Barbarosa (1982)

A young cowboy hooks up with a legendary outlaw, and before long both are on the run from the law.

Director:

Fred Schepisi

Writer:

William D. Wittliff

Stars:

Willie Nelson, Gary Busey, Isela Vega

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Willie Nelson	...	Barbarosa
Gary Busey	...	Karl Westover
Isela Vega	...	Josephina
Gilbert Roland	...	Don Braulio
Danny De La Paz	...	Eduardo
Alma Martinez	...	Juanita (as Alma Martínez)
George Voskovec	...	Herman Pahmeyer
Sharon Compton	...	Hilda
Howland Chamberlain	...	Emil
Harry Caesar	...	Sims
Wolf Muser	...	Floyd
Kai Wulff	...	Otto
Roberto Contreras	...	Cantina Owner
Luis Contreras	...	Angel
Itasco Wilson	...	Mattie

Storyline

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.

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Plot Keywords:

texas | character name as title | one word title | mexican | on the run | 

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Taglines:

The Outlaw ... The Outcast ... and the Legend that was bigger than both of them.

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Genres:

Western

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

Willie Nelson had read only two pages of the film's screenplay when he decided he wanted to do the movie. Nelson exclaimed: "I want to be this guy" [Barbarosa].

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Goofs

In the scene where the race contestants approach the finish line where Willie and Gary have stopped to watch, just as the riders round the curve to the finish, you can see a farm tractor pulling something behind the racers.

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Quotes

Karl: My name is Karl Albert Westover...
Barbarosa: You been shit outtta luck ever since you was born, ain't you, boy?

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Connections

Featured in Sneak Previews: Hanky Panky/Annie/Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan/Grease 2 (1982)

User Reviews

The Red Headed one was never stranger (or better)

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.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 February 1982 (USA)

Also Known As:

Barbarosa

Filming Locations:

Fredericksburg, Texas, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$11,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$285,312, 21 February 1982

Gross USA:

$1,736,123

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,736,123

Company Credits

Production Co:

Incorporated Television Company (ITC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min 85 min (TV)

Sound Mix:

Mono (Todd-AO)

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1