Remembered for good early James Bond (DR. NO; FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE) and legendary late-career stinkers (THE KLANSMAN; INCHON - plenty others nearly as bad), it’s a happy surprise to find so much fun in this Terence Young ‘International’ Spaghetti Western. Exceptionally well shot by vet cinematographer Henri Alekan and amusingly scored by Maurice Jarre (each teasing out genre tropes), the film does stumble toward the end (50 years on someone may still be rewriting the finale), but not enough to spoil things. With nods at U.S., Euro & Asian markets, the film has Charles Bronson, Alain Delon & a gang of cutthroats robbing a train and finding a bonus in a Japanese ceremonial sword under escort by Toshirô Mifune, guarding it on its way from the Mikado to President Grant. But when Bronson is double-crossed and left for dead, he switches sides, chasing for revenge, stolen cash, and that ceremonial sword with new frenemy Mifune. The film gets its mojo observing East vs West differences in elaborate action set pieces which hit a slightly absurd high when Mifune uses Samurai techniques against the inevitable Indian attack. (Managing the neat trick of being PC and non-PC!) Ursula Andress looks a bit ghostly as Delon’s untrustworthy gal pal, but Capucine is smashing in bed with Bronson, showing an impeccable jawline.
DOUBLE-BILL: Bronson & Delon had recently co-starred in FAREWELL, FRIEND/’68. Not seen here, but apparently to good effect.
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