GUINS FOR SAN SEBASTIAN (1968)

You know what they say: ‘If it looks like a Spaghetti Western, swims like a Spaghetti Western, and quacks like a Spaghetti Western, then it probably is a Spaghetti Western.’  And here, the vibe, title, poster & Ennio Morricone score support the thought.  But you’ll look in vain for much Italian seasoning from international mid-list megger Henri Verneuil, vet Hollywood scripter James R. Webb* or on classy cinematographer Armand Thirard’s C.V.   GUNS more a modestly budgeted, but lux-looking period epic with a Mexican patriotic tilt; heavy on action spectacle, soldiers, explosive ordnance, dam-busting & horse flesh.  With outlaw Anthony Quinn on the run from the Spanish Army in 18th Century Mexico; finding sanctuary with aged priest Sam Jaffe; then accompanying him to the ruins of Cathedral San Sebastian where he’ll hide behind a hassock and play possum priest to local farmers under attack from indigenous Yaqui Indians.  Along with Quinn & Jaffe, the only other ‘name’ actor is Charles Branson, half-breed leader of the Yaquis.  (Branson would make his spectacular Spaghetti Western debut later this year in ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST/’68.)  Unquantifiable, GUNS is a real curate’s egg, good in pieces, but attention wanders between highlights & atrocities, and it never builds.  The few women in the story all seem to be looking for the nearest exit.  Understandable, but enough here to keep you watching.

DOUBLE-BILL/LINK:  *If anything, this is more in line with Webb’s slightly mad KINGS OF THE SUN/’63.  https://maksquibs.blogspot.com/2012/03/kings-of-sun-1963.html