The first Magnificent Seven film, a remake of the classic Japanese classic Seven Samurai, was indeed a magnificent film, and you wonder if it needed any sequels. It turns out that three sequels were made, and this was the first of them. Basically, Chico (Julián Mateos), one of the original Seven, is living in the now-liberated small Mexican village, and has started a family with his wife, Petra (Elisa Montés). Three peaceful years later, sixty gunmen abduct all of the village's men to be saved for slave labour, including Chico. The leader of the gang, Francisco Lorca (Emilio Fernández), wants the kidnapped men to rebuild a desert village and church to commemorate his dead sons. Chico's wife seeks out the only other members of the band to survive, Chris (Yul Brynner, the only original cast member) and Vin (Robert Fuller, replacing Steve McQueen). She begs them to save the village once more, and they must find replacements for the deceased members of the group. Chris buys the release of skilled gunman Frank (Claude Akins) and famous bandit Luis (Virgilio Teixeira), and recruits ladies' man Colbee (Warren Oates), and deadly gunman, and young cockfighter Manuel (Jordan Christopher). In a surprise attack, the six gunmen force Lorca's men to leave, and prepare for a counterattack with Chico. The seven defenders successfully evade Lorca's initial attack, but the rancher gathers all his men try attempt another strike. Manuel discovers a supply of dynamite which the seven use in a counteroffensive. Following a large final shootout, Chris emerges victorious, but the rancher's gang flee, leaving Frank, Luis, and Manuel dead. Chico plans to resettle the village, and Colbee remains to help teach the villagers how to defend themselves against future attacks and plans to pursue the available women. Chris and Vin ride off together once more. Also starring Rodolfo Acosta as Lopez, Fernando Rey as Priest and Ricardo Palacios as Jailer. Brynner does still do a good job I suppose, apart from the iconic theme tune and Oscar nominated score by Elmer Bernstein, I didn't really much notice to be honest, the story is almost the same with only subtle differences, at least the battle sequences were worthwhile, but the original is way better, but not a terrible western sequel. Okay!
Review of Return of the Seven
