Yes, Eastwood's Callahan picked up the Spillane tradition of
violence, with some differences. The enemy behind the
criminals had changed somewhat, from the mob or commies or
corrupt business to media-conscious politicians and officers,
bolstered by new Miranda-style laws, unscrupulous lawyers,
and courts that would release murderers on a technicality.
Circumstances seemed to call for extra- legal measures,
vigilante action. Callahan throws his badge away after
dispatching Scorpio (a gesture repeating the end of High
Noon). The next film, as I remember (title escapes me--Magnum
Force?), tried to balance the account by pitting Harry
against vigilante cops who were inspired by the actions of
one Dirty Harry. That one's very good too.
The Death Wish series (Charles Bronson) also hung on the
vigilante theme, but with less misgiving. How to reclaim your
neighborhood through massive fire power.
Bill Hagen
billha@ionet.net
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