The Comancheros
In this explosive and absorbing wild west adventure, John Wayne stars as Captain Cutter, a fearless Texas Ranger determined to crush a violent gang of gunrunners and thieves known as Comancheros. Through an unlikely turn of events, Cutter enlists the help of his own prisoners to accomplish his mission. Also featuring an all-star cast that includes Stuart Whitman, Lee Marvin, Edgar Buchanan and Patrick Wayne, and a catchy soundtrack by Elmer Bernstein, this fast-paced Western is pure entertainment from start to finish.
Member Reviews
Wayne Reclaims the West - MovieProf
By 1961, John Wayne was a massive movie star, but a star in slow decline, after several flops and near-misses in recent years. Though he had recently made several successes like "The Searchers," "The Horse Soldiers," and "Rio Bravo," he had also starred in less successful films like "The Wings of Eagles," "The Alamo" (which he directed), and the shockingly awful "The Conqueror." "The Comancheros" helped place him back on top, and preceeded several outstanding films he would go on to make in the 1960s.
Wayne plays Texas Ranger Jake Cutter, who is attempting to infiltrate a smuggling operation that involves both white men and Comanches. Along the way, after attempting unsuccessfully to apprehend outlaw Paul Regret (Stuart Whitman), Cutter and Regret become allies. The rest is typical Wayne-esque: gunfights, chases, and romance, etc., etc., etc. However, as tired as the story feels, it works. Wayne and Whitman's chemistry is powerful, the cinematography from William H. Clothier is brilliant, and the direction from Michael Curtiz is first-rate. This would mark Curtiz' last film; he died soon after.
One curiosity: Lee Marvin is excellent as the villanous Tully Crow, but his screen time is far too short; more from him would have made this one even stronger.A Solid John Wayne Western and Michael Cutiz's Last Film - Gregg
This is an average John Wayne Western which makes this still worthwhile entertainment for a fan of Wayne or the genre of which he is the biggest star.
The film tells the stories of Paul Regret (Stuart Whitman) a gentleman rogue from New Orleans who is wanted for murder after an unfortunate duel and Jake Cutter (John Wayne) the Texas Ranger who captures him. Before Regret can be turned in though; there is an escape, a re-capture, a gun fight and an attack by Comanches. In the end the two find themselves working together to infiltrate the Comancheros who are supplying guns to the Comanches.
The film has some wonderful moments but is also routine at times; it looks great visually thanks to William H. Clothier and has an Elmer Bernstein score. This was the last film for Director Michael Curtiz who died shortly after filming was complete, due to Curtiz’s illness he was not always on site and John Wayne took over the director’s chair but declined any credit for his efforts.
I n addition to another solid Wayne performance there are good supporting performances from both Stuart Whitman and Lee Marvin as well as some other familiar supporting players. One of the biggest surprises for me was Lee Marvin’s relatively early departure from the film, perhaps since he subsequently became a bigger star I simply assumed he would be around for more of the film.
For the most part this isn’t one of those serious and introspective westerns though it does address a few issues, its much more the rollicking adventure type of western.Slightly More Fun Than Average Wayne Flick - bwod
Directed by Michael Curtiz, an average western becomes fun and, dare I say artistic? John Wayne did these parts in his sleep. You either like him or you don't. But the whole is better than its parts, thanks to deft handling by Michael Curtiz at the reigns. Some fine supporting casting as well, including Lee Marvin, Edgar Buchanan, and Nehemiah Persoff. Worth a look. One thumb up.
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Wayne Reclaims the West - MovieProf
By 1961, John Wayne was a massive movie star, but a star in slow decline, after several flops and near-misses in recent years. Though he had recently made several successes like "The Searchers," "The Horse Soldiers," and "Rio Bravo," he had also starred in ...A Solid John Wayne Western and Michael Cutiz's Last Film - Gregg
This is an average John Wayne Western which makes this still worthwhile entertainment for a fan of Wayne or the genre of which he is the biggest star.
The film tells the stories of Paul Regret (Stuart Whitman) a gentleman rogue from New Orleans who ...Slightly More Fun Than Average Wayne Flick - bwod
Directed by Michael Curtiz, an average western becomes fun and, dare I say artistic? John Wayne did these parts in his sleep. You either like him or you don't. But the whole is better than its parts, thanks to deft handling by Michael Curtiz at the reigns. ...