Bite the Bullet is a 1975 American Western film directed by Richard Brooks and starring Gene Hackman, Candice Bergen, and James Coburn. The movie is set in 1906 and centers around a grueling endurance horse race, covering 700 miles in a few days, organized by a newspaper.
The nine adventurous participants come from all walks of life: a Mexican, an Englishman, a young cow-boy, an old cow-boy, and two friends, Sam Clayton (Gen Hackman) and Luke Matthews (James Coburn). The only woman in the race is Miss Jones (Candice Bergen).
As the race progresses, the participants encounter various challenges, including harsh weather conditions, treacherous terrain, and bandits. Miss Jones, underestimated by some of the male participants, proves to be a formidable and determined rider. The friendship between Sam and Luke is tested when the latter decides to take a shortcut that could endanger the safety of himself and the other riders.
Throughout the race, the individualistic participants learn to respect each other and form bonds. They also realize the importance of perseverance, determination, and human connection, which is reflected in the movie's title, "Bite the Bullet."
The movie features spectacular horse riding scenes, beautiful landscapes, and an engaging storyline that combines action, drama, and comedy. Bite the Bullet received critical acclaim and was released during a period when Western movies were declining in popularity. However, it has since gained a cult following and remains a classic of the genre.
