Murieta (1965)
"Joaquín Murrieta" (original title)

Mexican peasant Joaquin Murieta and his wife go north to California to prospect for gold, finding only one white person, a marshal, who will befriend them. But after Murieta is beaten and ... See full summary »

Director:

George Sherman

Writers:

James O'Hanlon (screenplay), James O'Hanlon (story)

Stars:

Jeffrey Hunter, Arthur Kennedy, Diana Lorys

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jeffrey Hunter	...	Joaquín Murrieta
Arthur Kennedy	...	Capt. Love
Diana Lorys	...	Kate
Sara Lezana	...	Rosita Murrieta
Roberto Camardiel	...	García 'Jack tres dedos'
Pedro Osinaga	...	Claudio / Cucaracha
Frank Braña	...	Pistolero
Mike Brendel	...	Alborotador
Gonzalo Esquiroz	...	Pistolero
Juan Cazalilla	...	Borrachin
Julio Pérez Tabernero	...	Valenzuela
David Thomson	...	Comisario
Fernando Villena	...	Pistolero
Héctor Quiroga	...	Tendero
Andy Anza	...	Gomez

Storyline

Mexican peasant Joaquin Murieta and his wife go north to California to prospect for gold, finding only one white person, a marshal, who will befriend them. But after Murieta is beaten and robbed, and his wife killed by bandits, Murieta takes out his vengeance by forming a gang of outlaws who rob the countryside. Murieta is eventually cornered by the marshal, who persuades him to end his crusade. But when Murieta is later wounded and convalescent, his gang operates a reign of terror without his knowledge, leading to his death at the marshal's hands in a final battle.

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Plot Keywords:

mexican | outlaw | evil man | murder

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Taglines:

He had the one unwritten reason to shoot down men in cold blood!

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Genres:

Western

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Details

Country:

Spain

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 September 1965 (USA)

Also Known As:

Murieta

Filming Locations:

Spain

Box Office

Gross:

ESP 49,169,278 (Spain)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Pro Artis Ibérica, Proartis Ibérica S.A.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"Rosita"
Written by Paco Michel
Sung by Paco Michel

User Reviews

Very good spaghetti western with fine lead performers

What a surprise treat this 1965 spaghetti western turned out to be. Based on real-life Mexican bandit, MURIETA is the story of a new immigrant to California who is driven to vengeance and eventually becomes the leader of a vicious band of raiders and murderers. This picture has three great things going for it: 1. Jeffrey Hunter as Murieta (actual spelling is Murietta); he gives a superbly understated performance. 2. Arthur Kennedy, back in the saddle as a straight-shooting lawman. Sage, empathetic, Kennedy matches Hunter's fine acting work, especially difficult since all of their dialogue was re-recorded in studio. 3. The direction by veteran ace of oaters George Sherman. He keeps the camera moving and keeps the characterizations sharp and clear. Also fine are Diana Lorys, Sara Lezana and Roberto Camardiel as Jack "Three Fingers" Garcia. There are many eloquent moments in this fact-based adventure. It is well worth screening if you can find a copy. My review is based on screening a 16mm print I picked up (dye transfer Technicolor) of the UK-titled version, VENDETTA.