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Although scarcely seen in its original 3-D, and entirely out of sight for a decade and a half after its producer-star died, Hondo has maintained a high rep among John Wayne fans--and it wasn't even directed by Howard Hawks or John Ford. (Actually, Ford did shoot some second-unit stuff while visiting Wayne on location.) Half-breed Hondo, companioned only by an antisocial dog, tends to be more sympathetic toward the Apaches than toward the white society he occasionally scouts for. He falls into uneasy friendship with a New Mexico farmwoman (Geraldine Page) whose husband deserts her for long stretches, and whose son (Lee Aaker) is blood brother to the local Apache chieftain. A good, spare frontier tale--Louis L'Amour via James Edward (Angel and the Badman) Grant--in which danger and solace come in unexpected ways. John Farrow, who did direct, brings it in at a lean 84 minutes. Page was Oscar^®-nominated for this first film role. --Richard T. Jameson ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Even John Wayne can't save this movie
Hondo has all the makings of a fine movie....great actors and an interesting story line. Unfortunately, it falls short. John Wayne gives a good performance as Hondo Lane, a half-breed Apache turned gunfighter turned Army dispatch rider. However, director John Farrow should have been tortured by the Apaches for turning what could have been a great film into little more than a typical western movie matinee. The scenes are choppy and a couple leave you wondering why they weren't left on the editing floor. Also typical western movie flaws -- John Wayne carrying a 94 Winchester lever action more than twenty years before it was introduced, people setting up horse and cattle ranches on land that could barely support a few goats, Indians patiently waiting for the settlers to circle their wagons and then riding around them like targets at a shooting gallery, and the inside of Geraldine Page's cabin looking like a photo spread from Ladies Home Journal. And speaking of neatness (as one other reader's review accurately pointed out), everything looks too clean. Only actor Ward Bond as Buffalo Baker looked the part. Comments on accuracy aside, this movie gets only two stars for three reasons - bad direction, bad direction, bad direction!

An effective western.
Based on a Louis L'Armour novel this movie contains a pretty standard western plot: a frontier scout risks his life during an Indian uprising. It is notable for the fact this is one of those John Wayne films that is rarely shown on TV, and only became available on video four or five years ago. It also is a western that marks the development of a more sympathetic attitude towards the American Indians by Hollywood. Make no mistake the Duke and the cavalry are presented as the good guys; but their opponents, the Apaches, fight because the whites broke the treaty. The Apache leader,Victorio, mourns the loss of his sons killed by whites, and even Duke's Hondo remarks that the Apache way is a "good way of life."

I have to agree with an earlier review that the direction is a little spotty. The screen sometimes blacks out between scenes which gives the impression that the film is about to go into a commericial break! However, the action scenes are fantastic especially the Duke's barroom brawl, the blood-right duel, and the thrilling chase from the Apaches. The ending, though, is cliched with the settlers circling their wagons and the Apaches obligingly riding around them just begging to be shot. Overall, this is a very entertaining, and fast-paced western.

John Wayne's forgotten western classic
This exciting and colorful 3D film was released over 50 years ago and remains an enjoyable action adventure today. With its distinctive peppermint-striped titles, "Hondo" is John Wayne's film and he is the title character who rides out of the desert to come to the aid of a young woman and her boy at their isolated ranch against the backdrop of Apache smoke signals and war drums. Hondo Lane is drawn to the plain yet steely Angie Lowe who is also interested in the dusty stranger but refuses to leave her ranch, instead choosing to wait for her ne'er-do-well husband who has abandoned them to their fate in Apache land. The film has a matter-of-fact approach in the relationship between Lane and Angie, and although there is tension between them in the beginning, Angie is convinced of the stranger's sincerity and is keenly aware that Johnny enjoys the man's presence on their ranch. Johnny's character is a key part of the film's plot as both Lane and Apache leader Vittorio seek to guide him towards manhood with the values of their very different social mores. The Apaches are presented as a fierce but proud people, as personified by Vittorio, who adopts Johnny as a blood brother because of the bravery and courage he displays in protecting his mother from the menacing sub-chief Silva. The battle scenes are exciting and colorful, with the blue and yellow cavalry colors contrasting with the dusty, brown-skinned calico-shirted warriors mounted on all manner of striking ponies against bright blue skies and thick, fluffy clouds. The sound effects during the battles, of whistling bullets and whizzing arrows striking their targets, are realistic and superb. The movie was filmed in Camargo, Mexico, an arid desert country studded with isolated, cone-shaped mesas, and the music score has a heroic quality that smoothly underscores the action sequences.

Hondo Rules
As the great Al Bundy said "Your life is meaningless compared to Hondo"

Great flick...but this is a flat print of a 3-D movie
HONDO is an excellent western, featuring terrific performances by Wayne and Geraldine Page. The VHS release in welcome, but the film is compromised a bit here since it is robbed of the original stereoscopic 3-D presentation. It is one of the better 3-D movies (in fact, the only one to win an Oscar (G.Page).

Don't confuse the awful red/blue 3-D TV showings in the early 90's with the original polarized (clear glasses) 3-D...it isn't the same thing at all and the TV version looked nothing like the original 3-D did.

