Lee Purcell on "Mr. Majestyk"

Interview with actress Lee Purcell on her contribution in "Mr. Majestyk" (1974) directed by Richard Fleischer.

[@reader1956]

I've always been a huge fan of Lee Purcell. She's a wonderful actress.

[@JohnBlessingPaligap]

Great movie... Huge fan of Charles Bronson and Al Lettieri. Such a shame Al died at only 47, he was a great actor. Lee Purcell is one beautiful lady and talented.

[@starflash08]

Man she was a beautiful young women, and great actress

[@vampirejesus2800]

She's still pretty cute now to an old man like me.

[@Njbear7453]

@@vampirejesus2800she’s cute to a 30 year old like myself lmao!

[@kurtzwar729]

Still is. Great structure. Beautiful person. Love her independent ways.

[@chuckwilson6281]

Grew up in Southeastern Colorado,still live there. My daughter and grandkids live in LaJunta. Always think of that movie every time I drive down Main Street in LaJunta where the shootout scene happened.

[@jayelm5392]

❤ Lee Purcell. The thing for me was the 1968 Ford pickup blasting through the the foothills. The stunt driver should have been awarded an Oscar.

[@bronson1392]

I’ve always wondered if that was the same pick up truck or several used.

[@wannawatchu66]

@@bronson1392 Good question. My money says several were used. You don't do stuff like that to a vehicle and expect it to survive. The ball joints, the oil pan, tires, etc., none of it would have survived that kind of abuse. For that truck to just keep running as it did is just pure Hollywood. Some other examples are Bandit's TransAm in "Smokey and the Bandit," They went through several TransAms during shooting. The scene where they jumped the river totaled that particular TransAm. And in Disney's "The Love Bug," the producers went thru something like 21 VW Beetles due to what they put those cars through.

[@PaulShaw-ex7ri]

​​@@wannawatchu66those Ford's had twin I-beam suspension with kingpins no ball joints used

[@bogallerito1709]

Great film. My mom would drop my brother and me off at the Brookhurst theater in Anaheim on Saturdays and this was one of those, we saw anything Bronson was in. Lee Purcell shared the screen with two of the most macho actors of the time and was great, sorry but I'll always think of her as Peggy Gordon, Big Wednesday ✌️

[@kamuelalee]

Truly, one of Bronson's best flicks with a great cast including Lee Purcell, Al Lettieri, Paul Koslo and Linda Cristal. A must-see.

[@jerryumfress9030]

You are a wonderful actress, and the first time i saw you was in Mr. Majestic. I never knew who you were until the internet came out, now that i know who you are i appreciate you more as an accomplished actress!

[@chrisgreulich]

Great interview. I watch a lot of detective show from the 70's and I see Lee Purcell all the time. She was very pretty and really fun to watch in these shows. I am so glad she told the nice story about Charles Bronson protecting her. He was a mystery to a lot of people and I think they misunderstood him. He was a quiet man who liked to keep to himself. He loved his wife and family.

[@kenlewis11]

I think the location, combined with the cast and plot, is so unique. That is why it lives on and is remembered. A SE Colorado melon farmer singlehandedly getting the best of the mob. Growing up in western Kansas, we went through there all the time going to Colorado. I saw all those locations and thought “I know exactly where that is “.

[@petejp1]

I remember going to see this at my local theater when it came out. I loved it then and still watch it at least once a year. Lee and the whole cast were great. I was a huge Bronson fan. I can understand why people still love this movie.

[@video631king]

How the hell does Lee Purcell still look so amazing? Seriously, she looks like she’s in her 30’s maybe 40 at most. What the hell am I doing wrong? Someone better ask her where the fountain of youth is hidden at.

[@aarondawson7215]

took the words right outta my mouth and she's 75 a goddamn gilf! unbelievable. She's so hot n sexy. But Lynda Carter still looks good too btw.

[@reidwhitton6248]

She's 75 which seems ridiculous! She looks 30 years younger.

[@nifticus43]

It was shot in 2015, as per the credits at the end.

[@edwardallan197]

Deep natural beauty.

[@tonymontana4284]

Plastic surgery, Zatoichi.

[@austindavid7744]

A good insight into a terrific action film. Probably my favourite Charles Bronson film. Al Letteiri was brilliant too, he was also an accomplished screen writer. Thanks Lee for your memories.

[@frankfarago2825]

Al Letieri was a superb scriptwriter and actor.

[@abercrombie1416]

Thanks Lee l am from Australia was born in 1960,l love 60s 70s music and movie, and Majestic was great thanks for your tale ,the cast was great all of you and yes sad about Al would have been great to meet a character like him😊Thanks again!!

[@fred6132]

Wonderful to hear this inside experience into the making of this excellent movie. Love hearing the Bronson background. Lee is more beautiful than ever. Thank you for posting.

[@TileGuyJesse]

I was in HS when it came out and saw it with my dad. Ford used footage from the movie for a Ford truck commercial you can still see on KZbin. My fav Bronson film right after The Great Escape. Lee was and still is so hot.

[@pumasgoya]

It's Solorzo from Godfather. Lee Purcell looked so beautiful in that movie.

