I've seen this movie about 4 times, under various circumstances, including a night in the hospital when I couldn't sleep. I have always liked Marjo Gortner in his limited career, and this movie was a lot of fun. It reminds me of the old TV westerns like "Maverick" in its humour and characterizations. I can't believe it's not had 5 votes yet.
19 Reviews
ah,to be eleven again and in love with the lovely pamela sue martin!
surlygreaser23 January 2005
i saw this funny western only once when it came on TV when i was a mear eleven years old,but i was in love with the vivacious pamela sue martin who i'd seen in 'the posideon adventure' two years before and of course because of her i loved it then very much. as for now i'd say it was kinda corny in an 'alias smith and jones' kind of way,but harmless and fun just the same and of course who can deny a film with marjoe gortner its due. i wish it was on video so i could leer at the gorgeous ms. martin once again,but it is rare to find a 70's TV movie on video,let alone DVD. but for old time sake,i give it five stars. i hope this nostalgic rant helps somebody.
The Gun and the Pulpit was alright. Amen for that!
ironhorse_iv3 September 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Thank God! This movie was entertaining. Based off, Jack Ehrlich's 1972 novel, 'The Fastest Gun in the Pulpit', this television film directed by Daniel Petrie was watchable. Made for the ABC Network, the movie is about a top gunslinger Ernie Parsons (Marjoe Gortner) who escapes from a lynching mob for a crime he did not commit, by taking the identity of a dead corpse of a preacher, he found in the desert. With his new identity as a fast-gun preacher in the dirtwater town of Castle Walk, he helps the town folks overcome the tyrannical rule of a local rancher, Ross (David Huddleston), whose killers, bullies & enforcers ranch hands been terrorize the town with an iron fist. This made-for-TV film seen to be tailor made just for the main actor, former evangelist, Marjoe Gortner. Marjoe first gather up fame, when he was a kid. His parents arranged for him at age four to be ordained as a preacher, due to his extraordinary speaking ability; he was the youngest known in that position. As a young man, he preached on the revival circuit, until the late 1960s, where the teenager Gortner experienced a crisis of conscience about his double life. He decided his performing talents might be put to better use as an actor or singer. When approached by documentarians, Howard Smith and Sarah Kernochan, he agreed to let their film crew follow him during 1971 tour of revival meetings in California, Texas, and Michigan. It was there, that he gave "backstage" interviews to the filmmakers between sermons and revivals, explaining intimate details of how he and other ministers operated, exposing that it was just a money scheming machine. The resulting film, Marjoe, won the 1972 Academy Award for best documentary. Being a controversial figure, Marjoe struggle to get good actors roles after the documentary. Marjoe Gortner was an unappealing main star even before this film and that hurts the film's success as not a lot of people bother, watching the TV special. Don't get me wrong, he's not the worst actor in the world, he's just mediocre. He does have some charm to his character, whenever he making good-natured jokes against the villains or trying to act the part of the preacher to the doubtful town folks. He does have a good pistol prowess that really make it seem like he would be a season gunslighter. There's was a cool duel halfway through the movie that you can't miss with a mysterious gunslighter (Geoffrey Lewis). I kinda wish Geoffrey Lewis was more in the film. His brief screen time was worth it. Probably the best part about the film. There are pretty good 'call to arms' speeches to the townfolks that Marjoe does that. With that you would think the citizens would rise up against Ross, but you'll be greatly disappointed. The town folks remain cowards throughout the film, until the end. They're probably the most annoying thing in the film. In my opinion, this movie is probably Marjoe's best role besides 1974's Earthquake. The movie is probably more famous now, for its supporting cast. Most of them would end up starring in Mel Brooks' master comedy 1974 hit, "Blazing Saddles". It's weird to see both Danny Huddleston and Slim Pickens in a serious western film. Danny Huddleston was great as the villain, but rarely used in the film. Nor was he was menacing. Slim Pickens stars as Ernie's right hand man, One-Eye Joe AKA Billy. He protects Ernie's secret. Like Danny Huddleson, Slim Pickens's talent was very overlook, here. Both characters could had stand out more. There's a romantic sub-plot between Parson Frank AKA Ernie and eighteen year old, Sally (Pamela Sue Martin) but in his preacher's garb can't seem to follow through on a move. While, Pamela Sue Martin is pretty as hell. The whole romantic sub-plot was a bit waste of time, and forced as hell. The main plot, while giving us nothing new, does work as a B-movie western film. It remind me so much of the 1975's God Gun. I just wish, it had that mysterious spirituous feel to his character after Ross's men thought they kill him. I would love the film makes Parson Frank look like somewhat a revengeful fallen angel out to get the gangs for their sinful acts. Sadly, we don't get that. While often clichés as hell, the movie does have enough meat of violence, love, and twist and turns to get us through the 74 minute run time. Sadly, the television made film had very little attention and end up being one of those films in the public domain, so beware of some of the video prints out there. The budget was so low, that they just reused the old set from 1939's Arizona, Old Tucson studios for filming. Any fan of Westerns, could see that, they didn't bother adding anything new to the location. Despite production values are definitely made-for-TV, the lord works in mysterious ways and it got made. Overall: it wasn't a bad movie. It could had been better. Sadly, my prayers wasn't answer.
