The Villain (1979)
A gleefully anarchic Western comedy where the West's most incompetent outlaw turns every ambush into a spectacular disaster.
The Villain - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Villain
- Release Year: 1979
- Directed by: Hal Needham
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Western
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 29m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 26, 1979 (Brazil - 12), July 26, 1979 (United States - PG), January 17, 1980 (Germany - 6), May 9, 1980 (Spain - A)
- Alternative Titles: Cactus Jack (US), Кактус Джек (RU), Cactus Jack (DK), Jack del Cactus (IT)
- Production Companies: Rastar Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Villain - Plot
Handsome Stranger has agreed to escort Charming Jones to collect her inheritance from her father. But Avery Simpson wants the money and hires notorious outlaw Cactus Jack to ambush Charming. However, Cactus Jack is not very good at robbing people.
The Villain - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Cactus Jack's chaotic misadventures unfold in the wild West:
...the fastest fun in the west!
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The Villain - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Hal Needham
Main Cast
- Kirk Douglas
- Ann-Margret
- Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Paul Lynde
- Foster Brooks
- Ruth Buzzi
- Jack Elam
- Strother Martin
- Robert Tessier
- Mel Tillis
Writers
- Robert G. Kane
Producers
- Mort Engelberg
The Villain - FAQs
Who are the main actors in The Villain?
The Villain stars Kirk Douglas as the bumbling outlaw Cactus Jack, Ann-Margret as Charming Jones, and Arnold Schwarzenegger as Handsome Stranger. The supporting cast includes Paul Lynde, Ruth Buzzi, Jack Elam, Strother Martin, Foster Brooks, Robert Tessier, and Mel Tillis.
Why is The Villain compared to a live-action cartoon?
The Villain is widely described as a live-action Looney Tunes cartoon because its humor is built entirely around exaggerated, repetitive slapstick gags. Cactus Jack's endless failed ambushes mirror the Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote dynamic, complete with pratfalls, explosions, and self-inflicted disasters at every turn.
What is The Villain about?
The Villain is a slapstick Western comedy in which a notorious but hopelessly inept outlaw named Cactus Jack is hired to steal an inheritance from a beautiful woman named Charming Jones and her escort, Handsome Stranger. Every scheme Cactus Jack devises backfires spectacularly, driving the film's anarchic humor.
What is the age rating for The Villain?
The Villain is rated PG in the United States, making it suitable for general audiences with parental guidance suggested. The film's humor is broad and cartoonish, relying on slapstick rather than graphic content, so it remains largely family-friendly despite some mild Western-themed mischief.
Was The Villain Arnold Schwarzenegger's early Hollywood role?
Yes. The Villain, released in 1979, was one of Arnold Schwarzenegger's earliest Hollywood film appearances, coming just before his breakthrough in Conan the Barbarian (1982). He plays Handsome Stranger, a role that leaned into his imposing physique and good-natured screen presence rather than dramatic range.
Who directed The Villain and what is his background?
The Villain was directed by Hal Needham, a legendary Hollywood stuntman turned filmmaker best known for the Smokey and the Bandit franchise. Needham brought his expertise in physical comedy and action choreography to the film, crafting its elaborate slapstick set pieces with the precision of a seasoned stunt professional.
When was The Villain released?
The Villain was released on July 26, 1979, in the United States and Brazil. It later opened in Germany on January 17, 1980, and in Spain on May 9, 1980. The film is also known by the alternative title Cactus Jack in several markets, including the United States and Denmark.
What are some movies similar to The Villain?
Fans of The Villain may enjoy other irreverent comedies and Westerns such as Stir Crazy (1980), Caddyshack (1980), Conan the Barbarian (1982), and Throw Momma from the Train (1987). The Legend of Frenchie King (1971) and The Big Country (1958) also offer entertaining Western-flavored viewing experiences.
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