Released in 1961 and directed by Michael Curtiz & John Wayne, "The Comancheros" is a Western starring Wayne as a lawman that captures a dashing gambler who's unjustly wanted for murder (Whitman). The two eventually team-up to take on a rogue organization in West Texas (or Mexico) who supply the notorious Comanches with guns. Joan O'Brien and Ina Balin appear as their potential babes. Nehemiah Persoff plays the lead villain, who doesn't appear until the final act. Lee Marvin, Michael Ansara, Patrick Wayne and Richard Devon have supporting roles. The events interestingly take place in 1843-44 during Sam Houston's second term as President of the Republic of Texas.The director, Curtiz, had a long career with several notable films (e.g. "Casablana" and "The Adventures of Robin Hood") and "The Comancheros" was his last. He fell ill during production and Wayne had to finish directing (uncredited in Curtiz' honor).To appreciate this film you have to acclimate to its early-60s hokiness but, once you do, it delivers the goods. It actually gets better as it moves along, perked up by Marvin's amusing antics as a loudmouthed outlaw and, especially, by the engaging plot that the James Bond films ripped off: There's the over-confident mega-villain (Persoff) with his impressive secret lair and mass of devotees.Wayne and Whitman have good chemistry, the latter fearless and debonair. Speaking of which, it's a wonder that Stuart didn't have a more stellar career as he's the quintessential Hollywood stud. On the opposite side of the gender spectrum, Balin is stunning as a Hispanic honey; and O'Brien is head-turning in a small role. The movie runs 107 minutes and was shot in Utah and Arizona.GRADE: B

This movie starts off with "Paul Regret" (Stuart Whitman) killing a man in a duel in Louisiana. What he doesn't know is that the man he killed is the son of a powerful judge who willingly disregards the honor of a duel and charges him with murder. Having little choice but to flee the state, Paul boards a steamboat to Galveston, Texas. On the way there he meets a mysterious lady by the name of Pilar Graile (Ina Balin) who he falls in love with. However, upon the ship's arrival into port he is arrested by a Texas Ranger by the name of "Jake Cutter" (John Wayne). Although he is intent on taking Paul back to Louisiana for trial, Jake encounters problems with the Comanches and their trading partners, the Comancheros. At any rate, rather than give the entire story away I will just add that this is an old-style Western movie which flourished at drive-in theaters across America during this period. John Wayne gives his usual top-notch performance. Additionally, Stuart Whitman and Lee Marvin (as the Comanchero named "Crow") are also quite good. Unfortunately, the rest of the cast don't necessarily distinguish themselves and the plot at times lacked realism. For example, the marksmanship of the Texas Rangers was too incredible to be believed--especially since their targets were riding at full speed on horseback. But again, this an old-style western which requires a little bit of latitude in that regard. All in all though it was entertaining and definitely worth a look for those who enjoy Westerns.

The comancheros is pretty unique among westerns as it's plot contains elements of spy thriller. John wayne is brilliant as usual as Texas ranger Jack Cutter and Lee Marvin is excellent as Crow, one of his funniest performances yet. Stuart Whitman is also brilliant as convict Paul Regret. Other brilliant performances come from Nehemiah Persoff, Ina Balin, Bruce Cabot and Patrick Wayne.The theme tune gives you goose bimples all over and is another perfect score by Elmer Bernstein. The comancheros is a very fun and quite light hearted movie to watch and isn't really as dark as some other westerns. There are quite a few comedic scenes, one involving John Wayne and Lee Marvin, who are excellent together, absolutely drunk and singing the red wing song, which climaxes in the two having a drunken brawl in the saloon, this scene made me laugh until my sides hurt. Another scene being a small punch up in front of the bad guy at a dinner table were Jake and Paul fight off a few henchmen and Jake hitting a big henchman over the head repeatedly with a chair, very funny also.The storyline is perfect and like something you would see in an action movie and keeps you wanting to see more and more of the film as it progresses, it's very intriguing and near the end of the film the plot turns completely unexpected as Jake and Paul discover who the comancheros really are.To finish off, the action scenes are also excellent. They are mainly shootouts and battles which make brilliant use of long range rifles and pistols.One of John Waynes best movies, a must see for all western/John Wayne fans.

The pace does sag quite badly in the middle but other than that, The Comancheros is an excellent film. Visually, it is beautifully mounted with the scenery and cinematography wonderful to look at. I love Elmer Bernstein's score as well, it is in my view one of his best and certainly most elegiac. The script sparkles, the story is very well constructed and filled with rip-roaring action and the direction is marvellous. The acting is very fine too, while John Wayne is the one who dominates the movie, he gets lively support from Stuart Whitman and in a star-making role Lee Marvin is just terrific. All in all, it is a very good film. 8/10 Bethany Cox