The Comancheros
John Wayne headlines a not-so-classic-western-film series because it is one of his lesser-known works and we’ve never done it before on these pages. The 1961 film is based on a 1952 novel by Paul Wellman. The director’s chair eventually landed on Michael Curtiz after posing as a roulette wheel. Curtiz, best known for directing the classic Casablanca, was unable to finish the film due to terminal illness. Wayne completed the film as uncredited director.
The cast included Wayne in the lead as Texas Ranger Jake Cutter, in pursuit of gambler Paul Regret played by Stuart Whitman. Regret’s romantic interest, Pilar Graile is played by Ina Balin. Her name didn’t ring a bell, but she did. Others included Lee Marvin, Jack Elam and Edgar Buchanan. Three minor players of interest include Wayne’s son, Patrick, Michael Ansara before he was discovered and a sentimental favorite of mine Bob Steel, nearing the end of his career.
Set in 1843 Texas, the story has Regret on the run from a death sentence for killing the son of a Louisiana judge in a duel. With Texas Ranger Jake Cutter in pursuit, Regret stays a free man just long enough to fall in love with the mysterious Pilar Graile. With Regret in custody,
Cutter stops at a friend’s Ranch where they are attacked by Comanche. The source of the Indian trouble is a renegade band of gun runners, known as the Comancheros. During the Comanche attack, Regret escapes. Rather than flee, he rides for help, returning with a company of Texas Rangers to runoff the Indian attack. Regret is rewarded for his unselfish act, by the rangers sending word to Louisiana, Regret couldn’t be their man because he was riding with them.
Regret joins the Rangers and along with Cutter they use a Comanchero supply wagon to insinuate themselves into the band’s hideout. There Regret is reunited with Pilar who turns out to be the daughter of the Comanchero leader. All ends well when Cutter, Regret, and the Rangers to defeat the Comanche and the Comancheros. Regret and Pilar ride off to happily ever-after in Mexico while Jake returns to the Rangers.
Next Week: The Professionals
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Ride easy,
Paul
The cast included Wayne in the lead as Texas Ranger Jake Cutter, in pursuit of gambler Paul Regret played by Stuart Whitman. Regret’s romantic interest, Pilar Graile is played by Ina Balin. Her name didn’t ring a bell, but she did. Others included Lee Marvin, Jack Elam and Edgar Buchanan. Three minor players of interest include Wayne’s son, Patrick, Michael Ansara before he was discovered and a sentimental favorite of mine Bob Steel, nearing the end of his career.
Set in 1843 Texas, the story has Regret on the run from a death sentence for killing the son of a Louisiana judge in a duel. With Texas Ranger Jake Cutter in pursuit, Regret stays a free man just long enough to fall in love with the mysterious Pilar Graile. With Regret in custody,
Cutter stops at a friend’s Ranch where they are attacked by Comanche. The source of the Indian trouble is a renegade band of gun runners, known as the Comancheros. During the Comanche attack, Regret escapes. Rather than flee, he rides for help, returning with a company of Texas Rangers to runoff the Indian attack. Regret is rewarded for his unselfish act, by the rangers sending word to Louisiana, Regret couldn’t be their man because he was riding with them.
Regret joins the Rangers and along with Cutter they use a Comanchero supply wagon to insinuate themselves into the band’s hideout. There Regret is reunited with Pilar who turns out to be the daughter of the Comanchero leader. All ends well when Cutter, Regret, and the Rangers to defeat the Comanche and the Comancheros. Regret and Pilar ride off to happily ever-after in Mexico while Jake returns to the Rangers.
Next Week: The Professionals
Return to Facebook to comment
Ride easy,
Paul
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