Try to catch this one at a 3-D revival sometime, to experience the movie as intended. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

this is Elvis Presley at his best and with the best
i've seen all Elvis's movies, but Flaming Star is the one film whereby his talent as an actor in a dramatic role comes forth highly convincing on the screen. John McIntyre and Delores Del Rio; superbly cast as parents of two brothers who through racial conflict pull apart, then rejoin to save the life of the other. A classic western with Steve Forrest at his best and Barbara Eden in a role you can't easily forget. Too many great actors to mention here. This movie, which I do hope will be on DVD, is not shown enough on t.v. movie networks and i believe has never received the recognition it so deserves. Elvis should have won an academy award for his portrayal as Pacer. to me, there is no other Elvis movie but Flaming Star. Get your hankies out girls; toward the end of the film, when Pacer (Elvis) rides into the hills in search of the "Flaming Star".

How much violence does it take to screw up a movie?
Parents: this film was rated from the parental rating: Objectionable for children.

Elvis Presley stars in this almost gory film. Which takes Elvis into Western movies.

Elvis Preseley plays an indian in Flaming Star. His character name is Pacer Burton.

His mother (Dolores Del Rio) is killed by a white man (Douglas Dick).

And leaves home. This is not one of Elvis best movies. I am a big Elvis Presley fan.

I have seen a lot of better movies that Elvis Presley was in. Like Jailhouse Rock. He tries to prove that he can do a lot more than singing.

And in a lot of movies, he sings. But I don't see how any Elvis Presley fan whould enjoy this movie.

I'm giving this movie 2 stars for one reason. A. He doesn't sing very much in this movie. There are two songs in this movie (and none are sung after the first 10 minutes).

He ties his brother (Steve Forrest) to a horse and joins other indians.

This movie was oringally written for Marlon Brando. And dropped out of the movie and Elvis takes his place.

I might have given this movie more than two stars if more songs was added. If Elvis wasn't suppose to sing in this movie the songs should have been cut.

this is Elvis Presley at his best and with the best
i've seen all Elvis's movies, but Flaming Star is the one film whereby his talent as an actor in a dramatic role comes forth highly convincing on the screen. John McIntyre and Delores Del Rio; superbly cast as parents of two brothers who through racial conflict pull apart, then rejoin to save the life of the other. A classic western with Steve Forrest at his best and Barbara Eden in a role you can't easily forget. Too many great actors to mention here. This movie, which I do hope will be on DVD, is not shown enough on t.v. movie networks and i believe has never received the recognition it so deserves. Elvis should have won an academy award for his portrayal as Pacer. to me, there is no other Elvis movie but Flaming Star. Get your hankies out girls; toward the end of the film, when Pacer (Elvis) rides into the hills in search of the "Flaming Star".

A Good Movie
Barbara Eden is Great in the movie playing Steve Forrest's character's girlfriend.Elvis sings the theme song and in the square dance scene he sings a song though he doesn't sing any other songs after that.The movie is a western drama and a good movie.Dolores Del Rio is in the movie also.Directed by one of the best directors Don Seigel who directed Clint Eastwood.The DVD has the original movie commercial.

A billion, trillion stars!
For the star to end all stars, Elvis, this movie is greatness among a movie career that's, well, not so great. Finally on DVD, with beautiful picture quality, I adore this movie. There is no cheese here.
This is not chock full of songs, this is not a musical, and the few musical numbers here are well-done and in context. You don't get a cheesy 1960's sounding song in this 19th century western, the songs actually sound like they belong. Again I must stress, there are only a few songs and they don't take anything away from, rather they add TO the film. That man could sing, but surprise surprise, he could also act.
He is a halfbreed. Part white, part Native American. Constantly he is torn between loyalties, but moreso from this deep desire to remain fair to all in his life. The scenes of tenderness are of the utmost affection, and the scenes of violence express the real anguish of such a life. I'm not exaggerating when I say that sometimes when I watch this movie I feel as if I'm spying on a 19th century scene, it's that convincing, friends.
There is such a magical quality about this movie. It's so different from anything Elvis had done before or since that it almost seems like he would have done the film for free...he loves what he's doing and puts his soul into it.
Note that Col. Parker scoffed at the idea of "his boy" Elvis doing a "political" film like this. The Colonel was not one who liked to stir the pot too much when he felt the mixture was just right. This is one of few occasions where Elvis went ahead and did what he thought was the right project. If anyone is curious, check into the numerous films that were offered to Elvis and refused by the Colonel. Least of which was the now legendary 1968 'Comeback' Special in which Elvis both re-invents and re-establishes his throne as the King of Rock and Roll. The Colonel wanted the 1968 special to be a cheesy xmas show with Elvis in a tuxedo singing to snowmen and Santa (which would have probably been the colonel in a red suit). What a disaster and a loss that would have been.
Anyway - Elvis shines like the bright star he is in Flaming Star. Absolutely terrific, wonderful movie that I can't say enough good things about. I have not one complaint except that there weren't more cast from this dye. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Exciting western with impressive cast
Rio Conchos is a very good western with violence that is still a bit startling when you see it today, much less in 1964. A wagon train carrying 2,000 new repeating rifles has been stolen causing the army to worry where they went. Two soldiers team up with a drunken ex-Confederate officer and a bandit to track down the missing guns. While searching, they discover a Confederate officer, Colonel Theron Pardee, who is trying to start the Civil War all over again by giving Apache warriors the new repeating rifles. The small group must try and stop him as they battle Mexican bandits, Apache warriors, and even themselves. Rio Conchos is a grim western with a very realistic tone. The violence seems out of place for the time, but it is still very effective, most notably in the torture scene towards the end. Jerry Goldsmith turns in another excellent score, sometimes reminiscent of Bandolero. For an enjoyable yet dark western, check out Rio Conchos.

