaves, destroy their resources, and force them back into servitude.

Buck Meets the Preacher

Wagon master Buck is relentlessly pursued by DeShay and his gang, who are determined to stop the westward migration and capture Buck. While on the run, a desperate Buck encounters Reverend Willis Oakes Rutherford, a smooth-talking con man masquerading as a preacher. Their initial meeting is contentious, but circumstances force them together. The Preacher is initially tempted by a bounty offered by DeShay, but as he witnesses the plight of the settlers and the ruthlessness of the gang, his motivations begin to shift, leading to an uneasy alliance with Buck.

Attack and Retaliation

While Buck is away scouting and securing passage with the Native Americans, DeShay’s gang ambushes the wagon train. They steal the settlers’ meager savings, destroy their supplies, and commit brutal acts of violence. This devastating attack leaves the survivors heartbroken and ready to abandon their westward dream. Witnessing the aftermath fuels Buck and the Preacher’s determination. They decide to abandon their escape and instead ride to the town of Copper Springs to confront DeShay and retrieve the stolen money, knowing they are vastly outnumbered but driven by a desire for justice and the settlers’ survival.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Buck (Sidney Poitier): A resolute former Union Army sergeant and wagon master leading freed slaves westward to a new life.
• Preacher (Harry Belafonte): A roguish con-man preacher who, after a contentious start, reluctantly teams up with Buck to protect the settlers.
• Ruth (Ruby Dee): Buck’s wife and a determined member of the wagon train seeking freedom and land in the West.
• Deshay (Cameron Mitchell): The cruel leader of the gang of white outlaws hired to prevent freed slaves from settling in the West.
• Floyd (Denny Miller): A member of Deshay’s gang who actively participates in the attacks against the wagon train and Buck.
• Indian Chief (Enrique Lucero): The respected leader of a local Indian tribe who forms an alliance with Buck and aids the settlers.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Buck: “Which way are you ridin’, Preacher?” – Buck asks the Preacher which direction he is heading when they first meet by the river.
• The Preacher: “Well, that’s not exactly settled in my mind yet.” – The Preacher gives a non-committal answer to Buck’s question about his direction, highlighting his initial aimlessness or shiftiness.
• Sheriff: “This ain’t Louisiana. Now you walk soft in my town.” – The Sheriff warns the antagonistic DeShay gang that their violent tactics against the Black settlers will not be tolerated in his jurisdiction.
• The Preacher: “I’m here today and I could be there tomorrow.” – The Preacher uses this line to express his transient nature and unpredictable movements, often to deflect questions or justify his actions.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2,000,000
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: $9,000,000

💥 Buck and the Preacher Reviews

Personal Review

Man, I finally caught “Buck and the Preacher,” and wow, what a ride! I loved seeing Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte together; their back-and-forth felt so real, like two guys who totally rub each other the wrong way but have to stick together. It was powerful seeing a Western focus on freed slaves heading west – something you just don’t see enough of. The opening scene showing the attack on the camp was brutal and really set the stakes high right away. And Belafonte as the Preacher? Totally stole the show for me! He was hilarious and unpredictable. The ending with the Native Americans showing up felt genuinely earned and gave me chills. Definitely a hidden gem for any Western fan looking for something different.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Westerns looking for a unique historical perspective”
  • “Viewers interested in the African American experience in the Old West”
  • “Admirers of Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte”
  • “Those who appreciate films that blend drama, action, and historical context”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence and Shootouts (typical for the Western genre)”
  • “Depictions of historical racism and bigotry”
  • “Mild language”

