Rio Hondo

Being a Spanish rather than Italian production, I don't think this rates as an official Spaghetti Western – yet, it's been included with a clutch of such efforts in a budget-release Box Set (which I've rented and am currently going through); the treatment itself, in fact, isn't even really evocative of that distinctly baroque style!

The film-makers managed to acquire two American stars for this one: veteran Joseph Cotten and William Shatner (a fashionable commodity at the time thanks to the STAR TREK phenomenon on TV); they actually complement each other quite well, the reliable Cotten being a laid-back yet plain-speaking marshal and Shatner brooding albeit given occasionally to his trademark histrionics – especially since he plays twins, i.e. cowboy hero and the troublesome half-breed of the title!

The narrative also incorporates a subplot involving rival factions fighting for control of the town of Rio Hondo; female interest is provided by lovely blonde Rosanna Yanni (co-star of the two "Red Lips" films by Jess Franco made the previous year), who's assaulted by one Shatner and loved by the other. Eventually, the two siblings face-off in a duel on horseback – which both undertake bare-chested and wearing a bandana (presumably, to confuse the audience as to the identity of the victor)! At the end of the day, the film proves a tolerable diversion if nothing more – unless one counts Shatner's almost campy intensity (particularly in his caricatured Indian portrayal) as an added source of gratification! I should also mention here that the terribly inappropriate jazzy score is a pain to listen to and, besides, the pan-and-scan version I watched had an irritating tendency to jump-cutting within the same shot in search of the current speaker's face!!

One thing you have to admit about Shatner: the guy is definitely an entertainer.

White Commanche is a strange hybrid of spaghetti western and the Twilight Zone. The story does not have much humor (except unintentional of course) and has a very dark mood. I have read that this was made during his break from Star Trek and, boy, does Bill have fun in this one! He does well at establishing the two different sides of Johnny Moon and Notah. Both are capable of killing, however, one does it at will and the other only when it is justified (self defense). This makes for some great tension as Moon takes the blame for actions he didn't commit. Joseph Cotten is good as the Sheriff and has good rapport with Shatner throughout the film. Add Rosanna Yanni as the damsel barmaid Kelly and WC is a hoot to watch. Highlights include action scenes, shoot em ups, and Bill showing that he is a seasoned equestrian. Check out the psychedelic bright colors on the sets.

My personal favorite is anytime someone in the movie says with a horrified look "White Commanche!"

I wondering how William Shatner was involved in this average Spanish western, the premisse wasn't so bad at all, in fact no make sense, a twins brother half bread comanche & white man, but to consider it a crap there a long distance, the picture has a bad reputation by a large majority IMDB's users, however to me was an easily appreciation, therefore l find the answer, actually the people found a outrageous Captain Kirk got engaged in poor picture like that, a step down in your career, a place which he didn't dare to go, the picture itself is watchable and there good and bad moments, in time Joseph Cotten also has some criticism too????

Resume:

First watch: 2018 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD-R / Rating: 5.75

If the Italian made cowboy flicks were "Spaghetti Westerns", this must be an "Enchilada Western", and it suffers by comparison. If it weren't for the presence in the cast of Cotten and Shatner, I'm sure this would be considered a "Cowboy and Indians" farce. I don't know how the two of them got involved in this but it was so compelling to Shatner that he played two roles. From horses who prance and dance little jigs in otherwise serious scenes, to Notah leading his band of Comanches while continuing to ride a western saddle, to buzzards that sound suspiciously like amplified crows, this whole thing might be somewhat entertaining if only the actors didn't take themselves so seriously.

Hilariously bad western with Shatner playing the dual "good twin/bad twin" roles. This was made in Spain during his Star Trek years (hey, it seemed to have worked for Eastwood before him!). The incomprehensible back story winds up with a gun battle between fractious factions in the town of Rio Hondo (does anyone know what they're fighting about?). It also supports some other characters running around trying to hang innocent people. But the main clash is between the two twins which proceeds to a mano-a-mano finale in which Shatner gets to bare both his chests. I personally found his characteristic staccato delivery perfect for the Comanche twin Notah (speaking sterotypically of course). And for Star Trek fans - only one of him gets the girl! The film also suffers from a jazz influenced musical score, but, hey, that's the least of its problems.