Rarely has such a star-studded cast and crew been so wasted as in this deeply-flawed quasi-historical account of the career of the Mexican bandit-patriot Pancho Villa. Yul Brynner is woefully miscast in the lead, Robert Mitchum sleepwalks his way through the film (as usual). Only Charles Bronson contributes any punch or power to the film (no, Herbert Lom is also fine as the corrupt and vicious General Huerta). I understand that Sam Pekinpah, who wrote the original screenplay and was replaced at the urging of star Brynner, disavowed any responsibility for what resulted, as did the writer Robert Towne, who replaced him. A sad mess.
Review of Villa Rides
