"The Hills Run Red" is a spaghetti western to be sure but it is bolstered by having Thomas Hunter play the lead, Henry Silva as the all in black gunman and veteran Dan Duryea as Hunter's ally. Of course, you'll have to put up with the poor dubbing of the Italian actors and the customary loud music that is prevalent in these films.
Jim Houston (Hunter) and Milton (Nando Gazzolo) are two rebels on the run with stolen Union money ($600K) at the end of the American Civil War. Chased by Union soldiers, the two decide to split up with Houston continuing the chase and Milton absconding with the money. Houston is arrested, roughed up and sent to prison for 5 years. Milton meanwhile, has kept all of the money and become "the most powerful rancher in these parts". Houston's wife is left destitute, losing their ranch to the bankers. Milton refused to help her out and she subsequently dies leaving their young son Timmy (Loris Loddi) to fend for himself.
Houston is released from prison, takes on the name of Brewster and returns home to find his wife and child gone. He swears revenge against his former partner who now goes by the name of Seagull. He employs an all in black gunfighter names Mendez (Silva) who leads a group of gunmen who enforce Seagull's wishes.
Brewster is helped fend off Mendez' gunmen by a stranger known only as Winnie Getz (Duryea). Getz, unbeknownst to Brewster is an undercover army officer looking for the stolen funds.
The rest of the movie has Brewster rallying the townsfolk to attack Seagull's herd of horses and Mendez' retaliation in the town. Many bodies pile up on both sides. Finally there is a showdown between Brewster and Mendez, followed by the inevitable confrontation with Seagull/Milton.
Henry Silva is way over the top as the laughing, complete with close ups, villain. Dan Duryea, in one of his last films, takes the acting honors in this one. He was always good. As the romantic interest, we have Nicoletta Machiavelli playing Milton's sister Mary Ann.
Above average but still a clone of the Clint Eastwood trilogy.
Jim Houston (Hunter) and Milton (Nando Gazzolo) are two rebels on the run with stolen Union money ($600K) at the end of the American Civil War. Chased by Union soldiers, the two decide to split up with Houston continuing the chase and Milton absconding with the money. Houston is arrested, roughed up and sent to prison for 5 years. Milton meanwhile, has kept all of the money and become "the most powerful rancher in these parts". Houston's wife is left destitute, losing their ranch to the bankers. Milton refused to help her out and she subsequently dies leaving their young son Timmy (Loris Loddi) to fend for himself.
Houston is released from prison, takes on the name of Brewster and returns home to find his wife and child gone. He swears revenge against his former partner who now goes by the name of Seagull. He employs an all in black gunfighter names Mendez (Silva) who leads a group of gunmen who enforce Seagull's wishes.
Brewster is helped fend off Mendez' gunmen by a stranger known only as Winnie Getz (Duryea). Getz, unbeknownst to Brewster is an undercover army officer looking for the stolen funds.
The rest of the movie has Brewster rallying the townsfolk to attack Seagull's herd of horses and Mendez' retaliation in the town. Many bodies pile up on both sides. Finally there is a showdown between Brewster and Mendez, followed by the inevitable confrontation with Seagull/Milton.
Henry Silva is way over the top as the laughing, complete with close ups, villain. Dan Duryea, in one of his last films, takes the acting honors in this one. He was always good. As the romantic interest, we have Nicoletta Machiavelli playing Milton's sister Mary Ann.
Above average but still a clone of the Clint Eastwood trilogy.