A lot of fun.

Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

only a different western. using the classic rules of genre. but who could not be reduced at this rules. because it is a gray, silent, precise story. like a Mediteranean story of justice and revenge. because the meet of viewer with Michele Mercier and Robert Hossein has nothing with the memories about Angelique series. because Michele Mercier gives a character, with each subtle nuances, remembering more the Greek tragedies than a western. because the cinematography is great. and the story has a special flavor. a film a bout duty and love. clear, precise, special.

After the worldwide success of Sergio Leone's "A Fistful of Dollars" (1964) and "For a Few Dollars More" (1965), Robert Hossein, an honorable French actor and director which had a previous Western "The Taste of Violence" (1961) in his credits, is trying one more time his luck in the same genre. The music, signed André Hossein (father of Robert Hossein) it's a reminiscent of Ennio Morricone's music from Leone's films. Benito Stefanelli, who played in the two aforementioned films of Leone, has a role here too. The same José Canalejas, Lorenzo Robledo, Álvaro de Luna. Many other elements of Leone's movies are present in this Cemetery Without Crosses (1969) too, Michèle Mercier is dressed and even resembles Marianne Koch from A Fistful of Dollars but, however, despite the charm of the two main actors, Hossein and Mercier (they have been together also in the successful "Angélique" series), the film is a total failure. So, I'm sorry Mister Hossein, I love you very much in many other films but, this one is not spaghetti, c'est de la merde.

From the opening sequence, as a sepia camera lens captures the pursuit of a single rider by a gang on horseback, I just knew that this film was going to demonstrate class. And, although the story itself probably has little to set it apart from many other films within the Euro Western genre, it more than makes up for it with its effective use of camera work and great character portrayal. Yes, this film has class in abundance.So to the story itself. Having witnessed her husband Ben (a brief but welcome appearance by Benito Stefanelli) executed by the Rogers family, Maria (played by stunning french actress Michèle Mercier) seeks revenge on the killers. Unable to rely on her two oafish brothers-in-law to assist, she seeks help from Ben's best friend (and, as we find out, Maria's former lover) Manuel (Robert Hossein).Manuel enlists himself as a member of the Rogers gang, enabling him to capture the only daughter. With this prisoner in her custody, Maria has the perfect ransom to deliver a perfect revenge on the Rogers gang. With the scene now set, the bloodshed and twists to the story soon commence.The character of Manuel is quite unlike any other main western lead that I have seen. Whilst demonstrating an unnerving ability with a gun, there is a definite reluctance to become too embroiled with Maria's plot. His time as a gunfighter by choice has passed - perhaps symbolically shown by him being the sole resident of "Ghost Town". However, his involvement is spurned on by his feelings for her. Hossein, who both played the part of Manuel and directed the movie, plays this solemn and complex character superbly.Hossein's direction is really eye catching too, with the camera work demonstrating more than a little nod in the direction of a certain Mr Leone (to whom there is a suitable credit in the end title sequence). This is no copycat Leone film however, and firmly stands up on its own merit. Less is definitely more, as the opening scene proves (it must be a good ten minutes before there is any real dialogue. And in reality, when the picture is this effective words are not needed).In summary, don't be put off by the simplicity of the story, as the way that this film is crafted makes such an issue completely irrelevant. It can stand quite proudly in that top echelon of Euro Westerns, and quite possibly a perfect introduction to the genre to those that have purely seen the Leone movies.

After finally seeing this in a very good print I believe it to be one of the best of the non Leone Spaghettis. It's a shame that a lot of these forgotten westerns are only available in multi generation copys because it really affects ones perception. I originally saw this in a VHS dub that was just a shade above unwatchable. What a difference a clear picture and sound track makes. Vintage 60's Spaghetti music and cynical noir like script. Very simple, nothing "spectacular" but everything works and it moves at a good clip. Good cast with the French leads and some Spaghetti regulars. The scene where Hossein plays the music box while brushing up on his shooting skill is a high point. Every spaghetti fan should check this out. Only available in a Japanese import. Great stuff.