In "Guns for San Sebastian," Anthony Quinn plays a wanted Mexican bandit who escapes execution through the inadvertent help of a humble and good-natured priest (played by veteran actor Sam Jaffe). The good father's new assignment is San Sebastian and, to escape the authorities, Quinn goes along for the ride. Overrun by the local Indians, the town is empty upon their arrival. After the priest is murdered in cold blood by some despicable Mexican bandits, Quinn avenges his death and then is mistaken for the old padre when the townsfolk return from the hills. Why they should believe that Quinn is their new priest is known only by God and the scriptwriter. Of course, Quinn plays along with the charade and soon falls for the local good-looking chica (Anjanette Comer). Unfortunately for Quinn, the girl and the town, the Indians (led by Charles Bronson) are up to no good and making their usual forays and unrelenting demands. Quinn decides that what the town really needs to do is defend itself. All that's required is a few crate loads of guns and ammunition and some much-needed guts. It doesn't take old Charlie too long to figure out that Quinn is going to be a big headache for him. After that conflict is established, the film moves along a brisk pace and an even faster body-count.
Director Henri Verneuil knew something about being besieged on all sides. As a young boy, he and his family had to flee Armenia to escape annihilation from the Turks. He eventually settled in France. I don't believe that this film makes any type of personal statement, but it is possible that Verneuil's own history may be an undercurrent theme. As for the film itself, it's an above-average Spaghetti Western directed by a Frenchman with American actors in the cast. You might call it a very mixed bag in more ways than one. Quinn, as usual, gives a fine performance as does his chief antagonist, Charles Bronson. Bronson's character is a bit conflicted which adds some much-needed ambiguity to his role. He's not all bad all the time and has worthy motives for his mischief. The rest of the cast includes beautiful Anjanette Comer who provides the love interest and holds her own throughout.
Director Henri Verneuil knew something about being besieged on all sides. As a young boy, he and his family had to flee Armenia to escape annihilation from the Turks. He eventually settled in France. I don't believe that this film makes any type of personal statement, but it is possible that Verneuil's own history may be an undercurrent theme. As for the film itself, it's an above-average Spaghetti Western directed by a Frenchman with American actors in the cast. You might call it a very mixed bag in more ways than one. Quinn, as usual, gives a fine performance as does his chief antagonist, Charles Bronson. Bronson's character is a bit conflicted which adds some much-needed ambiguity to his role. He's not all bad all the time and has worthy motives for his mischief. The rest of the cast includes beautiful Anjanette Comer who provides the love interest and holds her own throughout.