Gunfighter/Preacher
bkoganbing15 July 2013
About seven years earlier Robert Mitchum essayed the character of a gunfighter/preacher in Five Card Stud. Although that film was far better than The Gun And The Pulpit, this made for television is a cut above average for television film. It also has the unassailable casting of Marjoe Gortner as a false preacher.
As we know Marjoe who was only using his first name when being a child preacher did a documentary exposing the racket that huckster evangelism is. So it's fitting and proper that he play a phony preacher in The Gun And The Pulpit, a gunfighter on the run who exchanges clothes with a dead preacher on the road to escape a posse.
There's plenty of trouble in the town where he takes up the pulpit, the local Ponderosa owner David Huddleston is leaning on everybody with his gunfighters on the payroll. Marjoe's fast draw wins him a lot of admirers most especially Estelle Parsons and her nubile young daughter Pamela Sue Martin. She's the reason he's staying. And there's also Slim Pickens who knows his secret and his real identity, but knows the town needs a savior. {pun intended}.
This western moves real nice with the kind of plot that was standard fare for the front row matinée kids of the 30s and 40s. Marjor is a good western hero, maybe he should have gone into that line of work.
As we know Marjoe who was only using his first name when being a child preacher did a documentary exposing the racket that huckster evangelism is. So it's fitting and proper that he play a phony preacher in The Gun And The Pulpit, a gunfighter on the run who exchanges clothes with a dead preacher on the road to escape a posse.
There's plenty of trouble in the town where he takes up the pulpit, the local Ponderosa owner David Huddleston is leaning on everybody with his gunfighters on the payroll. Marjoe's fast draw wins him a lot of admirers most especially Estelle Parsons and her nubile young daughter Pamela Sue Martin. She's the reason he's staying. And there's also Slim Pickens who knows his secret and his real identity, but knows the town needs a savior. {pun intended}.
This western moves real nice with the kind of plot that was standard fare for the front row matinée kids of the 30s and 40s. Marjor is a good western hero, maybe he should have gone into that line of work.
The strangest preacher heads to a town with no backbone.
planktonrules14 March 2017
Marjoe Gortner is a guy pretty much forgotten today. Back when he was a young boy, his parents toured the country with him...billing him as the world's youngest preacher! He was preaching sermons and marrying folks when he was 4! Years later, he wrote a book in which he admitted that the healings and other charismatic things he did in God's name was all a lot of hogwash--blowing the lid off this industry. Soon after this, Marjoe starred in a documentary about all this ("Marjoe"). And, because of the film's success, he soon went Hollywood and appeared in a variety of TV shows and movies. But this new life was rather short-lived and he has since faded into obscurity. "The Gun and the Pulpit" is one of those projects he worked on for Hollywood during this period.
When the film begins, Ernest Parson (Gortner) is about to be hung. Whether or not he deserved this, you never know...but he is able to escape and the posse is in hot pursuit. Later, he finds a dead preacher out in the wilderness. He assumes the man's identity and heads to the super-crappy town in Arizona which called this preacher to preach. Since the folks don't know him, he figures, he can at least hide out there a while. But two problems arise--a nasty guy, Ross (David Huddleston) is running roughshod over the town and Ernie does NOT like this at all and one of the locals recognizes him! What's next....especially after the preacher shoots one of Ross' gunman dead right in the middle of a church service!? What follows is much like films like "High Noon" where you have a do-gooder who stands up for what's right...and a craven town which has to be shamed into even considering standing up for themselves.
