THE PROFESSIONALS (1966)

[The Burgomaster]

I love getting pleasant surprises like this.  As a fan of westerns, I don't know how I missed this one.  It's "Grade A" all the way and was nominated for Oscars for cinematography, adapted screenplay, and director . . . all well-deserved.  And get a load of the cast!

Ralph Bellamy hires Lee Marvin, Burt Lancaster, Robert Ryan, and Woody Strode to rescue his wife (Claudia Cardinale) who has been kidnapped by a renegade Mexican revolutionary (Jack Palance).  There's a long, beautifully photographed trek through the desert, some top-notch shootouts, crackling dialogue, and good performances.

The DVD also has several extras featuring interviews with Claudia Cardinale and a few others . . . including Burt Lancaster's daughter. 

Highly recommended!   

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iE7MSE0bDe8

[Neville]

I love this film. It's not without flaws or plot holes (how the hell did those horses end up with the bandits? That was confusing), but the pace is perfect, has some great scenes (the final shootout in the desert canyon is terrific) and, wonderful, charismatic actors. No matter how great everything else is, THEY make the film, specially Burt Lancaster.

I sincerely hope it never gets remade.

[trekgeezer]

Can't believe you missed that one Burgo, it's one of my favorites.  The cinematography is great, the casting superb, and I love the twists in the plot.