Fonda's Farewell to a Genre

Truly, this movie has inspired moments. Indeed, the premise itself--America (Henry Fonda as archetypal American Western cowboy hero, Frank Beauregard) bidding farewell to a genre, moving aside to the "new generation" of Euro-Western heroes (typifed by Terence Hill's wise-beyond-his-years wiseacre "Nobody" figure)--is inspiring. Fonda's steely (albeit near-sighted) blues are the perfect contrast to the carnivalesque clownishness of Hill--and the film's meta-commentary on mythmaking vs. reality (and a very serious message about the need for heroes for the rest of us to believe in, even if those individuals called upon are looking for anything but a heroic role!) is surprisingly profound. But Valeri Tonino's erratic direction often slows things down to a glacier-like pace--and, unfortunately, it's Hill's mugging that too often contributes to this down-time. Fonda's performance, however, is a little gem--a wistful counterpoint to his Wyatt Earp of Ford's "Clementine." When he sails off into the sunset, leaving Nobody behind to bring the West into the 20th century (the film takes place in 1899), our hearts go with him--and we were certainly glad we went along for the ride. A light-hearted (but at times sentimental) Ennio Moriccone score (complete with ironic quotations from Richard Wagner) adds to the overall fun. Nowhere near as good as it could--or perhaps should--have been (and the opening sequence, as legend has it directed by Leone himself, hints at just how good it really *might* have been under Leone's own direction), but it's quite unlike most other Westerns of *any* time period. And the inclusion of the complete CD soundtrack is a welcome addition.

My Name Is Nobody

"My Name Is Nobody" 1973 (Released in U.S. in 1974)
Rated: PG
Director: Tonino Valerii
Starring: Henry Fonda (Jack Beauregard), Terrence Hill (Nobody)
Music by: Ennio Morriconne
Running Time: 1 hour and 55 minutes

Entertaining Spaghetti Western based on an idea from and produced by Sergio Leone (of "Fistfull of Dollars" fame) featuring Terrence Hill as the title character, a mild-mannered drifter, who just happens to be the fastest gun in the west.
The movie is set in 1899 in the waning days of the wild west in America (the movie was filmed in the American southwest and Spain). An aged gunfighter, Jack Beuaregard (Fonda), the west's most famous gunslinger, is worn out by the rigors of his trade and plans to retire to Europe. "Nobody" has grown up admiring Beauregard (he can quote from memory each of his victims) and follows him about the southwest attempting to get him to face the Wild Bunch, a band of 150 gunmen, so that he can "go out in style".
Eventually Beauregard agrees and together they hatch a plan to take on all 150 of the Wild Bunch at one time.
This movie is a comedic western that features top-notch performances by its two leads as well as a magnificent soundtrack (as always) by Morricone.
The movie is chock full of memorable scenes, especially the opening sequence in the barber shop and the showdown with the Wild Bunch (who's every appearance in the film is heralded by Morricone's version of Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries"). Look also for a nod to Sam Peckinpah (in addition to the Wild Bunch) in the cemetary scene with Beauregard and Nobody.
This is a great film that can be viewed by the whole family and can be enjoyed many times over. If you enjoy the genre, you'll love this movie. Highly recommended.

Nobody beats nobody ...

You will not go wrong with this jewel. Even if you've never seen an Italian western, you will find this one addictive. The only bad thing about this movie is that there is no sequel. This one is the epitome of a spaghetti western. I've enjoyed it time and time again! I 100% agree with all the reviewers remarks on this one.