[@hardheadjames3624]

Had a crush on her back then. Still do. At 64 yrs old.

[@warnelistv68]

I worked at Dick Clark Productions in 1999-2002 Never got to meet Lee. I just love her! Especially original Hawaii 5-0 with Jack Lord. She's fantastic! Hope she sees my "best wishes" here!!! Hugs from Florida

[@itsgleneaton4883]

One of the best things about making movies is the many people that you meet and get to know. Plus your getting to know each other while your job is to play and pretend. After finishing a show that we rehearsed fir a few months when it was finished I realized how much joy I had working with a certain person and an emptiness stayed with me fir a while because I missed the joy of being with them.

[@lonniekimler8140]

Great interview, such a treat to see her after all these years.

[@frankmacalino5390]

Still pretty ;I love her stories about the great Bronson.

[@bronson1392]

She is a stunner! I was 5 when this film came out.

[@kurtzwar729]

Love Lee Purcell. Bronson was terrific. Ex Vietnam Vet. Silver Star. Smart. Working man. Not racist. Summary justiceer. Great action. Love the Ford F-150 blast. RIP Charles Bronson.

[@bronson1392]

Thanks

[@gerrydooley951]

check your facts, Bronson served in WWII, no silver star . Why bullshit in this day and age, it's soooo easy to fact check

[@user-mb2us5vq4t]

Awesome film can watch it over and over !!!!

[@AhtuMondello]

Great behind the scenes stuff. She’s still hot too.

[@Buddy212002]

Lee Purcell is a very nice person.

[@bronson1392]

She starred with amazing actors!

[@edrain3262]

I didn't remember her. Bronson is the film. She's extremely fortunate.

[@Njbear7453]

She is the most beautiful woman in the movie !

[@jackfarquahard6933]

What an articulate, lovely woman.

[@jayupstateny13650]

She did a lot with that role. It was interesting to hear behind the scenes and her thoughts. Mr Majestyk is such a simple movie, but I always really liked it. I always thought it was based on an Elmore Leonard book, I didn't know the movie came first.

[@r.blakehole932]

I have always been a Bronson fan, but this has always been my favorite. Why? Because Al Letteiri did a great job as a villain and because the movie portrays a simple farmer who stands up to criminal corruption and wins....It is just a very simple movie but marvelously effective such that 50 years later we are still talking about it.

[@sal1960caldo]

One of my most favorite, if not my favorite, Charles Bronson films. When was this video interview shot. Lee Purcell looks so young still. Amazing.

[@thomassergeant2217]

I couldn't fall in love with her

[@garyny4073]

​@@thomassergeant2217 that's ok , she thinks the Same of u

[@thomassergeant2217]

I COULD

[@garyny4073]

@@thomassergeant2217 👍🥃🚬😊

[@nifticus43]

It was shot in 2015, as per the credits at the end.

[@MegaSmarterthanyou]

Melons is what makes this movie great

[@billjenkins687]

Just saw her on A Word on Westerns today. She doesn't seem to age. I had a personal experience with Bronson at his Malibu home in the early 80's. I was a tradesman and he was rude and threatening. Jill Ireland was there and she was truly wonderful and kind to me. Quite the contrast in personalities.

[@mtman2]

Many people take advantage of wealthy actors thinking they're just rich, lucky and stupid with no clue-> which ain't X coal minor Bronson...!

[@andrewcarlton6357]

Lee Purcell is probably one of the only Hollywood actors besides my CHEERS family that I like. She was really good in MR. MAJESTYK. I liked her in ADAM AT 6AM, STAND UP AND BE COUNTED, & SUMMER OF FEAR as well. Too bad she was only big in movies in the 70s and early 80s. Very pretty woman.

[@avon4298]

They don't make movies like this no more quality of movies of today is getting worse.

[@vampirejesus2800]

That is the understatement of the century.

[@heftbullard8273]

Blame digital photography! Movies don’t be using film no more instead opting for that disgusting cheapo digital look so even great movies with great writing and acting (which exist still) are rendered lifeless but again, not for lack of talent or passion relative to the 70s or whenever. Its the aesthetic turnouts that are the problem, which can and do trick you into thinking the whole artforms gone rotten, indeed. Might as well be with such soulless visuals.

[@ponchohernandez2703]

One of my favorite movies and loved all the characters

[@BeachsideHank]

I would have liked to hear her remarks about German- Canadian actor Paul Koslo, a fine actor himself in other classic films like "Vanishing Point".

[@gerardojuarez7940]

Lee Purcel has a exquisite feminine beauty and I would like to see her in more Charles Bronson films like Once Upon a time in the West were she may had made an excellent couple

[@kiltedwolf2]

Does anyone see a resemblance between a young Lee Purcell and Molly Ringwald at a similar age? Lee has aged well.

[@Joez86]

Very interesting piece. Enjoyed it.

[@railbart]

Just beautiful i think she found the fountain of youth.

[@davidleary5639]

Great stuff ,great movie .

[@todddarr7165]

She has to be in her mid 70s and looks stunning!

