Little remembered but an early crystallisation of the screen persona of Burt Reynolds - swaggering, funny, brash, brave, a good friend and comfortable with women. It was written by William Norton who later wrote White Lightning a key film in establishing Reynolds' stardom.
This wasn't a hit and I wonder why. Maybe because it mixed two films which don't normally go together - underwater treasure hunting and Western. It's weird to see cowboys in diving equipment.
Also I think it was a mistake to wait so long to bring in Burt's crew (Clint Walker, Ossie Davis). We spend all this time with him and Angie Dickinson (sexy as ever) then late in the day it becomes an ensemble piece. I actually had the same problem with Rough Cut with Reynolds later on.
Not bad - enjoyable. But flawed. Burt is clearly having a great time.
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