Watch Sartana the Gravedigger

Sartana the Gravedigger is a thrilling Italian Spaghetti Western movie directed by Giuliano Carnimeo and released in 1969. It stars Gianni Garko, Frank Wolff, and Ettore Manni in leading roles. The plot follows the story of a mysterious and skilled gunslinger named Sartana, who is hired by two rival gangs fighting for control of a valuable gold mine. As Sartana navigates his way through the conflicts and confrontations, he starts to uncover a sinister plot that could lead to the destruction of the entire town.

The film begins with a group of bandits led by Lasky (played by Frank Wolff) attacking a stagecoach carrying a consignment of gold destined for the town bank. However, the bandits are foiled by a lone figure dressed in black, who happens to be Sartana (Gianni Garko). Later, Sartana arrives in the town of Indian Creek, where he is quickly hired by two warring factions fighting for control of a nearby mine. One group is led by the greedy businessman Spencer (Ettore Manni), while the other is headed by the corrupt judge and saloon owner Oswald (played by Giuseppe Addobbati). Each of them has their own army of thugs and hitmen, and they will stop at nothing to get their hands on the valuable gold.

Sartana plays the two rival factions against each other, devising various schemes to pit them against each other and manipulating them into eliminating their own assets. Meanwhile, he investigates the robbery of the stagecoach and the murder of its driver, eventually uncovering a complicated and wide-reaching conspiracy that threatens the town's very existence. Along the way, he encounters a cast of colorful characters, including a beautiful barmaid named Abigail (Daniela Giordano) who becomes his love interest, and Pickwick (George Wang), a comical Chinese gambler who becomes Sartana's sidekick and helps him in his mission.

The film features all the classic staples of Spaghetti Westerns, including stunning gunfights, brutal violence, and a gritty, desolate atmosphere. Sartana, with his trademark leather duster coat and black hat, oozes cool charisma and deadly precision as he outwits his enemies at every turn. However, the film goes beyond the traditional clichés of the genre, incorporating elements of mystery and detective work, as Sartana uncovers the web of lies surrounding the gold mine and its ownership.

The film's direction by Giuliano Carnimeo is thoughtful and nuanced, lending the proceedings a sense of intelligence and sophistication. The cinematography by Stelvio Massi is also noteworthy, capturing the bleak terrain and inhospitable environment of the American West with an almost lyrical beauty. The music, scored by Piero Piccioni, is equally evocative, blending traditional Western sounds with a contemporary sensibility that adds depth and complexity to the film.

Overall, Sartana the Gravedigger is a must-watch for fans of the Spaghetti Western genre, and a standout entry in the canon of Italian exploitation cinema. Expertly directed, superbly acted, and featuring thrilling set-pieces and intricate plotting, it ranks among the best of the genre. With a charismatic lead actor and a memorable cast of supporting characters, it's a film that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish. So, if you are looking for a classic Western full of action, suspense, and intrigue, then Sartana the Gravedigger is definitely worth checking out.