A change from familiar Western customs is afforded by [Buck and the Preacher, a] mildly comic and moderately dramatic account of the troubles that befell some of the freed slaves after the Civil War, when they headed for pastures new, but were impeded by white nightriders who wanted to keep them in the South to go on picking cotton for peanuts. It might not sound like a subject for laughter; and when it begins in beautifully moody sepia it looks as if it will be a solemn tale. But shortly after the colour has crept subtly into the frames, the fun begins as well….

Poitier has directed here for the first time, but with only a slight indication of freshness in Western style. He is much assisted, of course, by the unusual circumstances of the plot, as well as by the appropriately parched Mexican locations which give place...