This is a decent film with a very convoluted Biblical message to say the least! It is entertaining and different--which is nice as most westerns have a certain sameness about them. There are a few clichés (such as the shootout in the town square) but otherwise worth seeing.
When the film begins, Ernest Parson (Gortner) is about to be hung. Whether or not he deserved this, you never know...but he is able to escape and the posse is in hot pursuit. Later, he finds a dead preacher out in the wilderness. He assumes the man's identity and heads to the super-crappy town in Arizona which called this preacher to preach. Since the folks don't know him, he figures, he can at least hide out there a while. But two problems arise--a nasty guy, Ross (David Huddleston) is running roughshod over the town and Ernie does NOT like this at all and one of the locals recognizes him! What's next....especially after the preacher shoots one of Ross' gunman dead right in the middle of a church service!? What follows is much like films like "High Noon" where you have a do-gooder who stands up for what's right...and a craven town which has to be shamed into even considering standing up for themselves.
This is a decent film with a very convoluted Biblical message to say the least! It is entertaining and different--which is nice as most westerns have a certain sameness about them. There are a few clichés (such as the shootout in the town square) but otherwise worth seeing.
Breezy, fairly fun TV movie
Wizard-88 August 2012
It's pretty obvious that the made-for-TV movie "The Gun and the Pulpit" was a television pilot in disguise. It didn't get picked up by any network for a series, and maybe that's for the best. Not that this movie is awful, but I think writers would have soon run out of ideas for this gunfighter- disguised-as-a-preacher character. I think this idea works best as a one- shot, and the movie does a fairly good job at that. Marjoe Gortner is pretty good as the main character, showing a sense of humor as well as a lot of enthusiasm. (Though his resemblance to B movie actor Michael Dudikoff is unintentionally funny.) There are some genuinely funny moments here and there, and the movie unfolds at a brisk clip and never outstays its welcome. This movie isn't hard to find - it's apparently fallen into the public domain, so many video companies are selling it - so keep an eye out for it.
Shane (the Sequel)
Ed in MO21 February 2008
Take "Shane", put him in a collar, make the kid a teenage girl instead of a little boy, and you have "The Gun and the Pulpit." Marjoe Gortner is an interesting actor, but the bad guy could have used more of the menace that Jack Palance brought to "Shane". The cheapness of the typical '70's made for TV movie shines through, so it's hard to give this more than a five out of ten.
But I like Marjoe. I hear he's running charitable events involving golf in Hollywood these days. It's too bad his acting career never took off.
I also liked the gunfight where both gunfighters miss. That's something I'd never seen before in a Western. There was some thinking going on here.
But I like Marjoe. I hear he's running charitable events involving golf in Hollywood these days. It's too bad his acting career never took off.
I also liked the gunfight where both gunfighters miss. That's something I'd never seen before in a Western. There was some thinking going on here.
Hot for Preacher
wes-connors17 May 2008
In order to elude authorities, western outlaw Marjoe Gortner (as Ernie Parsons) assumes the identity of a traveling preacher. Mr. Gortner takes up residence in parson-needy Castle Walk, Arizona; there, at a funeral, he and sexy teenager Pamela Sue Martin (as Sally Underwood) are mutually attracted. Soon, Gortner's shady past threatens his budding relationship with young Ms. Martin. Sidekick Slim Pickens (as Billy One-Eye) and mother Estelle Parsons (as Sadie Underwood) lend their support.
Even in this slightly above average television production, Gortner has star quality to burn. Taken as a screen test, "The Gun and the Pulpit " miraculously elevates the former evangelist to convincing western hero. Pamela Sue Martin is excellent as Gortner's barely legal leading lady; her glances are more sensual than a strip tease. Director Daniel Petrie handles the assignment admirably. Gortner's star quality was evident since the riveting documentary "Marjoe" (1972), which revealed his evangelical movement to be a money-grubbing scam. In hindsight, it seems Marjoe Gortner was too hot for Hollywood to handle.