Richard Boone gives an excellent performance as Jim Lassiter, the ex-Confederate officer who joins up with the army. At the same time, Lassiter is dealing with the death of his family at the hands of the Apaches. Stuart Whitman is also very good as army Captain Haven, the leader of the small bunch. Anthony Franciosa stars as Rodriguez, the bandit who joins Lassiter and Haven. In his first movie since leaving football, Jim Brown plays Sgt. Franklyn, Haven's right hand man. Edmond O'Brien stars as Colonel Pardee, who hopes to begin the Civil War again. The movie also stars Wende Wagner, Rodolfo Acosta, Vito Scotti, and Kevin Hagen. The VHS is in pan-n-scan so it isn't of the best quality. This movie begs for a DVD widescreen release. For an excellent western with a very good cast, check out Rio Conchos!

Apocalypse Now south of the border
Rio Conchos is a very action filled outing very similar to 2 other films but good in its own right. It stars Richard Boone and Tony Franciosa as 2 renegades who team with 2 soldiers played by Stuart Whitman and Jim Brown in his debut to track down an ex-Rebel Colonel played by Edmond O'brien. He is trying to reestablish the confederacy in Mexico using stolen rifles and Apaches as his new troops. The Jerry Goldsmith score is superb and the action is constant. The film is much like Whitman's earlier effort The Comancheros with John Wayne, and has some noticeable parallels to 1979 Vietnam movie Apocalypse Now. The journey upriver, the renegade Colonel using native troops,etc. all predate Coppola's effort. After a recent viewing I speculated if screenwriter John Milius may have been influenced by this film. A definite favorite of mine and one of the most rugged westerns of the 1960's.

One of the best Western's ever - fast paced, tight and tense
Ranks with 'True Grit' as one of my favorite Westerns. Richard Bonne at his grizzled, onery best. Tony Franciosa is also memorable as Major Lassiter's (Boone) cutthroat Mexican sidekick. This movie has it all, cavalry, apaches, banditos, confederate renegades, stolen repeating rifles - hard core all the way. Jim Brown's movie debut as the loyal, strong, silent, US Cavalry Sergeant. Quite violent and ruthless for a 1964 movie. Jerry Goldsmith's accompanying musical score is also excellent.

Great western entertainment.
Stuart Whitman, Richard Boone, Jim Brown and Anthony Franciosa are well cast in this tough western tale. Edmund O'Brien is also a stand out. Don't miss it. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

James Earl Jones at his finest....
This is a remarkable and forceful film, well written and directed. Jones shows a physical prowess that does not come through in any other film I have seen him in and carries the role with a natural grace. Sharply exposing the prejudice of the time, it is also unfliching in the portrait of a man brought to ruin by the forces around him, with not a little assistance from his own feeling of being untouchable. Highly recommended.

tight film
this Movie for it's time frame was Ground-Breaking.in 1971 to be doing a Movie with a Black Actor&White Female Lead was Big.well sorry to say it still is in 2001.James Earl Jones was Good as Jack Johnson.but I'd dig a New up-dated take on it.anyway The Soundtrack was a Knock-Out.Miles Davis&His Band went the full 15 Rounds.this Film has a Cool Pace&isn't like many other films for that Reason alone.It's History seldom mentioned.

Riveting early performances by two great actors
I saw this movie when it first came out in the theatres in 1970. It may not be quite as powerful today as it was then, but it is definitely worth seeing for the performances by Jones and Alexander, two of the finest actors in America.

Definitely Worth Seeing
This movie (which claims to be based on true events) compellingly deals with the struggle of America's first black heavyweight boxing champion against racism (both black and white).

Far from being pointless, the movie (adapted from a successful stage play) realistically presents the outrageous way this man is treated for having the "audacity" to win the heavyweight championship from a white man, have a relationship with a white woman, and openly celebrate both of these facts. He is shamelessly persecuted by the governement (using obscure laws never intended for the purpose) and disowned by some in the black community for being a "traitor" to his own race and a bad role model to young blacks who admire him.

The acting is superb, and the story (set in the early 20th century) takes on an added dimension when one considers how closely it parallels the events of the year it was released (1970 - a time when Muhammed Ali had been deprived of the right to box for several of his best years due to his refusal to be drafted into the U.S. armed forces; many have argued the real reason for this was that he scared and outraged some white Americans, being a vocal, opinionated black man who embraced the teachings and religion of Malcom X). there are a number of people who have seen this relatively obscure movie and who think very highly of it.

AWFUL
This was an awful movie that had no point and was extremely boring. Don't see it! unless its just to make noise in the background while you do something thats going to be worth ur time. i hate it i hate it i hate it! note: it doesnt even derseve one star! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

marcus
good movie, not great. interesting action scenes however a little too pyschologically bent. The jazz score although well played, is out of place. You'll recognize many vetran western actors such as Paul Fix, David Carradine, Jack Kelly, and John Anderson ... Read more

Reviews (49)

A True Masterpiece
This is true spellbinding stuff. A Great story, depicting the sad tale of "Rio" (Marlon Brando) and his quest to get even with the evil Dad Longworth (Karl Maldon) for the betrayal of some stolen lute, friendship and trust. The one an only film directed by Marlon Brando, is a film of epic proportions, that twists and turns until you feel eventual sympathy with the "Rio" character, after all the nastiness of the ill fated outlaw he once was. Excellently shot using panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop, a stirring film score, taught direction, A moody and magnificent Marlon Brando, The sultry Pina Pellicer, (who sadly died shortly after the film) A rousing story...and I just love the script, This film has it all. A follow up would have been super, but alas it wasn't to be. So sit back and enjoy "One Eyed Jacks", and don't let the critic books put you off. So go on! Make that saturday night special watch this movie now!

