The Scalphunters 1968
""I'M JOE BASS and I say that scalphunters are the most ornery, girl-grabbing, back-stubbers on earth. I HUNT SCALPHUNTERS!""
In Sydney Pollack's rousing 1968 comedy-western *The Scalphunters (1968)*, rugged trapper Joe Bass (Burt Lancaster) faces an unexpected dilemma when he's forced to exchange his prized furs for a clever escaped slave.
Director: Sydney Pollack
Cast
Burt Lancaster
Joe Bass
Shelley Winters
Kate
Telly Savalas
Jim Howie
Ossie Davis
Joseph Lee
Dabney Coleman
Jed
Paul Picerni
Frank
Dan Vadis
Yuma
Armando Silvestre
Two Crows
Nick Cravat
Yancy
Tony Epper
Scalphunter
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Scalphunters (1968) about?
The film follows trapper Joe Bass, who trades his valuable furs for an escaped slave, only to find himself on a desperate mission to reclaim his pelts from both Native Americans and ruthless outlaws. His pursuit turns into a chaotic adventure filled with humor, danger, and unexpected alliances.
Who directed The Scalphunters?
Sydney Pollack directed *The Scalphunters*, showcasing his skill for blending comedy and western themes with a keen eye for character-driven storytelling.
Who stars in The Scalphunters?
The film features an all-star cast including Burt Lancaster, Shelley Winters, Telly Savalas, and Ossie Davis, with standout performances that bring depth and energy to the frontier tale.
Is The Scalphunters (1968) worth watching?
Though unrated, *The Scalphunters* delivers a fresh take on the western genre with its blend of humor and action. Fans of Pollack's work or classic '60s comedies will appreciate its spirited tone, though it's best enjoyed as a breezy adventure rather than a heavy drama.
How long is The Scalphunters?
The Scalphunters runs approximately 102 minutes, offering a compact yet satisfying ride through its frontier escapades.
🎥 Trailer
About The Scalphunters (1968) — Comedy-Western Adventure with Burt Lancaster and Shelley Winters
In Sydney Pollack's rousing 1968 comedy-western *The Scalphunters (1968)*, rugged trapper Joe Bass (Burt Lancaster) faces an unexpected dilemma when he's forced to exchange his prized furs for a clever escaped slave. What begins as a tense trade spirals into a relentless chase through untamed frontier territory, as Bass races to reclaim his pelts from both opportunistic Indians and cutthroat renegades. With sharp wit and brisk pacing, the film blends slapstick humor with the gritty unpredictability of the Old West, all set against sweeping landscapes and tense standoffs.
Bass's journey isn't just about lost valuables—it's a collision of survival instincts, racial tensions, and the absurdity of greed, all wrapped in Pollack's knack for balancing drama and laughs. Shelley Winters and Telly Savalas add layers of charm and menace, while Ossie Davis brings gravitas to a story that questions who truly deserves justice in a lawless land.
