"Navajo Joe" is an Italian-produced western starring Burt Reynolds. It was his only appearance in a 'spaghetti western' and, according to Reynolds, it's a terrible film. I wouldn't call it a terrible film, though seeing him sporting a black wig that makes him look a tad like Frankenstein--THAT'S terrible!
The film begins with a gang of scum killing Navajo Joe's wife. Soon, this gang arrives in a nearby town and begin killing and burning the town--just because they can. Next, they plan on robbing the train-- but by then, Joe has shown up and he's ready to kick butt. He makes Rambo look like a pussycat by comparison and stabs and shoots the gang and saves the train. So are the locals happy? Nah...they hate Indians and Joe is treated pretty badly. And, ironically, they treat a beloved town member quite well--even though, he's secretly in league with the gang. Oops. What's next? See the film for yourself to see.
If you aren't familiar with this genre, you will probably be surprised by all the killing--far more than you'd see in American westerns up until "The Wild Bunch" (1969). Because of this, the film is, at times, pretty mindless. However, compared to other Italian westerns of the day, it's about average and worth a look. However, you'll no doubt hate Ennio Morricone's theme song "Navajo Joe". In fact, it is one of the worst western songs I have ever heard. It's so repetitive and the words so silly that I think it severely detracted from the film. While his themes for films like "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" are considered classics, "Navajo Joe" is no classic! This song, and the wig, give some credence to Reynold's contention that it's a terrible film...but overall it's still not bad...and better than the Cannonball Run films!
By the way, pay attention during the scene where Joe is beaten up by the gang. Despite punching him a half billion times in the face, Burt's face is still pretty and unbruised! And, judging by the sound effects, both his face and the attacker's fist should have looked like hamburger! This is a very odd counterpoint to Reynold's excellent stunt-work throughout the film.
The film begins with a gang of scum killing Navajo Joe's wife. Soon, this gang arrives in a nearby town and begin killing and burning the town--just because they can. Next, they plan on robbing the train-- but by then, Joe has shown up and he's ready to kick butt. He makes Rambo look like a pussycat by comparison and stabs and shoots the gang and saves the train. So are the locals happy? Nah...they hate Indians and Joe is treated pretty badly. And, ironically, they treat a beloved town member quite well--even though, he's secretly in league with the gang. Oops. What's next? See the film for yourself to see.
If you aren't familiar with this genre, you will probably be surprised by all the killing--far more than you'd see in American westerns up until "The Wild Bunch" (1969). Because of this, the film is, at times, pretty mindless. However, compared to other Italian westerns of the day, it's about average and worth a look. However, you'll no doubt hate Ennio Morricone's theme song "Navajo Joe". In fact, it is one of the worst western songs I have ever heard. It's so repetitive and the words so silly that I think it severely detracted from the film. While his themes for films like "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" are considered classics, "Navajo Joe" is no classic! This song, and the wig, give some credence to Reynold's contention that it's a terrible film...but overall it's still not bad...and better than the Cannonball Run films!
By the way, pay attention during the scene where Joe is beaten up by the gang. Despite punching him a half billion times in the face, Burt's face is still pretty and unbruised! And, judging by the sound effects, both his face and the attacker's fist should have looked like hamburger! This is a very odd counterpoint to Reynold's excellent stunt-work throughout the film.