Bandolero!
Posing as a hangman, Mace Bishop arrives in town with the intention of freeing a gang of outlaws, including his brother, from the gallows. Mace urges his younger brother to give up crime. The sheriff chases the brothers to Mexico. They join forces, however, against a group of Mexican bandits.
Critics Sentiment
Mace Bishop masquerades as hangman to save Dee's gang
Gang members interact around campfires during their flight south
The film drops significantly from the praised opening act to the sluggish middle campfire sequences, falling 3.5 points from the gallows escape to the conversational doldrums.
Bandolero starts as a highly entertaining western with Stewart's hangman masquerade earning widespread critical praise for its humor and cleverness. The film loses momentum in its middle act with draggy dialogue scenes, but recovers for a surprisingly violent and gritty climax that impressed reviewers with its tragic weight. Overall, critics found it a solid but uneven western elevated by strong performances and beautiful cinematography.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 22
James Stewart
Mace Bishop
Dean Martin
Dee Bishop
George Kennedy
Sheriff July Johnson
Raquel Welch
Maria Stoner
Andrew Prine
Deputy sheriff Roscoe Bookbinder
Will Geer
Pop Chaney
Clint Ritchie
Babe Jenkins
Denver Pyle
Muncie Carter
Tom Heaton
Joe Chaney
Rudy Diaz
Angel
Sean McClory
Robbie O'Hare
Harry Carey, Jr.
Cort Hayjack
Don 'Red' Barry
Jack Hawkins
Guy Raymond
Ossie Grimes
Perry Lopez
Frisco
Jock Mahoney
Stoner
Dub Taylor
Attendant
Big John Hamilton
Bank Customer
Robert Adler
Ross Harper
John Mitchum
Bath House Customer
Crew
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