This is a detailed look at the films of one of America's most intriguing directors of Westerns and films of violence. His highly influential films include Ride the High Country, Major Dundee, The Wild Bunch and The Getaway. Illustrated with film stills, the book includes a brief biographical account of Peckinpah, including his early years in television. The chronological examination of his films places them in the context of their production, critical reception, accounts of Peckinpah's approach to film direction, his on-set behaviour and studio interference during editing. The book also includes an appraisal of the iconography of his films and an identification and analysis of recurring themes and preoccupations.