The Moonshine War (1970)

In the heart of Prohibition-era Kentucky, a world of moonshine producers and corrupt lawmen exists. Frank Long, an Internal Revenue agent, sees an opportunity to profit dishonestly by pressuring these moonshine manufacturers. His first target is an old army comrade, John Martin, known as Son, offering him a deal to take a cut from his moonshine earnings in exchange for turning a blind eye. However, with whispers of Prohibition nearing its end, Son gambles on refusing Frank's offer, hoping to ride it out until the anticipated legalization of alcohol production. This refusal irks Frank, who makes himself a constant, harassing presence in the town, targeting Son and his fellow moonshiners. But when the moonshiners fight back, Frank finds himself outmatched and outnumbered. Desperate, he brings in reinforcements: Dr. Emmett Taulbee, a crooked city doctor, and his hired gunman, Dual Metters. Yet, even with these menacing figures by his side, Frank fails to intimidate the resilient moonshiners. In this tense atmosphere, the local Sheriff Baylor, who enjoys the occasional taste of the homemade brew, maintains a friendly stance towards the moonshiners. Exasperated by the situation, Dr. Taulbee calls upon his gangster allies from the East, who arrive in town, bristling with weapons. Frank, despite his corrupt intentions, is a federal agent who cannot sanction murder. He urges Taulbee and his gangster allies to avoid bloodshed, targeting only the moonshine stills. However, chaos ensues when the gangsters murder the sheriff and his deputy. When Frank protests these killings, Taulbee dismisses him, refusing to share any profits and forcing Frank out of town. Taulbee's greed leads him to Son's farm, home to the largest cache of moonshine, worth a fortune. Anticipating this, Son and his employee Aaron fortify the farm with barbed wire, booby traps, and firing positions, ready to mount a spirited defense. Meanwhile, Frank is filled with guilt and second thoughts about his actions. Letting his conscience guide him, he decides to return and aid Son in repelling Taulbee's gang, setting the stage for a showdown that will determine the fate of the moonshine kingdom.

The Moonshine War is a comedy movie featuring Patrick McGoohan.

The Moonshine War is currently streaming on DIRECTV.