Dean Martin liked making Westerns, and he made some that were quite good -- "Rio Bravo" (of course), "The Sons Of Katie Elder", and "Five Card Stud". And then there were a couple that were ringers, and I always felt this was one of those. So, it was interesting to watch it again after not seeing it for quite a while...and after reading several of the reviews here. I still don't think it's a great film -- and I say that as a huge Dino fan. But looking at it for the spoof that it is, it is quite a funny Western that tackles most of the stereotypical things you see in Westerns.
One thing we have to get out of the way from the start is that this film isn't politically correct. It makes a mockery of Indians (who, of course, are played by Whites in makeup). But it also makes fun of Texans, and Europeans, and the "town folk", and the military, and...well, just about anybody in the plot. And I guess that's the strength of the film. I imagine real Native Americans would appreciate that it wasn't Indians playing Indians here!
As to plot...well, it's a cute idea, and the film has its moments...but not 101 minutes of memorable moments. Maybe a little stronger editing would have helped.
In terms of performances, Dean Martin plays...Dean Martin...which is pretty much always enjoyable. Alain Delon plays the European, and does nicely. Rosemary Forsyth is fine as Dean's love interest. Joey Bishop is rather funny as the deadpan Kronk the Indian. Peter Graves has a thankless job as a military captain. It's always nice to see Michael Ansara as the Indian chief...though he is actually from Syria. Tina Aumont is rather flat as the Indian girl.
It's reasonably funny, sometimes actually clever. You just have to watch it in the right context.
One thing we have to get out of the way from the start is that this film isn't politically correct. It makes a mockery of Indians (who, of course, are played by Whites in makeup). But it also makes fun of Texans, and Europeans, and the "town folk", and the military, and...well, just about anybody in the plot. And I guess that's the strength of the film. I imagine real Native Americans would appreciate that it wasn't Indians playing Indians here!
As to plot...well, it's a cute idea, and the film has its moments...but not 101 minutes of memorable moments. Maybe a little stronger editing would have helped.
In terms of performances, Dean Martin plays...Dean Martin...which is pretty much always enjoyable. Alain Delon plays the European, and does nicely. Rosemary Forsyth is fine as Dean's love interest. Joey Bishop is rather funny as the deadpan Kronk the Indian. Peter Graves has a thankless job as a military captain. It's always nice to see Michael Ansara as the Indian chief...though he is actually from Syria. Tina Aumont is rather flat as the Indian girl.
It's reasonably funny, sometimes actually clever. You just have to watch it in the right context.