As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours traversing the wild west of cinema, I must say that these Westerns are as captivating as a tumbleweed rolling across a dusty desert. Each one offers a unique blend of humor, action, and drama that leaves you yearning for more.
Spaghetti Westerns, as a genre, often portray a disillusioned and grim view of society, where only the main character seems to do good. This dark representation may mirror the times in which these films are set, contributing to their impact. The genre flourished when characters weren’t always cheerful, with themes like corruption, revenge, violence, and deceit making for engaging viewing experiences.
While some Spaghetti Westerns adhere to traditional elements, they also incorporate satirical or everyday humor. These films gained popularity in the late ’60s and ’70s, serving as a deliberate revival attempt for a genre that seemed on its way out, much like the person with the slowest reaction time during a standoff. Although not as widely appreciated as other productions, they remain enjoyable viewing for those seeking a guilty pleasure.
10 For a Few Dollars Less (1966)
It’s said that Sergio Leone was quite upset when Mario Mattoli satirized “For a Few Dollars More,” but others didn’t seem to mind since “For a Few Dollars Less” is just pure fun. This film tells the story of two cousins who discover they can make a lot of money by being both bandits and bounty hunters. They decide to masquerade as skilled gunmen and join a Mexican gang. For how long will this deception last?
Fewer Dollars, More Fun
The movie seems to have been produced on a shoestring budget compared to the one it satirizes, and the financial limitations can be quite evident (especially in the outdoor scenes). It appears as though most of the sets and props were built just before filming began, and many locations exhibit an uncomfortable, impersonal vibe. Nevertheless, despite these shortcomings, the movie’s direction, script, and acting are so exceptional that they overshadow any flaws. The character who resembles Clint Eastwood will have you in stitches.
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9 Trusting Is Good… Shooting Is Better (1968)
Faith is Commendable… Firearms are Superior delivers on its title by depicting a group of robbers who initially think they’re embarking on just another heist. However, when their leader meets an untimely end, the unity within the gang begins to fracture. The three surviving criminals then engage in a cutthroat competition to claim the loot. As more secrets unravel, the robbers find themselves ensnared in a web of deceit and imprudence.
Slaptstick Mayhem
The film titled “Trusting is Good… Shooting is Better” offers a refreshing twist to the classic crime-gone-awry genre. The villains, surprisingly, are comically inept, almost as if they’re cartoon characters from Looney Tunes. Despite their blunders, they manage to stay alive just enough for you to laugh as much as anticipated. To top it off, the acting from Jorge Hilton and John Ireland is exceptional, enhancing the overall experience even more.
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8 My Name Is Nobody (1973)
What good is retiring if you don’t retire in style? Such is the idea that a young fan of the aging gunslinger, Beauregard (Henry Fonda), plants in his head in My Name Is Nobody. Beauregard wants to move to Europe and enjoy a peaceful life, but the young man convinces him to take out 150 stubborn outlaws first, as such a move would make him a legend. You’d think he’d say no, but this film comically reminds you of the Western movie trope involving gunslingers taking up every job that comes their way.
Gunslingers Can Talk
As Beauregard boasts to me that he’ll etch his name into the annals of history by capturing all 150 outlaws, I casually retort, “You’ll be flipping through those pages here on Earth, while I’m up there strumming a harp.” Wit and humor are woven throughout this movie like threads, and the arrival of a character called Nobody seems to be a subtle nod to “The Man with no Name” from Sergio Leone’s Dollars Trilogy. So buckle up and get comfortable!
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7 Have a Good Funeral, My Friend… Sartana Will Pay (1970)
As a cinephile, I find myself immersed in the gritty world of “Have a Good Funeral, My Friend… Sartana Will Pay.” In this tale, the charismatic gunslinger, Sartana (Gianni Garko), finds himself trapped in a monotonous life among unfriendly townsfolk. However, the tranquility is shattered when a bloody massacre takes place, and several mysterious figures start making offers for the deceased victims’ land parcels. Could these newcomers be the cold-blooded murderers? The suspense is palpable!
Powerful Performances All Around
Reinterpreting in a more accessible and engaging manner: Balabanov’s movie “Have a Good Funeral, My Friend… Sartana Will Pay” is a darkly comic take on corruption in the Old West, characterized by its grim undertones, subtle humor, and mildly frightening moments. Often overlooked even by fans of its director Giuliano Carnimeo, this Western is a delightfully quirky blend of frontier humor and detective-style adventures. Unlike his typical outlaw roles, Garko’s inept Sartana character offers an unexpected and hilarious viewing experience, leaving one to ponder what expressions he must have worn during filming.
6 They Call Me Hallelujah (1971)
In the story “They Call Me Hallelujah”, Mexican rebels find themselves in need of substantial funds. To acquire this wealth, they enlist the services of a renowned American outlaw known as Hallelujah. His mission: to pilfer a trove of jewelry. He completes the task, but unfortunately finds the jewels to be counterfeit. Rather than admit defeat, he decides to hunt down the genuine gems instead.