HORRENDOUS DVD QUALITY
I bought this 2003 Westlake Entertainment Group release of One-Eyed Jacks thinking that because of the price, it was the best version of the movie available on DVD. If it is, I'm disgusted. It is not in widescreen and the image is not sharp, much less crisp. I paid about $14.95 for this disc. To my great disappointment it's a horrible transfer. And I don't think I'm being picky. Granted, it is only my opinion, but I was not satisfied with the quality at all. I'm going to wait for the studio that made the film to eventually (hopefully) release a more acceptable version. I give this DVD version one star because zero stars is not an option.

terrific directorial debut
Brando fine as director. He does excellent turn as the Rio
character in the film. Malden, as usual, top notch as menacing heavy. Beautifully photographed. It's too bad Brando didn't direct a few more films.

A Great Movie - Really A Greek Tragedy Set in the West
Based on Charles Neider's Novel,"The Authentic Life of Hendrick Jones", this is truly the finest Western you will ever see. It even surpasses "Shane" and that is a true compliment,indeed. Beautiful scenery, an absolutely intrigueing story with many unexpected turns that will hold you to your seat. As for Brando and a marvelous supporting cast,Karden Malden,Pina Pellicer,Ben Johnson,a fabulous performance by Katy Jurado, and others,see it, you will love it. Not often mentioned in reviews is the wonderful theme song by Hugo Friedhoffer as background music.Absolutely a MUST SEE-to be chewed and digested.

Don't buy the Madacy DVD
As many reviewers have noted, the video quality is terrible in many editions. I have only experienced the Madacy edition -- that's the one where the cover has the original poster, surrounded by a white outline and the actors' names below -- and it's terrible. I will be sticking with my laser disk until (or if) Paramount releases a studio version. My two star rating is therefore an average of a "zero" for the technical quality of the Madacy DVD and a "four" for the movie itself (which features some of the most memorable dialog ever in a western, which I understand was in no small part due to Ben Johnson -- Brando would ask him, "Ben, what's a better way to say that?" and Johnson would come up with some wonderfully colorful expression like "I hear there's dirt between ya" or "Don't be doin' her like that"). So pray for a studio edition, as this movie certainly deserves first class treatement. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Burt Reynolds close to his peak
Run Simon Run is a forgotten gem of a movie that will appeal to all lovers of early 1970's movies dealing with issues of Native Americans in a sympathetic manner. So if you liked movies like Soldier Blue, Born Losers, Billy Jack, Little Big Man and the like, then Run Simon Run needs to be in your collection. Burt Reynolds plays a Papago Indian who, wrongfully convicted for murder, returns to his corrupt, racist town to track down who really murdered his brother. On every level of expectation, this movie delivers with a great, authentic sense of locale and tense, frustrating and satisfying moments. It's somewhat amazing to think how this great film has been allowed to lapse in our collective memory. For Burt Reynolds or Deliverance fans, this movie will also deliver in that it showcases Burt in an earlier intense and thoughtful role - reaching the height of his powers before he began to blow it all away in self-parody in the late-1970s. If you love movies along the lines of Macon County Line, First Blood, Walking Tall..., this one's for you as well. Those who remember it have fond memories of an exciting and progressive time in pop culture. Those who don't know it will be pleasantly surprised. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

marcus
good movie, not great. interesting action scenes however a little too pyschologically bent. The jazz score although well played, is out of place. You'll recognize many vetran western actors such as Paul Fix, David Carradine, Jack Kelly, and John Anderson ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Good but not great sequel
Return of the Magnificent Seven is a good sequel that picks up ten years after the first one ended. The story follows Chris, the gunman in black, who is trying to free Chico, from the original seven, from a bandit who has kidnapped the men from several small villages. Joining Chris is another group that he puts together to help him free his old friend, Chico. This is an exciting movie that examines several questions about the Old West. What if ten years after it happened these men are beginning to think if they have accomplished anything or what is their value? The movie poses this question as the seven ride to Chico's rescue.

The only returning star from the original is Yul Brynner who takes the role of Chris again and plays it to perfection. Robert Fuller takes the role of Vin, previously played by Steve McQueen. This movie could have been much better with McQueen in the role. Other members of the Seven include Warren Oates, Claude Akins, Julian Mateos, Virgilio Texiera, and Jordan Christopher. Also starring are Emilio Fernandez, Elisa Montes, and Fernando Rey. Part of the problem with this sequel is that the characters are not as likable as those in the original. The film is still very good, but just doesn't reach the same level of the first one. Elmer Bernstein's music is still one of the greatest movie soundtracks of all-time. The DVD is pretty good with a widescreen presentation and theatrical trailer included. Different tone than the original Magnificent Seven(still a classic) but a good movie nonetheless. Check it out!

MISUNDERSTOOD SEQUEL THAT ENTERTAINS
Yes this one is darker than the first, but I don't think that's a bad thing. It's a very good film if accepted for it's what it is: a great Western. I'm glad they didn't just copy the first but came up with a different and darker approach that really drew me in. I know that the party line has been to dislike this sequel, but man is it great! Some have said on here that there's no character development. Not true! There's plenty of depth here. Not as much humor as the first perhaps, but it's gritty and really entertained this Western fan. Great cast. Great action. Plenty of absorbing character elements that drew me in. Much better than some say it is. I loved every second of this movie.

