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.