Tough guy Charles Bronson often copped plenty of criticism over his selection of roles and his alleged one dimensional character range. True, a lot of Charlie's choices were "shoot em 'up" avenger / crime films that ended up on video shelves fairly quickly, but Bronson was a key figure in the 1970's action genre and will be remembered for some stand out "strong, silent type" roles. "Hard Times" is generally regarded as Charles Bronson's best film role and is director Walter Hill's first feature film. Set in the Depression era in and around New Orleans, Bronson portrays the quiet , but toughened drifter Chaney, seeking to make ends meet through the prowess of his fists. After drifting into town aboard a freight train, Bronson hears a commotion emanating from a near by warehouse, Bronson then witnesses a bare knuckle bout and first meets James Coburn as the smooth talking, street wise, but addicted gambler, Speed. Bronson offers his services, to which Coburn replies "You look a little past it...", Charlie proves his worth with a one punch knockout of an opponent and the two partner up and set about winning a few dollars taking on local fighters and hoods. Coburn enlists the services of Strother Martin, who gives another wonderful character performance as the narcotic loving, disgraced medicine man Poe. The chemistry between the three is excellent, and remarkably Bronson's laid back persona is in stark contrast to the highly animated Coburn, but they work together like bread goes with butter !