Review of The Comancheros (1961) by Paul C — 14 Nov 2007

Fairly enjoyable western with Wayne playing Wayne, as usual. Probably the thing that stood out most for me in this film is its incredibly dated treatment of the Indians, who are light-heartedly massacred in their hundreds, and whose only function in life is to rape, steal and beg for whiskey. Really quite offensive by todays standards.

That aside, there are some plus points. The scenery is truly magnificent (though this is not really unusual for this type of western). Wayne's relationship with Whitman actually becomes quite touching, and Lee Marvin's brief appearance a semi-scalped psychopath 'Crow' is highly amusing. Indeed, it's Marvin's contribution alone that makes this a three star, rather than a pretty miserable two....