Sorry, this movie sucks

Sick Product of a Sick System

Let's be realistic.

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

Shalako is directed by Edward Dmytryk and collectively written by J.J. Griffith, Hal Hooper, Scot Finch and Clarke Reynolds. Adapted from the book written by Louis L'Amour it stars Sean Connery, Brigitte Bardot, Stephen Boyd, Jack Hawkins, Honor Blackman, Peter van Eyck and Alexander Knox. A Technicolor/Franscope production, music is scored by Robert Farnon and cinematography by Ted Moore.When a hunting party of European aristocrats are led into Apache territory by shifty guide Bosky Fulton (Boyd), it calls for a brave tough guy to try and get them out to safety. Enter Shalako (Connery).A difficult film to review since it undoubtedly has problems, yet with the right expectation level set it plays out a fun and robust Western. It's not nearly as awful as some would have you believe. Really.OK, it's a bit too off kilter for its own good, miscasting is all too evident, with Connery and Bardot particularly standing out, and there isn't enough quality of story to justify the near two hour running time. The Connery issue is sad because it isn't for lack of trying or charisma, a confirmed Western fan, Connery ventured into the genre having just left (temporarily) the James Bond franchise, he attacks the role of Shalako with relish. But he never once convinces in this time period and desperately tries to plug into the socket for some sparks in the "sign posted a mile away" love interest with Bardot. Although there's something sensual about observing Bardot blasting away with rifle in hands, it's just a little too out there, especially since she has make-up apparently done by Dusty Springfield. But if you can buy into the odd European group dynamic that Bardot fronts? Then it can provide some genuinely enjoyable genre passages.Dmytryk structures it soundly without surprises, however, the action sequences hold up very well. With flaming arrows piercing bodies and setting wagons ablaze, combat between rifle and bow is perky. The first Apache attack on the Adobe ruin compound that our odd group are holed up at, is resplendent with Apache leaps and energised attack and defence tactics. There's also a vigorous chase passage involving a coach, while the key battle in the final quarter, up on the mountainside, is well worth the wait. Elsewhere in the cast, Blackman is sexy, Boyd makes for a good scuzzy weasel and Knox gives the most believable performance. Outdoor photography is pleasing, with Almeria in Spain nicely made to look like New Mexico, and the theme music is wonderfully exuberant.There's other problems, not enough Woody Strode, unconvincing smooching, unconvincing mano-mano fight and the closure is hardly barnstorming. And yes, at times it is ridiculous. Yet there's still rewards there for the Western fan who is in an undemanding mood. 6.5/10

The premise of the film is just dumb. That a handful of European aristocrats, with an outlaw for a guide, would refuse to escape an Indian reservation when they discover they are about to be attacked by a small Indian army, just because they are racist enough to believe that they are superior to any number of Indians, may not be utterly incredible - racists can get pretty dumb - but it is just incredible enough to make all that follows difficult to swallow. I mean, obviously these people are too stupid to be liked or even pitied - let the Indians massacre them and get it over with.And speaking of racism, it's hard to believe this film was made in the late 1960s, this is the most regressive presentation of Native Americans as "savages" since the 1930s. In fact there are a couple John Wayne oaters from the Lone Star studios of the '30s that present Indians in a much more favorable and humane manner than this.So let's talk about the casting - or let's not, everyone is so badly miscast, you wonder what film the casting director thought needed these actors. They're all well known and respected for other roles in other films - they just don't belong here. The worst case of this - Woody Strode, wholly unbelievable as an Indian warrior with a grudge against Connery's Shalako.And don't get me started on that bizarre, '50s-retro title song! Might actually have been fun if it didn't drag out so bad. Action scenes are below par. Unless you have a Connery crush or a Bardot fetish, better stay away.

A great film Director Edward Dmytrk created this very different Western film with the title of SHALAKO meaning the word Rain Bringer. Sean Connery, (Shalako Carlin) a hunter and tracker is employed by a group of European people who like to hunt and they decide to visit the Western area of America. Brigitte Bardot, (Countess Lazaar) loves to hunt dangerous animals and is enjoying her trip while she kills a mountain lion. However, all these people never thought that this area of Western America was occupied by Native American Indians and that they were really being threatened and hunted by these people. These European people were so relaxed that they had a large dinner table set up with all the finest china and candle light and food right in the middle of a desert and had no fears of any harm. This is truly a great Louis L'Amour story written by a great American Western Writer. Enjoy.

Like most of the comments posted here, I can't give much praise for "Shalako - who thought-up that name? Louis L'Lamour ?? I must admit I don't pay too much attention to his westerns, and seldom know he wrote them. I am in the debt of those who point-out the film was shot in Spain.....desert is desert, to me, unless it's The Sahara.I didn't recognize ole Connery ("Shalako")....thought he looked familiar. Guess the rent was due. Bardot "(Countess someone") was totally out of place: stringy hair and tons of make-up for that period ? But, we gotta remember she has a huge following in Europe and had to let everyone know it really WAS she. Also didn't recognize Stephen Boyd as "Bosky Fulton" - guess his rent was due, too. It was apparent he was up to no good, when you saw him a long way ahead of the carriage. I've never heard that Europeans came to our West for a hunting-trip: what they want, scalps ? I'll just keep a close look-out for them in some other film.I neither liked nor disliked "Shalako" - I knew the ladies would get up the mountain someway, but wondered why they were last. Don't blame the Apaches for wanting these folk out of their territory.I watched this for lunch - so, it came-off as nothing. Edward Dymtryk may have been a big director in Europe, but he should have had an American assistant for advice on an American Western.....he must have watched a lot of westerns and thought he had it down pat....guns, cowboys and Indians......yawn.....