This movie combines elements of a Western and Blaxploitation films. It’s structured as a “men on a mission” story, and while some might compare it to Spaghetti Westerns, its inspiration comes from American cinema. The plot mirrors "The Professionals," centering around a specialized team tasked with transporting money to a widow in Mexico across perilous landscapes. This group includes an upright cowboy portrayed by Jim Brown, a gun-slinging gambler played by Fred Williamson, and a silent martial arts expert/dynamite specialist brought to life by Jim Kelly. Similar to “The Wild Bunch,” the film incorporates machine guns for stylized violence and creates a sense of a fading era. The rapport and interactions between Pike (Brown) and Tyree (Williamson) also recall "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." Interestingly, Brown, Williamson, and Kelly had previously collaborated in “Three the Hard Way” and would reunite later for “One Down, Two to Go,” both being Blaxploitation action films. While two other black actors appear primarily for comic relief, it’s not truly a black Western because several white performers—including Lee Van Cleef, Dana Andrews, Barry Sullivan, Catherine Spaak, and Harry Carey Jr.—hold significant roles. Ultimately, “Take a Hard Ride” delivers an enjoyable and action-filled experience with remarkable stunts and strong chemistry between the relatable Brown and the captivating Williamson. The inclusion of a black version of Billy Jack (Kelly) is a clever and entertaining touch. However, this doesn’t elevate it beyond being disposable entertainment; I felt it would have benefited from greater depth through a more imaginative script. The film's runtime varies, with some versions lasting 1 hour and 43 minutes while others are shorter at 1 hour and 26 minutes. Filming took place in the weeks following Christmas of 1974 on Gran Canaria, an island approximately 135 miles off the coast of southern Morocco, which is part of Spain. The Sioux City set remains near San Augustin on the southeastern side of the island. GRADE: B-

Source on TMDB