I draghi del West

(revised '21) Multi-talented Australian writer/producer/director James Clavell, for his second Hollywood feature, picked an interesting (and brave) racially-themed historical situation. He then selected a fascinating hand-picked international cast to bring his story to life. His characters are rich and varied and well defined, mixing a multinational group of people brought together in the developing days of the 1870s American West.

It's been said Mr. Clavell had difficulty deciding on the right way to finish, so shot two alternate endings, and at one stage both ran simultaneously in two Cinemas. Seems the ending presented on TCM was regarded as the strongest and was adopted for the subsequent world market release. Award-winning veteran cinematographer Loyal Griggs (Shane) provides the fine B/W photography with Paul Dunlap's evocative music score blending perfectly. It's a thoughtful look at a young nation in its formative years and deals with sensitive racial interactions as Chinese immigrants are introduced into its early development.

This makes for an unusual up-close examination of the many facets of racial prejudice, and in Clavell's hands results in this better than average, medium-budget western - which benefits greatly from sincere performances by its interesting cast. Singer Mel Torme plays a saloon 'peace-keeper' and sings the title song, adding further curious appeal to a generally little-known but pleasing, off-beat production. James Clavell's real-life is as fascinating as his writings.

A Note on Characters: While looking at Clavell's interesting array of character choices, look also at the town sheriff; Rodolfo Acosta a Mexican, keeping the law in a predominantly white Californian town (reminiscent of Anthony Quinn in "The Man From Del Rio") ~ Lilyan Chauvin as Lili the French Saloon keeper and lady friend of Jack Lord's character, Linc Bartlett (a descendant of this character also features in Clavel's latter novel; 'Noble House') ~ Charles Irwin as Angus, the Scottish Forman of Linc's freight line, then there's Michael Pate an Australian, as Will, the towns Reverend. Mr Clavell certainly had a penchant for unusual international characters all holding down curious positions in odd places, this certainly added unique flavour to his 'original' approach to writing.

I am a great fan of Jack Lord, and on my quest to find all his movies, I came upon this one...Its a superbly done movie, with a great plot! Its strange to see Jack Lord in any other role than in Hawaii 5-0.... I just loved it! Well done, James Clavell!

This is one of the strangest westerns I can recall--and for many reasons. First, the cast is odd. Jack Lord is the star and his friend is played by none other than Mel Tormé! It's also interesting that a Hawaiian of Japanese ancestry (James Shigeta) would play a Chinese man. And, the leading 'Chinese' lady in the film (Nobu McCarthy) was Japanese. Second, the plot is just odd...very, very odd. The film begins with a slave auction in California circa 1870 (give or take). When Linc Bartlett learns about this, he's appalled. He's even more upset to see a poor girl who is obviously very humiliated being stripped and sold. He steps in and buys the girl--intending to set her free. However, what happens next is completely unforeseen. I'd say more but it's just something you should probably see for yourself.

To me, this film was quite enjoyable but was also intended less as a history lesson and more a metaphor for the changing civil right atmosphere in the US in 1960. Still, it's pretty good--and quite interesting. One of Lord's few starring roles before vaulting to super-star status with "Hawaii Five-O".

I happened across this movie years ago on a independent t.v. station in the middle of the afternoon. I first watched because of Mel Torme, but I found myself thoroughly enjoying a western... *shock*. The one thing I recall most was how very "un-Mel" Mel was. His portrayal of a gunslinger was very low-key and VERY effective. If I ever get a chance to see this again, I'll have a tape ready to role. I strongly recommend it.

The movie is very typical of westerns with the exception of the role played by Mel Torme. Also it was different with a chinese man becoming a gunfighter. Very unusual for that time era. Jack Lord plays the usual hero. Protect the girl - fall for the girl - lose the girl.