This could easily be dismissed as some ’70s throwback curio, but James William Guercio’s film (regrettably his only feature as director) still resonates way beyond its much-lauded Monument Valley vistas and inspirational cinematography.
The story of a pint-sized motorcycle cop seizing his opportunity for advancement has been criticised as a right-leaning response to Easy Rider, and while certainly a product of its time — think of the perceived fascism of Dirty Harry — it remains one of the greatest treasures of the decade, combining achingly beautiful storytelling with a melancholy tone that utterly captivates.