The Comancheros
Directed by Michael Curtiz
Written by James Edward Grant and Clair Huffaker from a novel by Paul Wellman
1961/USA
Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
First viewing/Netflix rental
[box] Circuit Court Judge Thaddeus Jackson Breen: Most say, except for them who are unfair minded, that I have the finest legal mind in the entire southwest. So you can have faith in your lawyer, son. How much money you got?[/box]
This is your average late John Wayne film in his avuncular mode. It does boast a partially scalped Lee Marvin!
As the film begins, Paul Regret (Stuart Whitman), a New Orleans gambler, kills his opponent in a duel. The opponent was a prominent person and Louisiana decides to enforce its anti-duelling legislation. Regret flees into Texas. He resumes gambling on a river boat and falls in love at first sight with Pilar Graile (Ina Balin). Texas Ranger Jake Cutter (Wayne) apprehends him but he manages to escape.
When Jake returns to his command, he is assigned to intercept 76 rifles intended for the Comancheros, a band of outlaws in alliance with the Comanches. During this mission, he retakes Regret. The two end up battling the Comancheros together. You may be sure Pilar makes a reappearance.
This is entertaining enough for those who enjoy John Wayne bantering with some fairly snappy dialogue. I’m one of them. It’s nothing special though and I have never understood the appeal of either Whitman or Balin.
Trailer
