A Small Town in Texas

A Small Town in Texas is a 1976 film that tells the story of a small town in the Lone Star State that is thrown into chaos after a prison riot. The movie is directed by Jack Starrett and stars Timothy Bottoms, Susan George, and Bo Hopkins.

The film begins with a prison riot that results in the escape of convict Jake Barlow (played by Bottoms). Barlow was wrongly accused of murder and, together with his lover Catherine (played by George), flees to a nearby town where Catherine's ex-boyfriend, the corrupt Sheriff Duke (played by Hopkins), still holds sway.

Once in town, Barlow tries to make a new life for himself but is hounded by Sheriff Duke and his corrupt deputies. Meanwhile, the townspeople are divided over the presence of the fugitives. Some, including a local businessman, see an opportunity to profit from their presence, while others want to turn them over to the authorities.

As tensions mount, Barlow and Catherine find themselves in ever-increasing danger, and it becomes clear that they will not be able to escape the town without a fight.

One of the strengths of A Small Town in Texas is its setting. The film's production team went to great lengths to capture the look and feel of a small Texas town in the 1970s. The production design is excellent, and the cinematography captures the heat and dust of the region, making the audience feel as if they are really there.

The film also benefits from a strong, nuanced performance by Timothy Bottoms, who plays Barlow as a man who is both sympathetic and dangerous. Susan George is similarly impressive as Catherine, a woman who is caught between two men and doesn't know which way to turn.

The supporting cast is also excellent, particularly Bo Hopkins as the crooked Sheriff Duke. Hopkins brings a real sense of menace to the role, and it's easy to see why the townspeople are so terrified of him.

The film's script is well-written and does a good job of exploring the moral complexities of the situation. It's clear that Barlow and Catherine are not entirely blameless, but it's equally clear that Sheriff Duke and his deputies are not interested in justice, but rather in maintaining their own power.

Overall, A Small Town in Texas is a strong, well-crafted film that deserves more attention than it has received over the years. It's a tense, exciting thriller that does an excellent job of exploring the contradictions and complexities of its small-town setting. If you're a fan of classic '70s cinema, you won't want to miss it.