The Last Hard Men is a 1976 Western film directed by Andrew V. McLaglen and starring Charlton Heston, James Coburn, and Barbara Hershey. The film is loosely based on the novel of the same name by Brian Garfield.
The story begins with a road gang working in the desert. Among them is Zach Provo, a half-Indian man who has been sentenced to prison for the murder of a woman who he claims was his wife. When Provo and six other convicts escape, they go on a killing spree, massacring innocent people in their path. Provo sees this as a way to get revenge on the man who put him behind bars, Sam Burgade, a retired lawman who was responsible for capturing him.
Provo's plan is to kidnap Burgade's daughter, Susan, and hold her for ransom. He sends a message to Burgade, demanding that he meet him in the desert to exchange his daughter for a large sum of money. Burgade, who has been living a peaceful life with his family, knows that he has no choice but to go after Provo.
Burgade and a small group of men set out to track Provo down. The group includes a young gunslinger named Benteen, who wants to prove himself to Burgade, and a former colleague of Burgade's, who has been hired by Susan's mother to help in the rescue mission.
The search for Provo and Susan takes the men through treacherous terrain, facing danger at every turn. Along the way, they must also deal with bandits and other criminals who are drawn to the chaos caused by Provo and his gang.
The final showdown between Burgade and Provo is a bloody and violent affair, with both men fighting to the death. In the end, Burgade emerges victorious, rescuing his daughter and putting an end to Provo's reign of terror.
The Last Hard Men is a gritty and intense Western that explores themes of revenge, redemption, and the brutality of the Wild West. With its strong performances and action-packed plot, it remains a classic of the genre.