Watch Any Gun Can Play
- PG
- 1967
- 1 hr 45 min
-
5.9 (792)
Any Gun Can Play is a thrilling Spaghetti Western film that was released in 1967. This Italian production is directed by Enzo G. Castellari, and it stars Edd Byrnes, George Hilton, and Gilbert Roland in the leading roles. The film follows a classic Western story, but it does it with a touch of humor, action, and style that characterized the Spaghetti Western genre.
The film begins with a group of outlaws who team up to steal a shipment of gold. However, they soon find themselves at odds with each other over who should get the loot. The gang consists of Tuco, a Mexican gunslinger played by Gilbert Roland; The Blacksmith, a skilled thief played by Edd Byrnes, and the gunfighter known as the Stranger, portrayed by George Hilton. Each character has a unique personality and set of skills that make them stand out from the others.
The Stranger, the most enigmatic of the trio, is a man with a past that he wants to forget. He dresses like the hero of a dime novel and speaks very little, choosing to let his gun do the talking. His only goal is to collect the bounty on Tuco's head, but he finds himself drawn into the conflict between the Mexican and the Blacksmith.
Tuco, on the other hand, is a flamboyant bandit who enjoys showing off his gunslinging prowess. He sees the heist as an opportunity to make a big score and retire in style. The Blacksmith, meanwhile, is a cunning thief who is willing to do whatever it takes to get his hands on the gold. He is a master of disguise and deception, but his plans always seem to go awry.
As the three men compete for the gold, they find themselves crossing paths with a colorful cast of characters, including a beautiful gunslinger, a corrupt sheriff, and a vengeful bandit. The action is fast-paced and often absurd, with gunfights, bar brawls, and horse chases galore. The film features stunning landscapes, thrilling stunts, and a memorable score by Francesco De Masi.
Any Gun Can Play is a quintessential Spaghetti Western that showcases all the hallmarks of the genre. There are the character archetypes (the hero, the villain, and the antihero), the showdowns, the moral ambiguity, and the exaggerated violence. However, the film also subverts some of the Western tropes by injecting humor and self-awareness into the story. The characters are not one-dimensional, and their motivations are often driven by greed, pride, or revenge rather than a sense of justice.
One of the strengths of the film is its cast. Edd Byrnes brings charisma and humor to his role as the Blacksmith, who is always one step ahead of his rivals. Gilbert Roland steals the show as Tuco, with his flashy outfits, rapid-fire quips, and expert gunplay. George Hilton, while more restrained in his performance, is a convincing and enigmatic presence as the Stranger. The chemistry between the three actors is palpable, and their banter adds levity to the tense situations.
The cinematography by Marcello Masciocchi is another highlight of the film. The camera captures the sweeping vistas of the Spanish desert and the rugged terrain of the canyon chases. The action scenes are well-choreographed, with plenty of close-ups and reaction shots that highlight the tension and the danger of the gunfights.
Overall, Any Gun Can Play is an entertaining and enjoyable Spaghetti Western that delivers on the promise of the genre. The film is well-paced, well-acted, and well-shot, with enough twists and turns to keep the audience engaged. It's a movie that can be enjoyed both as a nostalgic callback to the classic Westerns of the past and as a fun and irreverent take on the genre. If you're a fan of Spaghetti Westerns, this film is definitely worth checking out.
Any Gun Can Play is a 1967 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.