Bandolero!

Starring: James Stewart, Dean Martin, Raquel Welch, George Kennedy, Andrew Prime
Directed by: Andrew V. McLaglen
Rating: Not rated
Genre: Western
1968

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A former Union soldier (James Stewart) poses as a hangman to save his outlaw brother (Dean Martin) from being hung. The two brothers and a gang of outlaws escape the town with a pretty rancher (Raquel Welch), and head south. On their trail is the town sheriff (George Kennedy) determined to bring the brothers to justice and save the woman he loves.

Review:

Tim: I really believe that Bandolero! is an underrated, very good Western. This film has so many strengths, it really is an enjoyable movie to watch. We have a terrific story, a wonderful cast, an excellent score, and a great blend of action and romance. This is a Western that truly has it all, and I really enjoyed it.

The first 30 minutes is immensely entertaining. The saving-from-a-hanging scenes are just terrific. I watched, mesmerized, wondering how it would happen. These scenes are so fun. We also get to see James Stewart in a bit of an anti-hero role. Yes, he is still a good man, but in the first 30 minutes or so, he breaks his brother out of jail and robs a bank. I loved it.

Speaking of Stewart, he gives a very good performance. Stewart is such a likable, charismatic man that I was surprised he was able to pull off this role so convincingly. This role isn't a far cry from his other roles, but it is a bit less heroic (while we're still rooting for him, he's technically an outlaw). Dean Martin does exceptional work as Stewart's brother. I have always really liked Martin (he is a big reason why Rio Bravo is my all-time favorite Western) and he gives a good performance here. I loved seeing Stewart and Martin together on screen, especially since they are playing brothers. They have some terrific moments together, and are believable as brothers who have some similarities, but are quite different as well.

The supporting cast is good, too. Raquel Welch is pretty stunning in her role, although her looks occasionally take us out of the film (would she really look like that after all the events of the film?). Still, Welch is pretty good and I liked her here. I also really enjoyed the performance of George Kennedy. Kennedy is the good guy who we're rooting against, but he is so fun to watch on screen that we have a hard time hating him. The entire cast really makes this movie.

I know that this movie has flaws and few consider it one of Western's classics, I still think it is a very good movie. I really enjoyed watching it. I was entertained from start to finish. The movie features some terrific action scenes. The climactic gunfight is a pretty stunning battle. I was surprised with how much death was doled out in this battle. The movie also benefits from an unmistakable score from Jerry Goldsmith. While this film has its weaknesses, I found that they weren't fatal flaws. I really enjoyed this movie for its action, a bit of romance, the performances of Stewart, Martin, Welch, and Kennedy, and the exciting, different story it told. Bandolero! may not be considered a classic, but I thoroughly enjoyed it nonetheless.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Rio Bravo, The Cheyenne Social Club, Firecreek, The Rare Breed, Shenandoah