Mark of the Gun (1969)

Ross Hagen is Justin Kane, a fast gun whose badge-wearing uncle is trying to direct him to a more lawful way of life, even if it takes tough love to do it.

Instead, Kane falls in with an outlaw gang led by Jack Slade (Brad Thomas), one which uses a hideaway cathouse in the hills as their base.

The gals at the cathouse get 25 percent of the take from any jobs the guys pull.

The guys get all the comforts of home. And the company of some pretty girls as well.

Kane quickly hits it off with Beth, owner of the cathouse. That is until his eyes fall on her younger sister Abigail.

Beth has proclaimed her off limits to the guys in the gang. Kane figures no woman is off limits when he turns on the charm.

And Abigail, chafing under Beth’s protective tendencies and verging on womanhood, might just be ready to be swept off her feet.

Meanwhile, the gang is planning its next big job. And hoping someone doesn’t beat them to the punch this time around.

Because that is exactly what happened with the last two jobs they tried to pull.

Ross Hagen as Justin Kane, reloading his six-gun during a shootout in Mark of the Gun (1969)

Brad Thomas as Jack Slade, feeling as though he’s been double-crossed again in Mark of the Gun (1969)

Review:

An odd little black and white Western, supposedly lost for more than 45 years before a single print was discovered.

Fortunately, it’s action-packed. And filled with pretty faces. That might prevent viewers from thinking to long and hard about the plot.

Because that plot has newcomer Justin Kane gunning down two gang members within days of showing up at the mountain hideaway.

Yet his knack with a gun makes him a welcome addition in the eyes of gang leader Slade.

As for Beth, she’s far more concerned about his determination to soil her sister than his tendancy to leave dead men in his wake.

This marked the only film directed by Wally Campo, a star of the original version of “The Little Shop of Horrors” (1960). He also plays the part of a gang member.

László Kovács of “Easy Rider” fame served as the cinematographer.

Beth, planning a quick getaway with her servant Miguel’s help in Mark of the Gun (1969)

Abigail, the unsoiled dove watched over by older sister Beth in Mark of the Gun (1969)

Directed by:
Wally Campo

Cast:
Ross Hagen … Justin Kane
Brad Thomas … Jack Slade
Paul Sorenson .. Sheriff Jace Ferrell
Chris Carter … One of the girls
Gabrielle St. Claire … One of the girls
Katye Martine … One of the girls
Joan McCrea …. One of the girls
Rite D’Amico …. One of the girls
Gillian Tomlin … One of the girls
Eric Lidberg … Gang member
Dick Merrifield … Gang member
Randy Rand … Gang member
Ned Romero … Gang member
Buck Kartalian … Gang member
Tony Lorea … Gang member
Bob O’Brien … Gang member
Dick Jeffries … Gang member
Ray Baxter … Deputy
Harry Goldfarb … Deputy

Runtime: 76 min.

Paul Sorenson as Jace Farrell, trying to set his nephew Justin Kane on a more lawful path in Mark of the Gun (1969)

Ernie, getting a peek at Abigail as she baths in Mark of the Gun (1969)

Memorable lines:

Beth, when Justin Kane guns down a gang member shortly after arriving at the hideout: “I’ve seen parties crashed before, but you just won the brass spittoon.”

Angie, when Kane balks at the $20 cost of a room and a meal: “Mr. Kane, if you feel you’re being cheated, little Angie’s room is right next to yours.”

Molly, when Abigail asks for a chance to sing for the outlaws: “Aww, for cripes sake, Beth, give the kid a break. She’s old enough to sing for her supper.”
Angie: “Sure, Beth. Abi’s almost as old as I am, and I’ve been singing for years.”
Molly and Angie giggle.
Abigail: “Angie’s right, Beth. I’ll be 19 next January.”
Beth: “Baby, the kind of singing Angie’s talking about has nothing to do with music.”

Angie, letting Justin Kane know his room is right next to hers in Mark of the Gun (1969)

Reina, wrapping young Ernie around her pretty finger in Mark of the Gun (1969)

Beth to Kane, spotting him carrying Abigail back to the cathouse: “Put her down!
Kane: “Why? She’s light as a canary and prettier than a whole flock of them.”

Justin Kane: “My deal didn’t include shootin’ up women.”
Jack Slade: “And my deal didn’t include double crossin’. If they’re gonna act like men, they’re gonna die like men.”

Miguel, urging the girls to abandon the hideout as quickly as possible: “You’d better hurry, senorita. Mr. Slade, he is like the cousin to El Diablo when he is upset.”
Beth: “More like his twin brother.”

Jace Farrell to Justin Kane: “Kane, a grave digger would get a backache followin’ you around.”

Ross Hagen as Justin Kane, declaring Abigail pretty as a whole flock of canaries in Mark of the Gun (1969)

Beth, upset over how friendly Justin Kane is getting with her youngere sister while Jack Slade (Brad Thomas) looks on in Mark of the Gun (1969)

Hank, getting more and more jealous over Yank’s interest in Lee in Mark of the Gun (1969)

Lee, a young woman capable of arousing deadly jealousy in Mark of the Gun (1969)

Yank, determined to move in on the gal Homer wants for his own in Mark of the Gun (1969)

Wes, a gang member itching for a fight with Justin Kane in Mark of the Gun (1969)

Molly, intrigued by the girls’ new border, Justin Kane, in Mark of the Gun (1969)

Bert, a gang member startled by an unexpected development in Mark of the Gun (1969)

Buck, perked up over how grown up Abigail has become in Mark of the Gun (1969)

Miquel, the man kept busy digging graves once Justin Kane shows up in Mark of the Gun (1969)

Abigail, upset her singing debut has been interrupted by a shooting in Mark of the Gun (1969)

Ross Hagen as Justin Kane and Brad Thomas as Jack Slade, preparing to defend themselves against a posse in Mark of the Gun (1969)