It was a close parallel to John Wayne's last film "The Shootist" in many ways.
I was enamored with the language.
I grew up in a era of great cussers and hard boiled language. My wife said it sounded like me. I was particularly taken with the similarity of language approach towards each other, it sounded like E Texas.
Yes that was an M-1. Don't go/ or, no go thinking of the guns.
I don't know that I ever considered Eastwood as a particularly Good actor. I think his films are close too home and good in spite of his lack of acting ability.
There are some very good actors today, male and female. Story lines are a tumble. They are what are fundable. There are some very good storylines out there that are well done but are not popular because of the watching demands of the public.
Blessings