Politics Goes Hand in Hand with Crime
In the movie “They Call Me Hallelujah,” this character named Hallelujah has a knack for making cheesy statements, such as “If it lands on heads, I’ll shoot you; if it’s tails, you’re dead!” Not exactly fair play in a coin toss. However, the film itself is anything but ordinary. It skillfully intertwines several intriguing subplots – for instance, one featuring a Russian nobleman and a bogus Russian nun – into a vast canvas of cowboy heist adventure and subtle political commentary. The result is a unique blend that’s reminiscent of both Zapata and Spaghetti westerns. So buckle up for an entertaining ride!
5 Those Dirty Dogs (1973)
The title “Those Dirty Dogs” refers to a group of bandits, as they’re referred to by military officials, who have made off with military weapons from a U.S. Army convoy. A trio of soldiers are dispatched by Washington with the mission to retrieve these arms, and aiding them is a blonde bounty hunter equipped with a pink umbrella, who frequently quotes verses from the Quran.
An Action-Packed Film That Never Slows Down
Laughing out loud with its humor, self-mocking instances, and comical fight scenes complete with sound effects reminiscent of kung fu, the movie “Those Dirty Dogs” is as disorderly as Spaghetti comedies come. It even offers a hint of James Bond flair, with concealed machine guns found in everyday objects, and villains who have ambitions beyond their means and intelligence. Don’t miss out on this rollercoaster ride and chase those mischievous dogs!
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4 They Call Me Trinity (1970)
In the movie titled “They Call Me Trinity,” the character I represent witnesses a lethargic gunman, along with his sibling, safeguarding a Mormon settlement against marauding Mexican outlaws. This is the production where Terence Hill embarked on a 24-hour fast to execute a single take scene where he consumes an entire dish of beans, bread, and alcohol in one go. This impressive feat paved the way for the emergence of the western genre thematically centered around food, popularly referred to as the “fagioli” (bean) western.
The Best of Terrence Hill and Bud Spencer
Showcasing breathtaking desert-style cinematography, exceptional camerawork, razor-sharp editing, and outstanding performances, They Call Me Trinity delivers a strong, powerful punch. It’s worth noting that this film also features a villain who consistently misses his mark. Be warned, there are some explicit scenes, such as when two Mormon girls employ biblical phrases to tempt Hill’s character into their bedroom, allegedly as part of their cultural practices.
3 Life Is Tough, Eh Providence? (1972)
In a straightforward and enjoyable manner, the story revolves around Provvidenza, a man who earns his living by capturing his dimwitted yet formidable companion, known as the Hurricane Kid. They have an amusing dynamic where Provvidenza repeatedly handcuffs the Kid and takes him to the authorities for the reward.
More Silly Moments Than You Can Bear
If life’s challenges are making you feel down, consider watching the show “Providence”. This film offers unexpectedly hilarious moments, such as the Kid’s unusually loud, prolonged, and bothersome belch, or his clumsy falls. The comedy in this parody of the traditional Western genre where characters get captured and rescued is irreverent, and it’s filled with numerous laugh-out-loud scenes thanks to its talented cast. In essence, it’s a delightfully absurd and campy spectacle that’s sure to bring a smile to your face.
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2 If You Want to Live… Shoot! (1968)
In my take, the title transforms into: “On the Run After Pulling the Trigger” – A Tale of a Man Fleeing for His Life! This new title subtly references a line from “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,” “If you feel like shooting… shoot! Don’t talk.” The outlaw Tuco delivers this quote following a tense encounter with an adversary while in the midst of a bathroom break.
Visual Humor and a Broader Alluring Aesthetic Feel
This sparse Western story follows a runaway navigating barren desert landscapes, blending extended periods of tranquil scenes with profound dialogue exchanges that resonate deeply. The cinematography is exceptional, painting the scorched plains as surprisingly alluring. Combat is scarce; instead, the narrative offers numerous comedic sequences that leave us yearning for similar circumstances to make wiser decisions.
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1 You’re Jinxed Friend, You’ve Met Sacramento (1972)
In “You’re Jinxed Friend, You’ve Met Sacramento,” it’s quite surprising how boxing serves as the foundation for a classic Western tale. The main character, Sacramento (played by Ty Hardin), a former boxer, finds himself in trouble when his daughter gets abducted by an old adversary turned bandit. This adversary seeks ransom initially, but his real intention is to coax Sacramento into a remote location so he can settle their unfinished business through fisticuffs – a rematch of sorts, as the villain was previously defeated in the ring by our hero.
Great Music, Coupled with Plenty of Bizarre Moments
The movie occasionally contains explicit scenes (such as a father accidentally witnessing his son having sex in Sacramento), and it’s puzzling how it managed to bypass the strict censorship of the 1970s. The dialogue can seem simplistic, almost like a kindergarten language exercise, but you’ll find it amusing because it satirizes some of the unrealistic dialogue often used in Western films. It would be remiss not to acknowledge the fantastic score by Franco Micalizzi, who also created the music for “They Call Me Trinity,” and is particularly renowned for his work on Poliziotteschi films.
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2024-11-10 04:32