****** The Gun and the Pulpit (4/3/74) Daniel Petrie ~ Marjoe Gortner, Pamela Sue Martin, Slim Pickens, Estelle Parsons
Even in this slightly above average television production, Gortner has star quality to burn. Taken as a screen test, "The Gun and the Pulpit " miraculously elevates the former evangelist to convincing western hero. Pamela Sue Martin is excellent as Gortner's barely legal leading lady; her glances are more sensual than a strip tease. Director Daniel Petrie handles the assignment admirably. Gortner's star quality was evident since the riveting documentary "Marjoe" (1972), which revealed his evangelical movement to be a money-grubbing scam. In hindsight, it seems Marjoe Gortner was too hot for Hollywood to handle.
****** The Gun and the Pulpit (4/3/74) Daniel Petrie ~ Marjoe Gortner, Pamela Sue Martin, Slim Pickens, Estelle Parsons
Gunslinger holy man
BandSAboutMovies20 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Based on the book The Fastest Gun in the Pulpit by Jack Ehrlich, this ABC TV movie has Ernie Parsons (Marjoe Gortner) escaping the noose and taking the identity of a murderer holy man. He heads off to take over that man's church, a job he really knows nothing about, but it'll keep him alive hiding out for a while.
While there, he finds himself standing up to the man who has taken over the town, Mr. Ross (David Huddleston). It's not totally noble, as he falls for the daughter of a man Ross has murdered, Sally Underwood (Pamela Sue Martin).
Jeff Corey is in the lynch mob at the beginning and Slim Pickens plays Billy One-Eye, who helps Ernie. Plus, Geoffrey Lewis is a hired killer named Jason McCoy who comes in to take out Ernie and they end up missing each other at close range and then decide to just go their own way.
Directed by Daniel Petrie (Moon of the Wolf, A Howling In the Woods) and written by William Bowers (Support Your Local Sheriff!), this isn't the finest ride into the West you've seen, but it's pleasant and I always love Gortner.
While there, he finds himself standing up to the man who has taken over the town, Mr. Ross (David Huddleston). It's not totally noble, as he falls for the daughter of a man Ross has murdered, Sally Underwood (Pamela Sue Martin).
Jeff Corey is in the lynch mob at the beginning and Slim Pickens plays Billy One-Eye, who helps Ernie. Plus, Geoffrey Lewis is a hired killer named Jason McCoy who comes in to take out Ernie and they end up missing each other at close range and then decide to just go their own way.
Directed by Daniel Petrie (Moon of the Wolf, A Howling In the Woods) and written by William Bowers (Support Your Local Sheriff!), this isn't the finest ride into the West you've seen, but it's pleasant and I always love Gortner.
THE GUN AND THE PULPIT (TV) (Daniel Petrie, 1974) **1/2
Bunuel197628 April 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Of the various Westerns included in the 2-Discer I rented in order to view THE JACKALS (1967), this made-for-TV outing seemed to me to be the least promising or, if you will, the most disposable. However, it seemed silly to me to consciously pass on it as long as it was in my hands and, funnily enough, it turned out to be the most satisfactory of the lot!
The cast list was decent enough, actually – Slim Pickens, Geoffery Lewis, Jeff Corey and Estelle Parsons – so I had that to look forward to from the outset. However, it was the winsome performances of the youngsters – Marjoe Gortner and Pamela Sue Martin – which was the most pleasant surprise. The latter was familiar to me from THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE (1972) and her signature role of Fallon Carrington Colby in the TV-series DYNASTY (1981-84) but the former I only had vague knowledge of i.e. that he appeared in the disaster epic EARTHQUAKE (1974) and the notorious Euro-Cult item, STARCRASH (1979; which, incidentally, I recently acquired as a DivX). Gortner’s amiable personality – playing a hounded gunfighter opportunistically taking on the identity of a dead parson in a one-horse town – managed to carry the film throughout its brisk 74-minute running time.
Frankly, the above-mentioned character actors don’t have all that much to do in the film – apart from Slim Pickens who appears as Gortner’s cynical observer of a sidekick – but Geoffrey Lewis scores as another famed gunfighter out to take Gortner in a face-to-face shootout which sees both duellists missing each other (out of respect for one another)!
