Watch Pancho Villa

Pancho Villa is a 1972 American western film that tells the legendary story of the Mexican revolutionary leader Pancho Villa, who fought against the government forces in the Mexican Revolution that started in 1910. Directed by Eugenio Martín, the movie is a dark and gritty portrayal of the brutal war that was fought between Villa's army and the oppressive government regime.

Telly Savalas plays the character of Frank 'Poncho' Villa, the charismatic and enigmatic leader of the revolutionary forces. His portrayal of Villa is brilliantly nuanced, portraying him as a hero, a rebel, and a ruthless killer, all at the same time. The character of Villa is quite complex, and Savalas does a fantastic job of bringing out all the different layers of his personality.

Clint Walker plays the character of Captain Sean, an American adventurer who gets caught up in the conflict and becomes Villa's right-hand man. He provides a much-needed perspective on the war from an outsider's point of view and his character adds depth to the plot. Chuck Connors plays the character of Colonel Wilcox, a ruthless and sadistic military officer who is tasked with putting an end to Villa's revolution. Connors' portrayal is chilling and he effectively captures the cold-heartedness of the antagonist.

The movie features a host of talented actors in various roles, including Anne Francis, Alejandro Rey, and Diana Lorys, who all deliver solid performances. The film's production design is top-notch, with great attention to detail paid to the costumes, sets, and props. The locations used for filming are stunning, with panoramic views of the Mexican countryside serving as a beautiful backdrop to the action.

The plot of the movie follows the events leading up to the infamous raid on the small border town of Columbus, in New Mexico, which was carried out by Villa and his men in 1916. The raid is considered to be one of the last invasions on American soil before the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941. The movie is a fictionalized account of the historic event, but it is based on real-life characters and events.

The movie is shot in a rather unconventional style, with the entire film being narrated by the character of Captain Sean. This technique gives the audience an intimate look into the mind of the protagonist and adds a layer of complexity to the plot. The story is told through a series of flashbacks, as Sean reminisces about his time with Villa and his army.

The movie has a very somber and melancholic tone to it, with the violence and brutality of the war being portrayed in a very realistic and graphic manner. The scenes of warfare are intense, and the aftermath of the battles is shown in a visceral way. The film doesn't shy away from the horrors of war, and it shows the cost of the conflict both on the soldiers and the civilians caught in the crossfire.

Overall, Pancho Villa is a powerful and compelling movie that tells the story of one of Mexico's most iconic and revered figures. The performances are outstanding, and the production design is fantastic. The unconventional storytelling style adds depth and complexity to the plot, and the intense war scenes keep the audience engaged throughout the film. This is a must-watch for fans of westerns and war movies alike.

Pancho Villa is a 1972 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.6.