Comancheros [VHS] [1962]

"The Comancheros" (61) is based on the very good novel of the same name written in 1954 by Paul I Wellman. It concerns the story of Texas ranger Jake Cutter who captures a riverboat gambler, Paul Regret played by the dashing Stuart Whitman. Regret is wanted for killing a senators son in a duel. After some adventures whilst conveying him to gaol they become involved in a Ranger operation against a nest of villainous Comancheros. (Gun runners notorious for trading with hostile Indians) The plot thickens as Regret meets an old flame Pilar Graile played by Ina Balin. Pilar is the daughter of the Comanchero leader played with panache by Nehemiah Persoff. She also transpires to be their only hope of salvation when the pair are captured. We head to an explosive climax.

The film was directed by the legendary Michael Cutiz a Hungarian emigree who made the unforgettable "Casablanca"(42) and "The Adventures of Robin Hood.(39) Curtiz became ill during the making of the film and Wayne fresh from his epic directorial duties on "The Alamo" took over until completion. Curtiz sadly died soon after the film was finished.

The film is greatly enhanced by the support cast who are particularly strong in this film. Special mention must be made of Guinn 'Big boy' Williams a Western stalwart of many years. The son of a congressman his nickname was given to him by Will Rogers with whom he often worked. Williams plays a brief larger than life role as an old gun runner who is economical with the truth. It is a very funny scene stealing performance and turned out to be his last as he too died shortly afterwards. It was a fitting finale to his long career. Lee Marvin also throws in another typical bravura performance as Tully Crowe and wins every scene from the laid back Duke who doesn't seem to care too much. Jack Elam that cadaverous baddie of old also turns up as a brutal thug doing what he does best, ie being very bad. All in all they are great value for money.

The film does not take itself too seriously and it seems to play havoc with historical accurracy. This seems to go for a ball of chalk. Not that it matters too much. We see Winchester lever action rifles and Colt Peacemakers used with joyous abandon. Although the film is set in 1843 these did not become available until 1866 and 1873 respectively. The Williams character is also referred to as having spent time in the notorious Yuma penitentiary which did not become operational until 1876. So what I guess, because I still love the film.

The film plays on the Dukes almost mythical status as a Western icon. Although on auto pilot he is still the epitome of the Western hero. For the first time he is seen to be a little old to be competing for the love interest. Although he does bounce back once more in "Hatari" to win the young lady. By the time of "The Train Robbers" he has a saddle that is older than the heroine, which says it all really. I must also mention the rattling good musical score by Elmer Bernstein which was recentley reprised for an episode of "The Simpsons".

Just sit back and be entertained. Dont take it too seriously and hopefully if you buy this film you will enjoy it as much as I did, and still do on occasions.

Being raised on Eastwood, I thought it was about time I took a look at JW's work. It's a great western, typical for its time. Beautiful cinematography and score. The cast is great -John Wayne filling the screen and one Lee Marvin standing out doing what he did best. This is cowboys and indians in glorious technicolour. If you love your westerns -get it, watch it and enjoy. Adios.

The Comancheros blu-ray is simply outstanding,the picture quality is truly excellent,audio too,and this digibook packaging is very classy.
I seen this western when it first came to our local Cinema,it was my first viewing of John Wayne on the big screen,1960 or 61,I cant remember,and it has always been a sentimental favourite,I have the dvd,but nothing prepared me for the quality of this blu-ray transfer.
The Comancheros Blu-ray is very,very nearly up alongside The Searchers for picture quality,and that,s high praise,it also has a couple of excellent documentary,s too,all in all The Comancheros Blu-ray is a MUST BUY for all Wayne/western fans,Highly HIGHLY Recommended.
Davy Cairns,Scotland.
ps,It is definitely region free,so will play on all UK players!!!!!