The cast list was decent enough, actually – Slim Pickens, Geoffery Lewis, Jeff Corey and Estelle Parsons – so I had that to look forward to from the outset. However, it was the winsome performances of the youngsters – Marjoe Gortner and Pamela Sue Martin – which was the most pleasant surprise. The latter was familiar to me from THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE (1972) and her signature role of Fallon Carrington Colby in the TV-series DYNASTY (1981-84) but the former I only had vague knowledge of i.e. that he appeared in the disaster epic EARTHQUAKE (1974) and the notorious Euro-Cult item, STARCRASH (1979; which, incidentally, I recently acquired as a DivX). Gortner’s amiable personality – playing a hounded gunfighter opportunistically taking on the identity of a dead parson in a one-horse town – managed to carry the film throughout its brisk 74-minute running time.
Frankly, the above-mentioned character actors don’t have all that much to do in the film – apart from Slim Pickens who appears as Gortner’s cynical observer of a sidekick – but Geoffrey Lewis scores as another famed gunfighter out to take Gortner in a face-to-face shootout which sees both duellists missing each other (out of respect for one another)!
Marjoe Gortner excels in this hugely enjoyable made-for-TV Western
Woodyanders15 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Former real life child evangelist Marjoe Gortner gives a solid and engaging performance as Ernie Parsons, a shrewd gunslinger who's forced to assume the identity of a dead minister in order to elude being captured by an angry posse. Parsons winds up in a dusty little hamlet where the cowed townspeople are under the cruel reign of evil powerful despot Mr. Ross (a wonderfully wicked David Huddleston). Director Daniel Petrie, working from a clever and witty script by William Bowers, keeps the offbeat narrative lively and engrossing throughout. Richard C. Glouner's handsome, agile photography, George Aliceson Tipton's rousing, flavorsome score and several exciting gunfights are all likewise up to par. The bang-up cast constitutes as another major plus: Estelle Parsons as a feisty widow, Pamela Sue Martin as Parson's sweet pretty young thing daughter, Slim Pickens as a rascally old coot, Geoffrey Lewis as a formidable rival gunfighter, Jon Lormer as the local undertaker, and Jeff Corey as the ornery posse leader are all uniformly excellent. A really fun and satisfying little made-for-TV sagebrush flick.
"We're all sinners, or about to be."
classicsoncall28 February 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I picked up this flick as part of a double film DVD offer along with "The Hanged Man" for just a buck, and truth be told, both movies were a whole lot better than either had a right to be for the price. The title on this one was "The Gun and The Cross", close enough to the original to get the message across. The title character wields both, as Marjoe Gortner is revealed to be gunfighter Ernie Parsons, masquerading as a preacher after he finds a real one who was bushwhacked. Donning the clothes of the dead minister, he arrives at the town of Castle Walk just in time to help the local folk deal with nasty town boss Ross (David Huddleston). It's fairly formulaic, with nods to 1952's "High Noon" and 1973's "High Plains Drifter", along with a preview of 1985's "Pale Rider". However with it's own spin on things, it comes across both interesting and entertaining, particularly with the inclusion of Pamela Sue Martin as Gortner's love interest. Their scenes together are played both for romance and camp value, and I got a kick out of Sally (Martin) explaining how she wouldn't be the youngest widow in town if Parsons were to meet his demise.
Along with the principals, you have some fine supporting players doing character portrayals you might have seen before; Slim Pickens as a sidekick of the preacher, Geoffrey Lewis as a hired gun, and Estelle Parsons, who starts out somewhat annoying as Sally's mom. but then settles down a bit to accept the preacher and his mission. The ending comes as just a bit of a surprise, and you have to fill in your own blanks as to the town's reaction, especially Sally's, when Gortner's character realizes Billy's (Pickens) advice is correct. Though it's not likely to show up on TV again, it wouldn't hurt to check out the bargain bins at your local store every now and then to see if this one turns up.
Along with the principals, you have some fine supporting players doing character portrayals you might have seen before; Slim Pickens as a sidekick of the preacher, Geoffrey Lewis as a hired gun, and Estelle Parsons, who starts out somewhat annoying as Sally's mom. but then settles down a bit to accept the preacher and his mission. The ending comes as just a bit of a surprise, and you have to fill in your own blanks as to the town's reaction, especially Sally's, when Gortner's character realizes Billy's (Pickens) advice is correct. Though it's not likely to show up on TV again, it wouldn't hurt to check out the bargain bins at your local store every now and then to see if this one turns up.
