This classic of Spanish cinema set in 1890 contains an adequate aesthetic , top-notch acting , luxurious Black and White photography by Manuel Berenguer and appropriate production design by Sigfredo Burman . It deals with a dangerous killer nicknamed Sacamantecas (Fernando Sancho) has been detained and two Guardia Civil : Corporal Antonio Pedroso (Antonio Prieto) and Silvestre (Germán Cobos) are assigned to transport and survey him from province of Lion , passing various villages as Robla , Guardo , until Vitoria where he will be judged in criminal court . Along the way they find all kinds of obstacles , risks , and strange characters , such as a young couple attempting to make love , a French photographer who tries to ride his donkey , a shepherd , an evicted family , the train of the Robla , among others . They arrive in a village where are celebrating local parties , there they meet the Mayor (the great comedian Rafael L Somoza) who attempts to marry his twenty daughters .
This is a special road movie in which three characters travel throughout countryside , villages and twisted ways until their destination . This peculiar film has crudeness , roughness , and a particular strength . Its interest preferentially lies in the portrayal of villagers and including psychological characterization of the main roles . ¨Cuerda De Presos¨ is simple but otherwise earnest little story , resulting to be an acceptable film , though it drags at times , balancing in ups and downs ; turning out to be entertaining enough . The main actors give nice interpretations , such as Antonio Prieto who starred ¨ For fistful of dollars¨ by Sergio Leone and German Cobos Cobos who played a lot of Paella/Chorizo or Tortilla Western filmed in Spain such as : ¨Hombre De La Diligencia¨ by Jose Maria Elorrieta¨, ¨Fuerte Perdido¨, ¨Secret of Captain O'Hara¨ by Arturo Ruiz del Castillo , ¨Wanted¨ by Giorgio Ferroni and ¨Blood calls to Blood¨ by Luigi Capuano . Special mention for Fernando Sancho as criminal ¨Sacamantecas¨ who killed eight victims , he gives an awesome and unforgettable performance . And compelling work of the remaining cast . There are fine technicians and nice production design , creating an enjoyable scenario with natural outdoors , mountainous landscapes under a glimmer sun and an atmospheric set on the villages.
Here stands out the evocative cinematography by Antonio L Ballesteros who shows splendidly the ambient by that time . Evocative as well as atmospheric soundtrack by Enrique Franco . This motion picture ¨Cord of prisoners¨ , one of the pinnacles of the fifties , produced by Santos Alcocer was professionally written/directed by Pedro Lazaga , though it has some flaws and gaps . It was exhibited several years later its shooting , and obtained a flop at the box office , though had rave reviews . This picture rarely seen even day-present , incomprehensibly ; however , being well considered . Lazaga was a Spanish craftsman who directed various film with the popular comic player Paco Martinez Soria . Pedro was a prolific director and writer, known for Los Chicos Del Preu (1967), Cuerda De Presos (1956) and María Morena (1951). He directed all kind of genres such as Peplum : Siete Espartanos , Wartime : Cuerda De Presos , Posicion Avanzada , Torrepartida , La Patrulla ; Drama : Rostro De Asesino , Otro Arbol De Guernica , but especially known for comedies in low budget . Director Pedro Lazaga made , during the fifties and early sixties , eight films , mostly comedies : ¨Muchachas De Azul¨, Ana Dice Si¨. ¨Luna De Verano¨, ¨Económicamente Debiles¨ , ¨Trio Damas¨ for screenwriter and producer Jose Luis Dibildos and his ¨Agata Films Productions¨. The best of all them results to be ¨Los Tramposos¨. He continued making comedies such as Patrulla De Los Once , Los Tramposos , Sabian Demasiado , El Vikingo , ¡No Firmes Más Letras, Cielo! , Vente a Ligar Al Oeste , Hasta El Matrimonio Nos Separe , La Amante Perfecta , Fulanita y Sus Menganos , among others . His most known films were with the popular comic player Paco Martinez Soria such as : Abuelo Made in Spain , Padre De La Criatura , Alegre Divorciado , Estoy Hecho Un Chaval , Vaya Par Gemelos , among others . As well as others produced by Vicente Escriba and starred by Alfredo Landa, such as : Vente a Alemania Pepe , Vente a Ligar a Oeste and No Firmes Mas Letras Cielo .
