This is a very different sort of so-called 'Spaghetti Western'. First, unlike most, it's not filmed in Spain but in Mexico. Second, it really isn't nearly as violent as the norm and is much more story and character-driven. It lacks the stylistic violence you'd expect in such a film. Third, it's set in the 18th century--about a hundred years before the usual western film--though at times, it looks much more 19th century than it should (such as the types of weapons and their accuracy as well as the clothing in some scenes). It's also apparently a French-Italian-Mexican co-production! But, on the other hand, it does have music from Ennio Morricone and looks like an Italian-made western. And, like many of these films it has a couple Americans in the leads (Anthony Quinn and Charles Bronson). So it's kind of a Spaghetti Western and kind of not one at the same time.
The film begins with Quinn playing a bandit who is trying to escape from the Spanish army. He rushes to a church to claim sanctuary and it is granted by the local Father (Sam Jaffe). But Jaffe's superiors are not at all pleased about this and banish him to the hellish desert town of San Sebastian. Quinn escorts him there and the place is deserted. Shortly after arriving, a bandit murders Jaffe and the people (all hiding in the hills due to repeated Yaqui Indian raids) think Quinn is their new priest. Quinn is not at all interested in the role but reluctantly is guilted into at least pretending to be one for now. He does a lot to help the town and actually, at times, tries to promote peace--and WHY he did all this, since he's an atheist bandit, is totally unclear. Additionally, when the devoted townspeople quickly turn on him, you can't help but think the writing could have been better. People change too quickly and without clear motivations. Despite these serious shortcomings in the script, you can't help but wonder how Quinn will help these people--especially since one of their 'friends' is actually in league with the Yaqui marauders. Plus, you wonder what will become of this bandit by the end of the film.
Despite the film's many shortcomings, it does entertain. While you could pick apart the various problems with the movie, overall it's pretty good. Quinn is his usual excellent self while Bronson is mostly wasted. And as for action, the final portion of the film is pretty exciting.
The film begins with Quinn playing a bandit who is trying to escape from the Spanish army. He rushes to a church to claim sanctuary and it is granted by the local Father (Sam Jaffe). But Jaffe's superiors are not at all pleased about this and banish him to the hellish desert town of San Sebastian. Quinn escorts him there and the place is deserted. Shortly after arriving, a bandit murders Jaffe and the people (all hiding in the hills due to repeated Yaqui Indian raids) think Quinn is their new priest. Quinn is not at all interested in the role but reluctantly is guilted into at least pretending to be one for now. He does a lot to help the town and actually, at times, tries to promote peace--and WHY he did all this, since he's an atheist bandit, is totally unclear. Additionally, when the devoted townspeople quickly turn on him, you can't help but think the writing could have been better. People change too quickly and without clear motivations. Despite these serious shortcomings in the script, you can't help but wonder how Quinn will help these people--especially since one of their 'friends' is actually in league with the Yaqui marauders. Plus, you wonder what will become of this bandit by the end of the film.
Despite the film's many shortcomings, it does entertain. While you could pick apart the various problems with the movie, overall it's pretty good. Quinn is his usual excellent self while Bronson is mostly wasted. And as for action, the final portion of the film is pretty exciting.