Los amigos

This is not a bad little movie, of a certain 'style' that was popular when it was made.

It's loud - and violent - at times, but there-in lies a heart and whilst neither (Franco) Nero or (Anthony) Quinn show us their inner feelings, rather like a lesser Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid, there is a sort of loyal, strange chemistry between them, that like the best of friendships, work for reasons only known to them.

Unlike 'B' westerns of 20 years earlier, that almost tried too hard to get the most out of their tiny budget/bad script/untalented actor, director etc, Deaf Ears... doesn't, it just gets on with it, which is nice as we can relax and let it unfold.

Erastus 'Deaf' Smith (Anthony Quinn) is the deaf mute messenger who is hired by General Sam Houston to infiltrate a rebel faction that are trying to stop Texas becoming part of the U.S. His friend, Johnny Eras (Nero) comes to assist him with his mission.

There's the usual womanising in the cat-house that helps beef up both the lead's manliness and the male viewing numbers is there as is blowing things up.

Though the film is also known as the bland 'Los Amigos', it's often and usually goes by this far more intriguing one. I saw it on TCM (Turner Classic Movies). It says on the Radio Times website that it was in Italian, but it was not, though in hindsight I'm sure it was dubbed - and Quinn, who is multi-lingual, doesn't speak, of course. The ending and its music is quite a strange enigma, mind you.

If you're after a good, standard, straight western, I'd dither at recommending it, but if you do like your spaghetti westerns, with some sauce, then go for it.

Set in 1830's Texas, Erastus 'Deaf' Smith (Anthony Quinn) is an ageing but trusted spy for the president, despite the obvious handicap of being a deaf mute. His friend and companion is the sexually charged Spaniard Johnny Ears (Franco Nero), seemingly on a constant mission to obtain another notch on his bed post (or should I say, someone elses!). In fact, unlike your usual Spaghetti Western hero, he is probably more likely to be found in bed than in a bar brawl or gunfight.

The two have been sent by the president to halt the uprising down south, where a rebel by the name of Morton is rallying a rebellion to create independence and domination, with the help of German backing.

The whole emphasis of the story is the great bond between Nero and Quinn, which is quite enjoyable throughout. Comically, Johnny Ears is constantly throwing stones at the laid back Smith in order to get his attention. Ears' relationship with the luscious local whore Susie (Pamela Tiffin) is also a fine display of character play, as their interplay changes from flirtation to sexual tension, and from lust to love. Hell, by the end, Ears seems willing to quit his womanising ways and settle down with the blonde beauty.

There are entertaining one-liners throughout (all obviously left to Nero, who is in fine comic form). As for Quinn, the whole idea that a deaf gunhand can survive and be held in such esteem is entertaining in itself (as he walks away completely unaware of the explosions metres behind him, and sneaks up on opponents oblivious to the fact that the bells on a whores garter - given to him whilst he awaited the return of the promiscuous Ears from the local brothel - are jangling together).

Aside from these highlights, the film is fairly average fare. At times Smith's inability to communicate can be as frustrating to the viewer as it must be to Smith himself. The Director does however highlight this disability to some effect, with silence at any time when the story is shown from Smith's eyes. Too much weight is also placed on the final action-packed climax, which goes on for an age with a maximum explosion count (although it does contain a priceless moment when Ears is unable to operate the enemies' machine gun - a skill mastered to great effect by Nero's Django).

In summary, this is an entertaining little film, high on cheese but low on substance. And there are days when that is exactly the sort of "popcorn" movie that you want to watch. If you are in that mood (I was) you will probably enjoy it (I did!). But it is definitely more "watchable" than "recommended".

Franco Nero and Anthony Quinn co-star in this odd, period piece about Texas independence. Houston is now the leader of Texas, and sends Johnny and Erastus to knock out those who want to stop integration to the U.S. It's an odd film, since Nero was born in Italy, and Quinn was born in Mexico. The music NEVER matches the mood of the film. and apparently, it was filmed in Spain. They meet up with the Mortons, played by Ira von Fürstenberg and Franco Graziosi. The plot is kind of choppy, with lots of time spent in the madam's house. very 1970s. very italian spaghetti western. Erastus and Johnny are best buddies, but spend the whole film arguing. It IS what it IS. Not bad. it's okay. when Johnny wants to get Deaf's attention, he throws a stone at him... the running gag. shows on Turner Classic now and then. Los Amigos, also known as Deaf Smith. Directed by italian Paolo Cavara, about halfway through his career. Looks like he died young at 56. odd... no info on him anywhere. only made 16 films.

It's 1836 Texas. President Houston is trying to have the new Republic join the United States. He sends his trusted scouts, Erastus Deaf Smith (Anthony Quinn) and Johnny Ears (Franco Nero), to stop rebels plotting to stop the enterprise with help from foreign powers. Johnny watches Susie (Pamela Tiffin) bathing in the river and falls head over heels.

Anthony Quinn is a compelling and powerful voice in cinema. So, let's make his character a mute. It's a simple solution. Just switch the two lead roles. They also don't give the villain enough screen time to develop. The movie needs to build up the big bad before the heroes can take him down. This is sort of a spaghetti western even if it's filmed in Spain. More can be done to create an unique form of communication for these characters. I can imagine some fun hand signal games. In the end, this is an interesting film although still a minor failure.

I like Franco Nero. I like his voice, his accent, his acting style, his acrobatics. Any movie starring Franco Nero already has one thing going for it in my book. Saying that Nero is the ONLY thing going for "Deaf Smith And Johnny Ears" would be somewhat inaccurate - there is also a good score, Pamela Tiffin's spunk (at one point, she puts Nero in a reverse headlock!), and some interesting directorial touches (as when Cavara films some scenes from the deaf man's point-of-view, with no sound). But if this is supposed to be a comedy, it's much too violent (beginning with the massacre of an entire family), and if it's serious, then the plot is confused and uninteresting. Anthony Quinn is a bore...and what's up with that ending? (**)