Johnny Texas

Maligned in some quarters, but actually a good all round Spaghetti Western. I suspect it's been the victim, like many European films of the period, of bad quality pan and scan VHS prints, and it must be said, some shocking dubbing. I managed to watch it via a nice print in the correct aspect ratio, though the dubbing is slightly frustrating still. Editing is a bit heavy in places, though this may have been done subsequently, by censors or distributors looking to shorten/adjust the film. Otherwise the direction, along with the acting is fine by comparison to most others in the genre. There are plenty of action scenes too, both fist and gun fights, along with a political plot line to keep the film moving along at a reasonable pace. Always a great pleasure to see the stunning Rosalba Neri in action, although sadly along with the other instantly recognisable face in the film - that of the irrepressible Fernando Sancho - she is somewhat under used. The lead, Willy Colombini (aka James Newman) is however no Giuliano Gemma, or even an Anthony Steffen for that matter, but does an OK job, and he looks the part it must be said. The film itself does too, with some very nice scenic locations and the cinematography is pretty good. All in all, a good and very entertaining film generally, though like most films of this style, needs to be watched subjectively and with an open mind. A very decent entry into the Spaghetti Western genre in my opinion.