Smooth and lethal gunfighter Lee Calloway (an excellent performance by William Berger) helps three no-count bandit brothers escape from jail under the condition that they give him fifty percent of the stolen gold they have hidden. Of course, the treacherous sibling trio don't plan on keeping their end of the deal. Writer/director Roberto Mauri relates the engrossing story at a steady pace and stages the rousing shoot-outs and rough'n'tumble fisticuffs with real skill and aplomb (the climactic confrontation between Calloway and the three bandit brothers in a rock quarry is especially tense and exciting). With his piercing blue eyes, laid-back self-assured demeanor, and neat all-black wardrobe, Berger's Calloway makes for a very cool and engaging anti-hero. Berger gets fine support from Wayde Preston as the hot-tempered Anthony Douglas, Aldo Berti as the sickly George Douglas, Jolanda Modio as the fetching Juanita, Luciano Pigozzi as amiable toymaker Paco, Josiane Tanzilla as the sweet Carmencita, and Betsy Bell as a lovely saloon singer (she sings the catchy theme song "A King for a Day"). Sandro Mancori's crisp and agile cinematography boasts several striking shots of the desolate desert landscape. Augusto Martelli's twangy and harmonic score hits the stirring spot. A fun film.
Review of Ballad of Death Valley