Meh- The Movie
NoDakTatum3 November 2023
Back in 1974, a classic western comedy featuring Slim Pickens was unleashed on the American public. That film was "Blazing Saddles." This film also came out in 1974, features Slim Pickens, and is not "Blazing Saddles." Gunfighter Ernie (Marjoe Gortner) escapes a hanging at the hands of a sheriff (Jeff Corey) and takes off for the desert. He comes across the body of a murdered preacher, and a letter of introduction to a town called Castle Walk. Ernie takes the preacher's clothes and horse, and pretends to be the new pastor to get further away from his pursuers. In Castle Walk, Ernie finds that Ross (David Huddleston) is ruling the town with an iron fist, resorting to murder when he needs to. Ernie stays with the widow Sadie's (Estelle Parsons) family, and falls for the young daughter Sally (Pamela Sue Martin). Billy (Slim Pickens), one of the townspeople, knows Ernie's secret. Ernie must fight Ross' men, pretend to be a man of God, and court Sally- all more than he bargained for. It soon becomes apparent that Ernie's presence in Castle Walk may not be by chance after all.
Because this is a network made-for-TV film clocking in at a very brief 74 minutes, you are not going to find much of an edge in either the comedic moments, or the violent ones. The tone shifts wildly, teasing the viewer with humor along the lines of "Support Your Local Sheriff!" (the best western comedy of all-time), and then takes a dark turn into "Pale Rider" territory. I was laughing out loud about how young the girls in the town were getting married one minute, and then horrified at Ernie's one-man terrorism campaign against Ross. The film is based on a Jack Ehrlich novel, and I wonder what exactly was dropped or glossed over. The cast is fine, Gortner and company seem to be having fun with the material, although Geoffrey Lewis' very brief screen time is frustrating. The irony is that Gortner was an evangelist in real life before denouncing the pulpit and pursuing Hollywood stardom, which eluded him after some big breaks in the '70's. Veteran Petrie's direction is old-hat and pedestrian, but in a good way. There seems to be only one way to shoot a story like this, and Petrie follows suit. The location used is great, but this is one of those films in the public domain, so beware of some of the prints out there. When "The Gun and the Pulpit" ended, I really did not have much of a reaction either way. This is not a great film, or a bad film. It just sort of exists, innocuously, and you will move on to other things.
Because this is a network made-for-TV film clocking in at a very brief 74 minutes, you are not going to find much of an edge in either the comedic moments, or the violent ones. The tone shifts wildly, teasing the viewer with humor along the lines of "Support Your Local Sheriff!" (the best western comedy of all-time), and then takes a dark turn into "Pale Rider" territory. I was laughing out loud about how young the girls in the town were getting married one minute, and then horrified at Ernie's one-man terrorism campaign against Ross. The film is based on a Jack Ehrlich novel, and I wonder what exactly was dropped or glossed over. The cast is fine, Gortner and company seem to be having fun with the material, although Geoffrey Lewis' very brief screen time is frustrating. The irony is that Gortner was an evangelist in real life before denouncing the pulpit and pursuing Hollywood stardom, which eluded him after some big breaks in the '70's. Veteran Petrie's direction is old-hat and pedestrian, but in a good way. There seems to be only one way to shoot a story like this, and Petrie follows suit. The location used is great, but this is one of those films in the public domain, so beware of some of the prints out there. When "The Gun and the Pulpit" ended, I really did not have much of a reaction either way. This is not a great film, or a bad film. It just sort of exists, innocuously, and you will move on to other things.
Expose of Fake Preachers
hackraytex22 March 2020
I have been involved in Fundamentalist/Evangelical worship all of my life and I find myself in agreement of what Marjoe did years ago although when it happened I felt different. Every time a fake preacher is exposed it makes it more difficult for those who are sincere in their work and it also causes those who are looking for spiritual guidance to feel they have been lied to. I know preachers who are sincere about their mission and service to the Lord and nothing makes them sicker than these fakes who are in it for the money and to show off. I know at least one who is very clear that he has no respect for these fakes and I know well enough not to get him started about these frauds. Marjoe blew the whistle on this racket and God bless him for it. I wish he would have continued his acting career because I liked a lot of his work and I hope his has found the faith that is genuine and able to put the fake stuff behind him. Those who are in it for the money or to show off will answer to the Lord one day. I also hope those who were turned off by these fakes will give faith another chance and find someone who is sincere to guide them into finding the faith they were looking for. God bless you Mr. Gortner and best wishes to you. I hope you have found the true faith that many were looking for before you exposed the fakers.
