Saturday, 2 October 2021

Two Mules for Sister Sara (1970 Don Siegel)

Thoroughly enjoyed this Mexican western, from a story by Budd Boetticher, written by Albert Maltz (The Beguiled, Clint and Don's next film, Broken Arrow, The Naked City, Lang's Cloak and Dagger, This Gun For Hire). The French had invaded Mexico in 1861, weren't booted out till post civil-war.

Loner Clint saves 'nun' Shirley MacLaine from being raped; she manages to get him to help her elude pursuing French; he in turn has a garrison treasury in mind.

It's great to see the Man With No Name turn into a human being; love the way he hums whilst scavenging loot from dead man, sings his little song whilst pissed, loses his temper with the nun wasting precious water, fumbles when trying to shoot dynamite.

Largely Mexican actors and crew, including DP Gabriel Figueroa (and, uncredited, Bruce Surtees), who also shot Clint in Kelly's Heroes. With Manolo Fabregas, Alberto Morin. Enriched by a quirky score from Ennio Morricone. Made by Malpaso for Universal.

Good dramatic finale as the revolutionaries' plans all go wrong but they manage to take the garrison anyway. Very amusing coda (they are no doubt headed for San Francisco).






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