---
title: "The Gatling Gun"
year: 1971
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-gatling-gun-1971"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 61356
imdb_id: "tt0070091"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 93
community_rating: 5.2
vote_count: 12
content_rating: "PG"
---

# The Gatling Gun (1971) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-gatling-gun-1971

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The Gatling Gun is a 1971 western that explores the high-stakes struggle for power surrounding the invention of an early machine gun. The narrative follows tough men during a difficult era as they compete to secure the device, which was designed to surpass all existing weaponry of the time. The film is notable for its focus on the historical fascination with the Gatling gun, an early forerunner to modern rotary cannons.

In terms of tone and pacing, the film aligns with the action-heavy western style of the early 1970s. It runs for one hour and thirty-three minutes, delivering a straightforward conflict driven by the race to control the machine. It serves as a period-specific exploration of how technological advancements were integrated into the myths and conflicts of the American West.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "Tough men battle for control of a powerful, newly invented war machine during hard times."

### Why Watch
- Features a central conflict centered on the acquisition of a revolutionary weapon
- Showcases a cast including Guy Stockwell, Robert Fuller, and BarBara Luna
- Provides a look at 1970s action-western genre conventions

### Caveats & Content Note
- The film has a limited narrative scope focused primarily on the weapon's pursuit
- Tone & Suitability: The film maintains a serious tone consistent with 1970s westerns and carries a PG rating.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #western, #action, #period-piece, #weapon-focused, #1970s-cinema

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Amazon Prime Video, FlixFling, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Best Westerns Ever Amazon Channel, Shout! Factory Amazon Channel | Hoopla | Amazon Video, FlixFling |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | None | Plex, YouTube Free | Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | FlixFling | Plex | FlixFling |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | Hoopla | None |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Robert Gordon
- **Networks / Studios**: Broadway Enterprises

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Guy Stockwell** as *Lt. Wayne Malcolm*
- **Robert Fuller** as *Pvt. Sneed*
- **BarBara Luna** as *Leona*
- **Woody Strode** as *Runner the Scout*
- **Patrick Wayne** as *Jim Boland*
- **Pat Buttram** as *Tin Pot*
- **Carlos Rivas** as *Two-Knife*
- **Tommy Cook** as *Pvt. Elwood*
- **Steve Conte** as *Pvt. Mitchell*
- **David Cargo** as *Cpl. Benton (as David F. Cargo)*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream The Gatling Gun?
Streaming availability varies by region and platform, so check your local digital movie services for current listings.

### Q: Is this film worth watching?
It is worth watching for fans of 1970s westerns who are interested in stories centered on historical military inventions.

### Q: How long is the film?
The Gatling Gun has a total runtime of one hour and thirty-three minutes.

### Q: What is the primary focus of the plot?
The plot focuses on the struggle between various men to obtain Doctor Gatling's invention, a machine gun designed to outperform all other weapons.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [The Gatling Gun — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/61356)
- [The Gatling Gun (1971) - Full cast & crew - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070091/fullcredits/)
- [The Gatling Gun (1971) - Cast & Crew — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/61356-the-gatling-gun/cast)
- [The Gatling Gun (1971) Cast & Crew | Moviefone](https://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-gatling-gun/1013333/credits/)
- [Gatling gun - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gatling_gun)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*