A Decent Made-for-Television Western
Uriah4313 April 2022
This film begins with a gunslinger by the name of "Ernie Parsons" (Marjoe Gortner) about to be lynched for a crime he did not commit. Fortunately for him, he is saved at the very last minute by a young woman who convinces the lynch mob that another man had just confessed to the crime and was being held several miles away. Naturally, the lynch mob releases Ernie only to discover minutes later that the young woman had fabricated everything. Having just enough of a head start, Ernie manages to elude the posse and while doing so comes upon the body of a dead preacher. Recognizing an opportunity when he sees it, Ernie subsequently dons the preacher's attire and decides to ride to the town of Castle Walk to masquerade as the new parson just long enough for the dust to settle. What he doesn't realize is that, even though this town is desperate for a new preacher, they need a top gunslinger even more. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this turned out to be an enjoyable made-for-television Western which had a couple of established actors like Slim Pickens (as "Billy One-Eye"), David Huddleston ("Mr. Ross") and Geoffrey Lewis ("Jason McCoy"). It also had a good bit of humor here and there as well. Likewise, having an attractive actress like Pamela Sue Martin (as "Sally Underwood") certainly didn't hurt either. That being said, while it may have been somewhat limited by its made-for-television format, this still turned out to be better than I expected and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.
Surprising performance by an actor who I seldomly enjoyed watching.
mark.waltz14 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Untraditionally good looking in a way that made his sleazy characters seem all the more sleazy, Marjoe Gortner has never been an actor whose work I had to rush to see. He was absolutely reprehensible in "Earthquake", and I booed him as the man who broke Emma's heart on "Falcon Crest". But playing a phony preacher in this Western comedy TV movie, I found him a lot more enduring even though his character was a scheming rascal. After being kicked out of one town, he heads to another, utilizing a disguise after finding the body of a dead preacher, and basically assumes his identity. He goes up against fat cat David Huddleston who basically removed from town anybody who stands in his way, and that includes the widowed Estelle Parsons and her beautiful 19 year old daughter Pamela Sue Martin. Mama approves of the phony preacher according her daughter especially when he prevents Huddleston from successfully getting them out of town, but it's obvious that Gortner doesn't plan on sticking around long.
Very entertaining and featuring some great character actor performances (with Slim Pickens great as an eye patch wearing confidant and advisor to Gortner), and Karl Swenson (" Little House on the Prairie's" Mr. Hansen) once again playing the town elder. Huddleston is a great villain, and Parsons is memorable as a kind and supportive mother, a far cry from her role as Blanche in "Bonnie and Clyde", that won her an Oscar, and very different from her recurring role on "Roseanne" and "The Conners". I just wish that she had a little more to do. Martin is fine as the young heroine, certainly not anything like her role as Fallon on "Dynasty", and it's a shame that you know from the start that she's going to have her heart broke. I couldn't see this as a long-lasting series, since it appears to have been a pilot based on the way it ended, but as a single TV movie, it kept me entertained and helped me give a new glimpse into its leading actor whom I've always thought of as a heavy.
Very entertaining and featuring some great character actor performances (with Slim Pickens great as an eye patch wearing confidant and advisor to Gortner), and Karl Swenson (" Little House on the Prairie's" Mr. Hansen) once again playing the town elder. Huddleston is a great villain, and Parsons is memorable as a kind and supportive mother, a far cry from her role as Blanche in "Bonnie and Clyde", that won her an Oscar, and very different from her recurring role on "Roseanne" and "The Conners". I just wish that she had a little more to do. Martin is fine as the young heroine, certainly not anything like her role as Fallon on "Dynasty", and it's a shame that you know from the start that she's going to have her heart broke. I couldn't see this as a long-lasting series, since it appears to have been a pilot based on the way it ended, but as a single TV movie, it kept me entertained and helped me give a new glimpse into its leading actor whom I've always thought of as a heavy.