Brooding and Absorbing Sequel
Scratching deeper beyond the surface one can find RETURN OF THE SEVEN to be significantly different from its predecessor, THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN. It is much more than a thematically framed sequel which it can easily be mistaken for. RETURN OF THE SEVEN is a dark film and it does not offer the hope of a truly optimistic future for any of its characters. In this respect it is a complete inversion of THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN. Through their catharsis in the original we saw an attempt at redemption through an act of nobility on the part of the seven. They truly were noble and I believe were redeemed for their transgressions as gunmen. Some thought they could start their lives over again but inevitably they could not. That film had to end as it did with the seven ultimately all committed to their singular code of ethics and morality in an emotionally charged finale. In this film there is very little emotion on the surface. Instead director Burt Kennedy gives us a thought provoking study into the human psyche and the very nature of defeatism of the human spirit. In this film there are no pretensions on the part of the seven. For most of them this is just another gun job. There are no higher aspirations that they are cognizant of. If it were not this job, it would be the next. To tell his story Burt Kennedy focuses almost entirely on the character of Chris the leader, perfectly portrayed again by Yul Brynner. This is not really a tale of the seven. Instead Kennedy uses Brynner with all his aplomb and apparent stoicism to curiously examine and probe the motivations of the other six, Lorca the villain (pompously played by Mexican director Emilio Fernandez) and several other key characters. In effect Kennedy takes what was apparently a happy or satisfactory ending from THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN and asks what if. What if 10 years later the remaining characters are not so contented as prior events led us to believe they would be? Would friends be willing go up against innumerable odds? Would strangers once again sign on to go up against those same innumerable odds? Do the strong still have to help the weak? And who really are the strong and the weak? When 50 or more marauding vaqueros whisk away Chico (Julian Mateos) and other Mexican farmers from surrounding villages Chris and Vin (Robert Fuller) agree to come to his aid. However it is Chris alone that recruits the members of the "seven" this time out. Kennedy singularly endows Chris a sense of morality and level headedness in this film that comes from his wisdom and manner of nobility. In effect this is Brynner's film all the way. Just as John Sturges' directorial style was so smooth that his own storytelling glossed right over the depth and complexity of his own work so is Burt Kennedy's. However, Kennedy is challenged with a very dark and brooding tale to tell. Where Sturges' THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN could easily have been taken on a purely action film level and still been successful, Kennedy does not have that luxury. Kennedy has to deliver an action film built on previous events and he also has to approach the story from a different perspective to remain fresh yet keep it thematically to the concept of the original "Seven." Not an easy task! If the viewer does not look deeply into this film it may just appear as a well produced 'dud.' However, I believe Kennedy succeeds far beyond expectations the more times I view this film. Again it comes back to Brynner. He makes members of the seven (Vin, Chico and Colbee) all come to realizations about themselves with his subtle yet profound dialogue. He gives Riker and Luis a chance at redemption even though both men come from total opposites of the spectrum. He helps the failed priest rise from his failures "at least as far as his knees." Chris even gives Lorca, the villain a chance to ride out because when Chris was younger he gave him the same chance. However, Chris refuses to let Lorca now bathe his personal grief as an ineffectual father "in other men's blood." Yet even Lorca is literally redeemed by the end of the film. When Petra tells Chris that the farmers will never forget them he simply replies, "That's all a man can ask." That is the mystique and legacy of the "seven." Even the character of Chris is endowed with human flaws. He recklessly took on the young Manuel rounding out the seven "for luck" with tragic results and we see Brynner deeply grieved on the screen. This is a film of hard lessons learned. Technically this is a well-made film. The cinematography is full of crane, dolly and tracking shots, which gives it both perspective and movement. Bernstein's score is full and lush and this is the single cohesive element that keeps the seven together. The set designs are dark, grim and rustic giving the film a pensive psychological depth. The payoff for Brynner and the viewer comes in the final shot. Looking at the farmers rebuilding the village he comments, "I'll be damned." Vin looks at him and responds, "I doubt that. I doubt that very much." They both ride off. They just don't make heroes like that any more.

Great movie!!
This is a favorite along with the first, "The Magnificent Seven". There is a good plot and plenty of action. Both this movie as well as the first one have moral messages. Also both movies are really about the Vietnam War. The Magnificent Seven relaesed in I believe 1960 when our military advisors were in Vietnam. Remember the villagers asked for help from the Americans? The seven trained the villagers just like our forces in Vietnam did. Also the second movie released in 1966, just two years after official combat in Vietnam for our troops. Again strong parallels with the seven against the tyrant bully (North Vietnamese communism) and the seven (America). Who said Hollywood can't disguise a movie and subliminally give a message by the government to help influence us. Again the movie is great and with great performances by Yul Brynner, Robert Fuller Warren Oates, and Claude Akins. Good performnce by Emilio Fernandez as Lorca and Fernando Reyes as the priest, others also. I enjoyed this one better than the first one.

Underated, action crammed sequel!
This film (for almost no reason) was called drab and boring. It is neither. Explosive, exciting action scenes (the last one where they fend off hunreds of outlaws), great backrounds, and a good story is not what I call drab and dull. I don't care if Steve McQueen was absent, in fact I was relieved. He gave a boring, wooden indian performance in the first film (not to mention boring diologe. I did miss Charles Bronsan (who was killed in the first one).

