Here's a novel idea
(literally)- take the modern gunslinger of Dirty Harry and place him in
a western setting. Yet, while Texas may serve as the backdrop for
the story, some of the best scenes occur early, while Harry is still on
the job in San Francisco. He has some nice moments during an
investigation at a fun house, while dealing with uncooperative cops ("Calm
down, you're not that short."), that recall his encounters with
past superiors; and picks up on suspicious activity at a bar that leads
to the capture of a gang of rapists.
His arrival in Texas
features an interesting confrontation with a local gang of kids, who
find Harry as cool and impassive as ever, despite their best attempts to
get under his skin. Unfortunately, the plot is not as confident,
and soon begins to unravel.
Harry eventually realizes
that the town is divided between two loyalties, with half the police
secretly employed by a wealthy resident. Harry joins up with the
leader of the 'good' cops, in an attempt to avenge a friend's murder,
and quickly earns a price on his head. All of this results in some
awkward scenes such as Harry calling the crime boss to express his anger
at the hitman, and sleeping with a recently-widowed wife of one of the
'good' cops.
An entertaining ending
finds Harry at the Alamo, engaged in an old-fashioned showdown with the
hitman. It's a great idea, although its resolution is a bit
awkward.
You know what happens to my partners (DON'T
YOU?)
In the most startling
oversight of the books, Frank DiGeorgio is back as Harry's partner-
quite alive and well. This, despite the fact that he was killed in
The Enforcer, after Bobby Maxwell knifed him in the
warehouse!
Considering the number of
minor characters and small details that are included, (such as Harry's
habit of carrying 3 speedloaders), it's an odd mistake to find.
