BOSS (1975)

[The Burgomaster]

VCI Entertainment opted to tastefully use the title BOSS on the DVD packaging for this Fred Williamson blaxploitation western.  However, the more controversial theatrical title BOSS N***** is used in the opening credits.  Before the movie starts, there is a note from Fred Williamson explaining that he used the "N Word" in the titles of 3 movie (BOSS N*****, THE LEGEND OF N***** CHARLEY, and THE SOUL OF N***** CHARLEY).  Williamson says these titles were used to draw attention to the movies and each of them ended up making a profit.  He also supports the use of the "N Word" in the title, dialogue, and theme song of BOSS N*****.

Anyway, this is a really cheap western with bad dialogue (written by Williamson), mostly bad acting (especially by the female characters), and lame directon by Jack Arnold (yup - - the same Jack Arnold who directed THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON and other 1950s sci-fi favorites).  The theme song and score don't fit in at all with the western theme of this movie - - they sound more like music and lyrics that belong in an urban blaxploitation crime flick.

Williamson stars as a tough bounty hunter who drifts into a small town with his sidekick (D'Urville Martin).  Williamson becomes the sheriff and encounters plenty of racism and violence, especially from tough-guy William Smith! 

This movie is rated PG (not sure why they didn't go all out and make it an "R"), but has plenty of fighting, shooting, and explosions.  One of the few good things about it is it only runs for 87 minutes.