There's almost no dull moments, so go rent it or buy it. It's a good pick for action or western fans. Peace out! ... Read more

Amazon.com

John Wayne recovered from his first bout with cancer to appear in this 1965 film as the brother of Dean Martin, Earl Holliman, and Michael Anderson Jr. All four characters are wandering souls prone to trouble, but after the funeral of their frontier mother, they set out to avenge her death. Directed by Henry Hathaway (Wayne's director on True Grit), the film moves like a conventional, latter-day Western, with good performances from Wayne and Martin, who'd already costarred with the Duke in Howard Hawks's Rio Bravo. Nice support from Dennis Hopper (who had a legendary conflict with Hathaway on this film), Strother Martin, and George Kennedy. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (15)

John Wayne at his very best.
John Wayne always seemed to play the same hard-edged good guy in every Western, but there are enough subtle differences in each character to make each one different and each one enjoyable. The same is the case in this film, THE SONS OF KATIE ELDER.

In addition to John Wayne, classic actors such as Dean Martin, George Kennedy, and Dennis Hopper play key roles that make this movie a classic. Sure the action scenes are exactly what are expected, there are also several moments where you'll find yourself belly laughing! All in all, a classic.

A final note. If you don't fall out of your chair laughing when John Wayne hits George Kennedy with an axe handle...check your pulse.

Family
The Sons Of Katie Elder is one of my all time favorite films and my two toddler age sons love it as well. The film starts out with funeral of Katie Elder who raised 4 sons. John Wayne, Dean Martin, Earl Holliman and Michael Anderson Jr. From beginning to end, you can feel the passion of Katie Elder and her love for her sons is felt throughout the entire movie. It is a typical John Western, but with more added feeling. Martha Hyer as the only female seen in the film is wonderful. For me, one of the best parts was the character roles of some great old time character actors. Strother Martin, John Doucette and my two favorites, Paul Fix and John Litel. This is a movie that I can watch every couple of days and never tire of it.
One of the best.

John Wayne in his typical role
In this movie, John Wayne plays a character most of us who are familiar with his movies have seen before--a tough never-do-well man, too stubborn to stay out of trouble and too tender at heart to avoid ultimately doing the right thing. Wayne plays John Elder, the eldest son of the deceased Katie Elder, for whose funeral John returns home. Also returning are his three younger brothers: Tom (Dean Martin), Matt (Earl Holliman) , and Bud (Michael Anderson Jr.).

The brothers are prevented from mourning their mother adequately by a scheming entrepreneur named Hastings, who swindled the Elders' parents out of their ranch. It falls on the shoulders of the Elders to redress their mother's loss of the ranch, and try to earn enough money to force Bud to go back to college (that is what Katie wanted).

The plot of this movie is interesting enough--it is distinctly typical of John Wayne and yet innovative enough to not be a cookie-cutter type story. Most of the acting in the movie is poor, especially that of Hastings and his accomplice, Curly. The bad acting (Wayne's is not the best of his career, but not bad, either) is offset, however, by the great performance of Dean Martin, who never fails to impress me in Western roles. All in all, this is probably not a timeless Western classic, but it is good. Anyone who enjoys Westerns should be satisfied with The Sons of Katie Elder.

One of the Duke's best
As John Wayne got older it seemed his movies got better and better. The Sons of Katie Elder is no exception. The Duke is his usual heroic, brawling type with Dean Martin, Earl Holliman, and Michael Anderson Jr. as his brothers. The relationship between the four brothers is very believable especially as they do their "house cleaning." Good storyline with great ending with the ambush and confrontation in the Hastings gun store. Excellent supporting cast with Paul Fix, Jeremy Slate, George Kennedy, and Dennis Hopper in an early role. Well worth the money for DVD with widescreen presentation and the theatrical trailer

Imagination
The mystery of Katie Elder and her husband may have come from American history. Doc Holiday had a lady friend named "Big Nose Kate Elder"
I have often wondered if that had anything to do with this film.

dp ... Read more

Reviews (49)

A True Masterpiece
This is true spellbinding stuff. A Great story, depicting the sad tale of "Rio" (Marlon Brando) and his quest to get even with the evil Dad Longworth (Karl Maldon) for the betrayal of some stolen lute, friendship and trust. The one an only film directed by Marlon Brando, is a film of epic proportions, that twists and turns until you feel eventual sympathy with the "Rio" character, after all the nastiness of the ill fated outlaw he once was. Excellently shot using panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop, a stirring film score, taught direction, A moody and magnificent Marlon Brando, The sultry Pina Pellicer, (who sadly died shortly after the film) A rousing story...and I just love the script, This film has it all. A follow up would have been super, but alas it wasn't to be. So sit back and enjoy "One Eyed Jacks", and don't let the critic books put you off. So go on! Make that saturday night special watch this movie now!

HORRENDOUS DVD QUALITY
I bought this 2003 Westlake Entertainment Group release of One-Eyed Jacks thinking that because of the price, it was the best version of the movie available on DVD. If it is, I'm disgusted. It is not in widescreen and the image is not sharp, much less crisp. I paid about $14.95 for this disc. To my great disappointment it's a horrible transfer. And I don't think I'm being picky. Granted, it is only my opinion, but I was not satisfied with the quality at all. I'm going to wait for the studio that made the film to eventually (hopefully) release a more acceptable version. I give this DVD version one star because zero stars is not an option.

terrific directorial debut
Brando fine as director. He does excellent turn as the Rio
character in the film. Malden, as usual, top notch as menacing heavy. Beautifully photographed. It's too bad Brando didn't direct a few more films.

