Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Willie Nelson | ... | Barbarosa | |
Gary Busey | ... | Karl Westover | |
Isela Vega | ... | Josephina | |
Gilbert Roland | ... | Don Braulio | |
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Danny De La Paz | ... | Eduardo |
Alma Martinez | ... | Juanita (as Alma Martínez) | |
George Voskovec | ... | Herman Pahmeyer | |
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Sharon Compton | ... | Hilda |
Howland Chamberlain | ... | Emil | |
Harry Caesar | ... | Sims | |
Wolf Muser | ... | Floyd | |
Kai Wulff | ... | Otto | |
Roberto Contreras | ... | Cantina Owner | |
Luis Contreras | ... | Angel | |
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Itasco Wilson | ... | Mattie |
Karl Westover, an inexperienced farm boy, runs away after unintentionally killing a neighbor, whose family pursues him for vengeance. He meets Barbarosa, a gunman of near-mythical proportions, who is himself in danger from his father-in-law Don Braulio, a wealthy Mexican rancher. Don Braulio wants Barbarosa dead for marrying his daughter against the father's will. Barbarosa reluctantly takes the clumsy Karl on as a partner, as both of them look to survive the forces lining up against them. Written by Jim Beaver <jumblejim@prodigy.net>
From the quirky opening scenes in this film (a photographer, a dead guy propped up in a pine box & various family members posing w/same)you are taken to an intriguing and rather unsettling place. The cinematography in the film suggests one of those cool(albeit weird) 'spaghetti westerns'. The director's vision comes through, chillingly well at times all throughout this film.
Willie Nelson's performance is, well what can you say except he is his consummate Willie-ness and in this film it works particularly well. Gary Busey's interpretation of his role as Karl is understated and approaches absolute perfection. The remainder of the cast turn in very respectable performances as well. This is another one of those films that you really need to watch several times to "get" the full effect. There are some subtle and not-so-subtle plot twists and themes that are really engrossing and entertaining to watch for. The one and only negative I found with this movie is a personal distaste for the (over)use of the expletive 'G.D.' - it's totally unnecessary and my Southern Baptist ears were ringing by the end of the film. Overall though this is one awesome film, and 'G.D.' notwithstanding, I've worn my copy just about out. It is most definitely worth looking for.