[@3crowns21]

I thought I saw 2012 on the video, so she was probably 62. Looks terrific!

[@Nixter1974007]

Great this. She still looks terrific.

[@edmund6392]

She is the only living person from that whole movie.

[@bravobravoh1344]

I bet the Hispanic woman who was with Charlie is still alive.

[@edmund6392]

@@bravobravoh1344 Linda Cristal died on June 27, 2020. RIP

[@kamuelalee]

@@edmund6392 Sad news.

[@bbqnetwork8536]

Thanks!!

[@pl5624]

Actually I liked her the least out of all the characters...however I have come to respect her and her role.alas she's the only survivor of the film...much respect.

[@seancidy6008]

Sure is interesting hearing her talk about Bronson and Lettieri as likeable professionals and gentlemen. Quite a contrast with what you hear from men who worked with them. Lee was unforgettable in Mr Majestyk.

[@Tempe1962]

Nice to see a man stand up for a woman and do it without being violent.

[@edwardallan197]

I am a fan of the film. I always thought Lee P. did a really believable great job as Wiley.

[@dusterowner9978]

It's just a simple great action feature with a great cast !

[@JudgeCrater22]

In the 1970s, Charles Bronson could do almost no wrong. "Breakheart Pass" (my favorite of his movies), "Mr. Majestyk," "The White Buffalo," "Telefon," "Hard Times," "The Mechanic," and (ugg) "Death Wish." Bronson reportedly turned down the Robert Shaw role in "Jaws" because Universal would not meet his salary demands. Back then, you could make a Bronson movie with a $2 million budget with $1 million going to Bronson's salary and the movie tax laws then in effect guaranteeing a profit. Bronson almost certainly had approval of his co-stars and Lee Pucell's impassive features in the movie made her a dead ringer for actress Jane Greer in "Out Of The Past." Now, of all the major Hollywood talent in "Mr. Majestyk," it seems only Lee Purcell is left with memories of the tough Colorado shoot, with the 2023 passing of producer Walter Mirisch.

[@RAJohns]

She is cool. She wanted to be an actor and knew it. Not second to anyone. She still looks young….I wondered where the Ranch House was (Don K)

[@saltydog4759]

Still pretty after all these years

[@jantheman419]

I loved Lee

[@kenlewis11]

Where was or is that ranch house? I heard it was near Canon city.

[@myownprivateglasgow280]

Oh if these people could hear themselves.... Whining about the drive to the ranch house along a dirt road... and then they've got to get cleaned up... If that's the toughest thing you have to do in life...

[@lukeoconnor2509]

That bad ass Ford made the movie.

[@studinthemaking]

What year they film this interview in?

[@3crowns21]

I think 2012.

[@studinthemaking]

@@3crowns21 How you come up with that year?

[@dweebert]

End credit reads copyright 2015 Fiction Factory

[@GeneralGeorgeS.PattonJr.]

21:38 24:16 I can't get over how thin Lee was in this movie. I know she was a dancer, but she honestly looks malnourished here. 22:57 Next to Linda Cristal you really notice how slim she was. I like Lee a lot, she's great in everything I've seen her in & I don't fault her for wanting to be thin. Many, many film actors still to this day stay slim, it goes with looking young, I guess.

[@RalphIrvine]

"Vagaries"....I'm sold

[@kenlewis11]

So who was rude? And circumstances of Letteri death has always been a mystery to me.

[@garyspence2128]

Al had a heart attack in Italy, and I think they were a long ways from an actual hospital or doctor. The delay killed him, similar to how Robert Shaw/Fisherman Quint from Jaws died in Great Britain a few years after Jaws.

[@itsgleneaton4883]

Like Mitchum Bronson had a big heart and just kept to himself most of the time because he wasn’t trying to perform for anybody like most feel they have to. So being the tough guy that he is others might take this as a bully but if he was skinny then they would just say he’s shy.

[@dougbrowne9890]

I would bet that Paul Koslo was the one that ripped on her, that Charles stepped in and read the riot act. Why do I think this? Just due to his (Koslo) not being mentioned by her. Combine that with how Koslo felt about Bronson, I would bet it is a good chance I am right. If I am wrong? Oh well.

[@tonymontana4284]

She looked like Jane Fonda back in the Day's

[@mattdaugherty7865]

Maybe it was a great film because you were in it!

[@capacola262743]

i'm paul kersey.

[@clintbronson5]

Charlie’s Angels

[@jayfinn6698]

The bible is carmela in Sopranos

[@vernongrant3596]

Mr. Majestyk is a cult movie because Charles Bronson is majestic.

[@mtman2]

The real lure of the film is a regular American man gratefully living his American life tho had seen and been tried in the horrors of war when a young man in Korea...! Then some lowlife criminal crashes into his life expecting Mr. Nice guy Farmer Guy to kiss his ass in fear which forcès the full capability's of Mr. Nice guy American to rise to a level that the Criminal Gangster bad guy never saw possible to his sorry no good self...lol FOR HE REALLY PICKED ON THE WRONG GUY HERE And Charles Bronson really really is that guy not an act...!