In Pale Rider, Clint Eastwood returned to the saddle after nine years - and Western movies were riding high again.

Here the star director crafted an exciting film in the suspenseful tradition of Shane and High Noon.

After corporate mining boss Coy LaHood begins a campaign of terror to drive independent pan miners out of the area, a nameless stranger called Preacher rides into the underdogs camp.

He becomes their avenger.

The tycoon then hires a badge-wearing killer and his duster-shrouded deputies, men loyal to whomever pays the most.

LaHood pays gold.

But in a climactic shootout to remember, Preacher pays in lead.