Buck & the Preacher Cast: A Guide to the Stars of the Classic Western

Meet the Characters and Actors Who Brought Them to Life

1. Buck (Sidney Poitier)
- Charismatic and quick-witted former slave who becomes a bounty hunter
- Academy Award winner for Best Actor (1968)
- Known for his roles in "Lilies of the Field" and "To Sir, with Love"

2. The Preacher (Harry Belafonte)
- Former gunfighter turned minister who seeks redemption for his past
- Grammy Award winner for Best Folk Performance (1960)
- Known for his roles in "Carmen Jones" and "The Island in the Sun"

3. Col. Abe Thornton (Cameron Mitchell)
- Corrupt and ruthless army officer who wants Buck and the Preacher dead
- Appeared in over 100 films, including "El Dorado" and "In Like Flint"

4. Ruth (Ruby Dee)
- Buck's wife, a strong and compassionate woman
- Academy Award nominee for Best Supporting Actress (1963)
- Known for her work with the American Negro Theatre

Behind the Scenes: The Making of a Western Classic

1. Production:
- Filmed in Mexico in 1968
- Produced by Walter Mirisch and directed by Sidney Poitier

2. Budget:
- $4,000,000

3. Box Office Success:
- Earned over $9,000,000 worldwide
- Ranked as one of the top 10 grossing films of 1968

4. Critical Reception:
- Praised for its groundbreaking story and performances
- Nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture

Cultural Impact and Legacy

1. Representation in Film:
- First Western film to feature a predominantly Black cast
- Challenged racial stereotypes and showcased the talents of African American actors

2. Social Commentary:
- Explored themes of racial injustice, redemption, and the search for a better life
- Resounded with audiences during the height of the Civil Rights Movement

Key Figures:

• Sidney Poitier: Directed and starred in the film, becoming the first Black man to win an Academy Award for Best Actor.
• Harry Belafonte: Received a Grammy Award for his folk music performance in the film, which featured original songs written by him.
• Walter Mirisch: Produced over 60 films, including "The Magnificent Seven" and "West Side Story."

Table 1: Box Office Earnings

Table 2: Academy Award Nominations

Table 3: Cast and Crew

Table 4: Filming Locations

FAQs:

1. Is "Buck & the Preacher" based on a novel or true story?
- No, the film is an original screenplay written by Ernie Barnes.

2. What inspired Sidney Poitier to direct the film?
- Poitier wanted to challenge stereotypes and create a more authentic representation of Black characters in Western films.

3. Was there any controversy surrounding the film's release?
- Yes, some critics accused the film of glorifying violence and perpetuating racial stereotypes. However, the film's positive reviews and box office success ultimately drowned out these criticisms.

4. What is the significance of the film for the Civil Rights Movement?
- "Buck & the Preacher" was released during a time of heightened racial tension in the United States. It provided a platform for Black actors to showcase their talents and challenge racial injustice.

5. What is the theme of the film?
- The film explores themes of racial prejudice, redemption, and the search for human connection.

6. What is the genre of the film?
- Western

7. What is the running time of the film?
- 103 minutes

8. Where can I watch "Buck & the Preacher"?
- The film is available on DVD, Blu-ray, and streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Netflix.