A Great Movie - Really A Greek Tragedy Set in the West
Based on Charles Neider's Novel,"The Authentic Life of Hendrick Jones", this is truly the finest Western you will ever see. It even surpasses "Shane" and that is a true compliment,indeed. Beautiful scenery, an absolutely intrigueing story with many unexpected turns that will hold you to your seat. As for Brando and a marvelous supporting cast,Karden Malden,Pina Pellicer,Ben Johnson,a fabulous performance by Katy Jurado, and others,see it, you will love it. Not often mentioned in reviews is the wonderful theme song by Hugo Friedhoffer as background music.Absolutely a MUST SEE-to be chewed and digested.

Don't buy the Madacy DVD
As many reviewers have noted, the video quality is terrible in many editions. I have only experienced the Madacy edition -- that's the one where the cover has the original poster, surrounded by a white outline and the actors' names below -- and it's terrible. I will be sticking with my laser disk until (or if) Paramount releases a studio version. My two star rating is therefore an average of a "zero" for the technical quality of the Madacy DVD and a "four" for the movie itself (which features some of the most memorable dialog ever in a western, which I understand was in no small part due to Ben Johnson -- Brando would ask him, "Ben, what's a better way to say that?" and Johnson would come up with some wonderfully colorful expression like "I hear there's dirt between ya" or "Don't be doin' her like that"). So pray for a studio edition, as this movie certainly deserves first class treatement. ... Read more

Reviews (49)

A True Masterpiece
This is true spellbinding stuff. A Great story, depicting the sad tale of "Rio" (Marlon Brando) and his quest to get even with the evil Dad Longworth (Karl Maldon) for the betrayal of some stolen lute, friendship and trust. The one an only film directed by Marlon Brando, is a film of epic proportions, that twists and turns until you feel eventual sympathy with the "Rio" character, after all the nastiness of the ill fated outlaw he once was. Excellently shot using panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop, a stirring film score, taught direction, A moody and magnificent Marlon Brando, The sultry Pina Pellicer, (who sadly died shortly after the film) A rousing story...and I just love the script, This film has it all. A follow up would have been super, but alas it wasn't to be. So sit back and enjoy "One Eyed Jacks", and don't let the critic books put you off. So go on! Make that saturday night special watch this movie now!

HORRENDOUS DVD QUALITY
I bought this 2003 Westlake Entertainment Group release of One-Eyed Jacks thinking that because of the price, it was the best version of the movie available on DVD. If it is, I'm disgusted. It is not in widescreen and the image is not sharp, much less crisp. I paid about $14.95 for this disc. To my great disappointment it's a horrible transfer. And I don't think I'm being picky. Granted, it is only my opinion, but I was not satisfied with the quality at all. I'm going to wait for the studio that made the film to eventually (hopefully) release a more acceptable version. I give this DVD version one star because zero stars is not an option.

terrific directorial debut
Brando fine as director. He does excellent turn as the Rio
character in the film. Malden, as usual, top notch as menacing heavy. Beautifully photographed. It's too bad Brando didn't direct a few more films.

A Great Movie - Really A Greek Tragedy Set in the West
Based on Charles Neider's Novel,"The Authentic Life of Hendrick Jones", this is truly the finest Western you will ever see. It even surpasses "Shane" and that is a true compliment,indeed. Beautiful scenery, an absolutely intrigueing story with many unexpected turns that will hold you to your seat. As for Brando and a marvelous supporting cast,Karden Malden,Pina Pellicer,Ben Johnson,a fabulous performance by Katy Jurado, and others,see it, you will love it. Not often mentioned in reviews is the wonderful theme song by Hugo Friedhoffer as background music.Absolutely a MUST SEE-to be chewed and digested.

Don't buy the Madacy DVD
As many reviewers have noted, the video quality is terrible in many editions. I have only experienced the Madacy edition -- that's the one where the cover has the original poster, surrounded by a white outline and the actors' names below -- and it's terrible. I will be sticking with my laser disk until (or if) Paramount releases a studio version. My two star rating is therefore an average of a "zero" for the technical quality of the Madacy DVD and a "four" for the movie itself (which features some of the most memorable dialog ever in a western, which I understand was in no small part due to Ben Johnson -- Brando would ask him, "Ben, what's a better way to say that?" and Johnson would come up with some wonderfully colorful expression like "I hear there's dirt between ya" or "Don't be doin' her like that"). So pray for a studio edition, as this movie certainly deserves first class treatement. ... Read more

Reviews (49)

A True Masterpiece
This is true spellbinding stuff. A Great story, depicting the sad tale of "Rio" (Marlon Brando) and his quest to get even with the evil Dad Longworth (Karl Maldon) for the betrayal of some stolen lute, friendship and trust. The one an only film directed by Marlon Brando, is a film of epic proportions, that twists and turns until you feel eventual sympathy with the "Rio" character, after all the nastiness of the ill fated outlaw he once was. Excellently shot using panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop, a stirring film score, taught direction, A moody and magnificent Marlon Brando, The sultry Pina Pellicer, (who sadly died shortly after the film) A rousing story...and I just love the script, This film has it all. A follow up would have been super, but alas it wasn't to be. So sit back and enjoy "One Eyed Jacks", and don't let the critic books put you off. So go on! Make that saturday night special watch this movie now!

