Classic Western Reimagined: Buck and the Preacher Screening & Discussion at Western Spirit

A bold and trailblazing Western that reshaped Hollywood storytelling takes center stage for an afternoon of film and conversation. Buck and the Preacher, the groundbreaking directorial debut of Sidney Poitier, who also stars as Buck, a trail guide helping formerly enslaved people find new lives in the West following the Civil War. Joined by a cunning con artist played by Harry Belafonte, the pair must overcome their differences when faced with bounty hunters threatening their group. The film challenged traditional Western narratives by centering Black characters and exploring relationships between African American and Native American communities. Chief Curator Andrew Patrick Nelson will introduce the film and lead a post-screening discussion. Rated PG with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. Admission is free for museum members or included with general admission; program-only tickets are available for $10.