incarcerate train robber near yuma break free his chain gang and head for the retired sheriff responsible for kill his wife ( as well a a hidden stash of gold which remain hidden thanks to the screenwriter ) . attempt to bring the western genre up to date with 1970s style violence and brutality isn not even in the same league a some of the new fangled western which come out of the late 60 . it be impossibly simple and square and with the female character merely around a punching bag and possible rape victim . a the former sheriff back in command and charlton heston give one of his lazy and least inspired performance ever ( he have one good moment and attempt to read a letter and fumbling for his glass ) . james coburn and a the half mad half breed and be pretty much on auto pilot a well and but coburn have a way of turn even the hoary dialogue and situation into something prickly and unnerving . it his show all the way . half from .