Great TV Movie, A Joy To Watch
FightingWesterner3 October 2009
In The Gun And The Pulpit, Marjoe Gortner stars as an outlaw running from a hanging party, who stumbles upon the body of a deceased preacher. Assuming his identity and his assignment, he ends up inciting the townspeople of an oppressed community against villainous big-wig David Huddleston and cleaning up the town of Huddlestons cronies.
The endlessly glib Gortner, who was no doubt cast due to the fact that he was (no joke) a real life fraudulent Pentacostal minister, is charismatic and well cast as the gun-fighting conman and heads a great supporting cast of character actors including Slim Pickens and Pamela Sue Martin.
This has probably the most clever script ever in a seventies TV movie western (by Academy Award nominated screenwriter William Bowers) with excellent tongue-in-cheek humor and wordplay in some fantastic scenes. One of which involves a miracle gunfight and an excellent cameo appearance by Geoffrey Lewis.
Great fun.
The endlessly glib Gortner, who was no doubt cast due to the fact that he was (no joke) a real life fraudulent Pentacostal minister, is charismatic and well cast as the gun-fighting conman and heads a great supporting cast of character actors including Slim Pickens and Pamela Sue Martin.
This has probably the most clever script ever in a seventies TV movie western (by Academy Award nominated screenwriter William Bowers) with excellent tongue-in-cheek humor and wordplay in some fantastic scenes. One of which involves a miracle gunfight and an excellent cameo appearance by Geoffrey Lewis.
Great fun.
Great Little Western
Richard_Dominguez23 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Entertaining Movie With A Great Cast ... Marjor Gortner Is Terrific As A Gun Fighter Running From The Law (For A Crime He Did Not Commit) And Disguised As A Preacher Finds (Against His Better Judgement) Himself Doing God's Work ... This Story Line Has Also Seen Many Versions (Bogart In "The Left Hand Of God" ... Steve Martin In "Leap Of Faith") Where A Sinner Of No Faith And Believing Themselves Not Worth Are Reminded That We Are All Worthy ... Slim (The One And Only) Pickens Is Excellent As The Sidekick ... The Ranch Baron Bent On Taking Over The Town (David Huddleston) Is Very Well Cast In The Role Of Bad Guy ... Additional Roles Include Geoffrey Lewis, Estelle Parsons, Pamela Sue Martin, Karl Swenson ... A Great Little (1 Hour 14 Minutes) Western That Is Loaded With Action, Adventure And Fun For The Whole Family ...
He doesn't look that fast to me
nogodnomasters5 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Ernie Parsons (Marjoe Gortner) is a gun fighter who escapes the hangman's noose. He is able to impersonate a preacher in a small Arizona town with no blue laws. The town really needs a gun slinger to protect themselves from the evil Mr. Ross (David Huddleston) and his gang. Ernie is aided by Slim Pickens in an eye-patch while he has his eye on Bambi Award Winner Pamela Sue Martin.
This is a 1974 made for TV film with a fun simplistic plot without any twists. Marjoe Gortner has some pre-Hasselhof hair. Film has some humor. From IMDb:
Head of Posse: Ernie Parsons, having been found guilty by a jury of your peers... Ernie Parsons: I didn't see any jury. Head of Posse: Well, they was around. Anyway, what difference does it make. You gunned down Windy Jones and he was one of our most beloved and respected citizens. Ernie Parsons: I heard he was the town drunk. Head of Posse: Well, now that he's dead, he's one of our town's most beloved and respected citizens.
Available on a 70's 50 DVD multi-pack
This is a 1974 made for TV film with a fun simplistic plot without any twists. Marjoe Gortner has some pre-Hasselhof hair. Film has some humor. From IMDb:
Head of Posse: Ernie Parsons, having been found guilty by a jury of your peers... Ernie Parsons: I didn't see any jury. Head of Posse: Well, they was around. Anyway, what difference does it make. You gunned down Windy Jones and he was one of our most beloved and respected citizens. Ernie Parsons: I heard he was the town drunk. Head of Posse: Well, now that he's dead, he's one of our town's most beloved and respected citizens.
Available on a 70's 50 DVD multi-pack
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