Ringo mit den goldenen Pistolen

Dubbed movies are, at least for me, difficult to watch in part because the speech always seems out of synch -- and of course is.

This film, known variously as "Johnny Oro" and "Ringo and His Golden Pistol," almost overcomes that difficulty because of very good acting, great scenery (supposedly Italy), many and superlative stunts, and an excellent score.

And even good acting from the dubbers, something I have found rare in the past.

As to that score, I wonder if composer Carlo Savina influenced Ennio Morricone, or if Morricone influenced Savina. There are similarities in their scores, as witness this one and any of the Clint Eastwood "spaghetti Westerns."

But the story here is both unusual and clever. Written by Adriano Bolzoni and Franco Rossetti, "Ringo" presents many and varied characters as well as an involved story of Gringos and Mexicans and Apaches, back-stabbing, cowardice, courage, honor, and, yes, foolishness.

In addition, the chief villain, slimily played by Franco De Rosa, is surely one of the most evil ever portrayed on film.

Mark Damon might have appeared in a better light without a dubbed-in performance, but by and large he made a good ... well, "hero" might not be the correct term here, but as a strong protagonist Damon was quite watchable.

There is an interesting print at YouTube, with the dubbed English and Greek subtitles. I enjoyed it, and can recommend it.