HORRENDOUS DVD QUALITY
I bought this 2003 Westlake Entertainment Group release of One-Eyed Jacks thinking that because of the price, it was the best version of the movie available on DVD. If it is, I'm disgusted. It is not in widescreen and the image is not sharp, much less crisp. I paid about $14.95 for this disc. To my great disappointment it's a horrible transfer. And I don't think I'm being picky. Granted, it is only my opinion, but I was not satisfied with the quality at all. I'm going to wait for the studio that made the film to eventually (hopefully) release a more acceptable version. I give this DVD version one star because zero stars is not an option.

terrific directorial debut
Brando fine as director. He does excellent turn as the Rio
character in the film. Malden, as usual, top notch as menacing heavy. Beautifully photographed. It's too bad Brando didn't direct a few more films.

A Great Movie - Really A Greek Tragedy Set in the West
Based on Charles Neider's Novel,"The Authentic Life of Hendrick Jones", this is truly the finest Western you will ever see. It even surpasses "Shane" and that is a true compliment,indeed. Beautiful scenery, an absolutely intrigueing story with many unexpected turns that will hold you to your seat. As for Brando and a marvelous supporting cast,Karden Malden,Pina Pellicer,Ben Johnson,a fabulous performance by Katy Jurado, and others,see it, you will love it. Not often mentioned in reviews is the wonderful theme song by Hugo Friedhoffer as background music.Absolutely a MUST SEE-to be chewed and digested.

Don't buy the Madacy DVD
As many reviewers have noted, the video quality is terrible in many editions. I have only experienced the Madacy edition -- that's the one where the cover has the original poster, surrounded by a white outline and the actors' names below -- and it's terrible. I will be sticking with my laser disk until (or if) Paramount releases a studio version. My two star rating is therefore an average of a "zero" for the technical quality of the Madacy DVD and a "four" for the movie itself (which features some of the most memorable dialog ever in a western, which I understand was in no small part due to Ben Johnson -- Brando would ask him, "Ben, what's a better way to say that?" and Johnson would come up with some wonderfully colorful expression like "I hear there's dirt between ya" or "Don't be doin' her like that"). So pray for a studio edition, as this movie certainly deserves first class treatement. ... Read more

Reviews (49)

A True Masterpiece
This is true spellbinding stuff. A Great story, depicting the sad tale of "Rio" (Marlon Brando) and his quest to get even with the evil Dad Longworth (Karl Maldon) for the betrayal of some stolen lute, friendship and trust. The one an only film directed by Marlon Brando, is a film of epic proportions, that twists and turns until you feel eventual sympathy with the "Rio" character, after all the nastiness of the ill fated outlaw he once was. Excellently shot using panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop, a stirring film score, taught direction, A moody and magnificent Marlon Brando, The sultry Pina Pellicer, (who sadly died shortly after the film) A rousing story...and I just love the script, This film has it all. A follow up would have been super, but alas it wasn't to be. So sit back and enjoy "One Eyed Jacks", and don't let the critic books put you off. So go on! Make that saturday night special watch this movie now!

HORRENDOUS DVD QUALITY
I bought this 2003 Westlake Entertainment Group release of One-Eyed Jacks thinking that because of the price, it was the best version of the movie available on DVD. If it is, I'm disgusted. It is not in widescreen and the image is not sharp, much less crisp. I paid about $14.95 for this disc. To my great disappointment it's a horrible transfer. And I don't think I'm being picky. Granted, it is only my opinion, but I was not satisfied with the quality at all. I'm going to wait for the studio that made the film to eventually (hopefully) release a more acceptable version. I give this DVD version one star because zero stars is not an option.

terrific directorial debut
Brando fine as director. He does excellent turn as the Rio
character in the film. Malden, as usual, top notch as menacing heavy. Beautifully photographed. It's too bad Brando didn't direct a few more films.

A Great Movie - Really A Greek Tragedy Set in the West
Based on Charles Neider's Novel,"The Authentic Life of Hendrick Jones", this is truly the finest Western you will ever see. It even surpasses "Shane" and that is a true compliment,indeed. Beautiful scenery, an absolutely intrigueing story with many unexpected turns that will hold you to your seat. As for Brando and a marvelous supporting cast,Karden Malden,Pina Pellicer,Ben Johnson,a fabulous performance by Katy Jurado, and others,see it, you will love it. Not often mentioned in reviews is the wonderful theme song by Hugo Friedhoffer as background music.Absolutely a MUST SEE-to be chewed and digested.

Don't buy the Madacy DVD
As many reviewers have noted, the video quality is terrible in many editions. I have only experienced the Madacy edition -- that's the one where the cover has the original poster, surrounded by a white outline and the actors' names below -- and it's terrible. I will be sticking with my laser disk until (or if) Paramount releases a studio version. My two star rating is therefore an average of a "zero" for the technical quality of the Madacy DVD and a "four" for the movie itself (which features some of the most memorable dialog ever in a western, which I understand was in no small part due to Ben Johnson -- Brando would ask him, "Ben, what's a better way to say that?" and Johnson would come up with some wonderfully colorful expression like "I hear there's dirt between ya" or "Don't be doin' her like that"). So pray for a studio edition, as this movie certainly deserves first class treatement. ... Read more