Valdez is coming (1971)

[Neville]

I don't have much appreciation for Elmore Leonerd's writing when it comes to crime ("Pagan babies" might be the exception), but I've found out that he was involved in several westerns, either as a hired writer (Clint Eastwood's "Joe Kid") or as an adapted one.

As "Joe Kid", this one is an anti-racist western. The main character is Valdez, a Mexican sheriff deputy who starts a private war against Tanner, a powerful (and racist) landowner over a relatively small affair, but which becomes a matter of personal honor.

The structure of the film will inmediately ring bells: this is one of those westerns, such as "Navajo Joe" or "The Hunting Party" were people chase each others during a vast section of the movie, if not the whole movie.

The difference here is that it works. The reason may be the character development of both Valdez (Burt Lancaster is great as usual) and Tanner (Jon Cypher). It's not that they are that well fleshed out, specially Tanner, but the few traits we know of both characters are consistant with an obsessive behaviour, which is exactly what the plot needs to progress.

Otherwise, the action is competently staged, acting is if not good at least convincing, and the Spanish scenarios are beautiful. So much, actually, that I'm wonderin how much of may still be intact after all these years.   

[BoyScoutKevin]

Elmore Leonard was a western writer, before he was anything else. If one enjoyed "Valdez Is Coming," one might want to check out these other westerns based on the stories and novels of Elmore Leonard: "The Tall T," "3:10 to Yuma," both the original and the remake, "Hombre," and "Last Stand at Saber River." Leonard was also responsible for the television series "Desperado."

[Scott]

Solid Western is VALDEZ IS COMING (1971). Like the buffalo rifle he uses and takes care of those "good guys". You almost can't recognize Burt Lancaster as Valdez.



Burt Lancaster did a few more very good lesser known Westerns about the same time:

Ulzana's Raid (1972)
Lawman (1971)
The Scalphunters (1968)

[Yaddo 42]

Fairly faithful adaption of the the book, but Tanner is even nastier in the novel. Not much more character development, I wouldn't it expect from Leonard anyway. Tanner seems to be mean just because he has money and power and others don't.

I like this film a lot, very good late period western that doesn't pull it's punches on the brutality of the lives of those in that area and time. Lancaster did a lot of interesting films and took chances with roles during this phase of his career.

This used to turn up on the Turner South cable network before the channel was sold to NewsCorp. Watched it about a year ago with my uncle (who at first thought it was Ulzana's Raid) and aunt. Turned out UR was the film they saw on their first date! 

I've got to admit I'd like to see a remake with Benicio del Toro as Bob Valdez, could be interesting.

[Jim H]

I'm going to have to sort of disagree.  I found the film bland and a little boring.  Good performances though.

I also thought the ending was weak.

[Scott]

The film has a slow pace, but that is what we are suppose to see while they tracking this person. A rather methodical approach to an old West story. I did enjoy VALDEZ IS COMING. It wasn't over the top entertainment, but a good Western in my book. 

[Yaddo 42]

The ending is pretty close to the book, but my uncle would agree with Jim H. He thought it was an abrupt ending and unsatisfying.