Professional Reviews

• Generated: “”Buck and the Preacher” stands out by placing Black historical figures front and center in the Western genre, a refreshing shift from the era’s typical fare. Poitier’s directorial debut, while occasionally uneven in pace, delivers a powerful narrative driven by his solid performance and Harry Belafonte’s charismatic, scene-stealing turn as the Preacher. It’s a film that’s both entertaining and historically significant, offering a unique perspective on the post-Civil War West and the struggles of freed slaves.
• Generated: “More than just a ‘Blaxploitation Western,’ Sidney Poitier’s ‘Buck and the Preacher’ is a sturdy, thought-provoking film about resilience and the fight for freedom. The chemistry between Poitier and Belafonte is electric, fueling the film’s dramatic tension and moments of levity. While some tonal shifts occur, the core message and the vivid portrayal of freed slaves pursuing their dreams make this a memorable and important entry in the Western canon. A necessary watch for its historical context alone.
• Generated: “Sidney Poitier’s foray into directing with ‘Buck and the Preacher’ is a compelling, albeit imperfect, look at a rarely depicted historical journey. The film effectively portrays the dangers faced by freed slaves heading west and benefits immensely from the dynamic performances of Poitier and a particularly engaging Harry Belafonte. Despite some narrative choppiness, its historical weight and the novelty of its perspective elevate it beyond a standard Western, making it a valuable film for genre fans and history buffs.

Audience Reactions

Harry Belafonte’s performance as the Preacher is often cited as a standout highlight.: Viewers appreciate the film’s unique historical perspective on the post-Civil War migration of freed slaves and the strong chemistry between Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte.

Overall Consensus: A historically significant and entertaining Western elevated by its strong lead performances and unique focus on the experiences of freed slaves heading west.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Sidney Poitier took over directorial duties from Joseph Sargent a week into filming, marking Poitier’s directorial debut because he was dissatisfied with the film’s initial point of view.”
• “The film was shot on location in Durango, Mexico, with some scenes also filmed in Kenya, standing in for the American West.”
• “Buck’s distinctive heavy-calibered, two-shot revolvers were specially crafted for the film, designed by a gunsmith mentioned as being from Fort Leavenworth in the story.”

🖥️ How to Watch Buck and the Preacher?

To watch ‘Buck and the Preacher’ (1972), you can search for it on major digital platforms. Look for options to rent or purchase the film on services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check these platforms or your preferred streaming services for availability, as streaming rights can change.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Buck and the Preacher, you might like these similar films:

• Posse (1993): A later Western also featuring a predominantly Black cast, exploring themes of Black history and heroism in the West, serving as a direct comparison.
• The Harder They Fall (2021): A modern, stylish Western with an ensemble Black cast featuring real historical figures, offering a contemporary take on similar themes of justice and survival in the West.
• Wagon Master (1950): A classic John Ford Western focusing on a wagon train journey across difficult terrain, facing challenges and finding help from unexpected sources, offering a thematic similarity despite the different focus.
• High Plains Drifter (1973): A revisionist Western from the same era that challenges traditional Western tropes and explores darker moral complexities and revenge, appealing to fans of 70s Westerns.
• Django Unchained (2012): Quentin Tarantino’s Spaghetti Western-inspired film that directly addresses the brutality of slavery and features a Black protagonist seeking freedom and justice, appealing to fans interested in the intersection of racial themes and the Western genre.

🛒 Buck and the Preacher Related Products

• Buck and the Preacher (Criterion Collection Blu-ray): A high-definition restoration of the film, often including special features like interviews, historical context, and behind-the-scenes footage.
• The American West: A New History: Explore the broader, diverse history of the American West, including the experiences of African Americans, Native Americans, and other groups often overlooked in popular narratives.
• Red Dead Redemption 2 (Video Game): An acclaimed open-world game set in a sprawling depiction of the late 19th-century American West, featuring a rich historical setting and diverse character experiences.
• Vintage Western Movie Posters: High-quality reproductions or original prints of classic Western movie posters, including potentially ‘Buck and the Preacher’.

🎧 Soundtrack

Buck and the Preacher features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Original Score” – performed by Benny Carter
• “Musical Contributions” – performed by Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Benny Carter – “Buck & The Preacher” Opening Theme [“Buck & The Preacher” (1972) Soundtrack]

Want to get a feel for the movie’s vibe? Check out the cool opening theme music by Benny Carter – it really sets the tone and is just a great track to listen to!

✨ Rate