Alistair MacLean exports his high adventure tropes to the Old West in Breakheart Pass (1973). More whodunnit than Western, it's an enjoyable mix of action and suspense.Responding to a diphtheria outbreak, a train containing soldiers, medical supplies and Nevada's Governor (Richard Crenna) races towards Fort Humboldt. Joining the passengers is John Deakin (Charles Bronson), arrested by Sheriff Pearce (Ben Johnson) for murder. Turns out the epidemic's a ruse by a band of renegade Indians and gun-smugglers. And Deakin's really a Secret Service agent who knows at least one passenger's involved in the conspiracy.
Breakheart Pass resembles an Agatha Christie yarn, though it strongly echoes MacLean's Where Eagles Dare. Passengers turn up mysteriously murdered, while its undercover hero joins with a dubious straight man. There's even a train top battle recalling Eagles' tram scene. MacLean burns through possible suspects pretty quick, with the Indians added to ramp up the suspense (and body count). Still, not many whodunnits finish with an epic battle scene!
Indeed, Breakheart Pass gets by because it's so much fun. When the mystery angle sags, director Tom Gries interjects beautiful Idaho scenery and exciting action. There's an impressive train wreck early on, while Deakin's rooftop fight with a second-string baddie. Gries cuts loose in the finale, with a convoluted showdown involving Deakin, the villains, Indians and late-arriving cavalry troopers. Bolstered by an energetic Jerry Goldsmith score, Breakheart Pass crams a lot into its 95 minutes.
Charles Bronson gets an excellent role: he's tough and uncharacteristically dapper, reportedly performing his own stunts. The deep supporting cast plays broad archetypes: Richard Crenna's snotty Governor, Jill Ireland's distressed damsel, Ben Johnson's taciturn Sheriff, Bill McKinney's hellfire priest. Playing a stuffy cavalryman, Ed Lauter gets the film's best moment, dispatching a villain with a stylish saber cut. Charles Durning plays a slimy railroad boss while Roy Jenson, Joe Kapp and Archie Moore play dubious passengers.
Breakheart Pass provides solid entertainment. Seasoned moviegoers can predict the twists, but Gries' efficient direction and MacLean's crisp scripting make it worthwhile.
