The Professionals (1966)
Genre: Western / Action
Duration: 117 minuten
Country:
United States
Directed by: Richard Brooks
Stars: Burt Lancaster, Lee Marvin and Robert Ryan
IMDb score:
7,3 (21.374)
Releasedate: 1 November 1966
The Professionals plot
"Rough, tough and ready."
It is 1917, during the Mexican Revolution. Maria, the attractive young wife of Texas judge Joe Grant, was allegedly kidnapped by Mexican rebel captain Jesus Raza. To save Maria from her kidnappers at any cost, Grant enlists four mercenaries to do so. This foursome consists of the cynical explosives expert Fardan, the ex-revolutionary Dolworth, the horse specialist Ehrengard and the seasoned tracker Jake. They do things professionally: what they can't shoot, they blow up, and no bullet or stick of dynamite is looked down upon.
Actors and actresses
Dolworth
Fardan
Ehrengard
Jake
Jesus Raza
Maria
Grant
Ortega
Fierro
Padilla
Reviews & comments
Filmkriebel
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- 10326 messages
- 4837 votes
Entertaining but not surprising at all. With Marvin and Lancaster in the lead roles, you know it's going to be good; it is an explosive and adventurous tex mex western in which a judge pays four mercenaries to rescue his wife from the clutches of a Mexican bandit. There are some great action scenes, such as those Mexicans chasing the train. For me personally, it all seemed too familiar to give it a higher rating. Those Mexicans are really outdated caricatures, including Mexican carnival music. However, you're in the right place for shootings, virile friendships and busty female objects.
Translated from Dutch · View original
filmkul
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- 2723 messages
- 2397 votes
Nice western. The story is not completely watertight, but it is well developed by Brooks. The film builds up quietly and the action soon follows. The action scenes look good and are beautifully depicted. The biggest plus are the actors. The chemistry is fine. The decoration is ok, although a bit too neat. Could have been a bit rougher. No Wild Bunch or Once Upon...but excellent level. 3.5
Translated from Dutch · View original
Collins
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- 7652 messages
- 4561 votes
An excellent revisionist western that, like most westerns from the 1960s, is set against the backdrop of the Mexican revolution. The story about four no longer so youthful mercenaries who have to carry out a dangerous assignment in dangerous Mexico is packed with testosterone, is full of action and is simply wonderful entertainment.
The four mercenaries are specialists. Everyone has their own way. They are stoic, cool and practically invincible. Their dialogues are laced with cynical humor. They're quite stereotypical, but in a pleasant way. Lee Marvin, the leader who is cooler than cool. Burt Lancaster, the rogue player. Woody Strode, the composed and venerable gun expert. Robert Ryan, the calm and concerned horse lover. Wonderful characters.
So is the frame. Filmed in a beautiful sepia-colored prairie landscape alternating with a typical mountain landscape as is often shown in westerns. The setting includes an occasional atmospheric sunset and sunrise. The music is also atmospheric and by Maurice Jarre. A film full of testosterone naturally includes a delightful woman. That woman's name is Claudia Cardinale and she is indeed delightful.
The Professionals is a smooth, well-written, beautifully photographed and very nice western.
Translated from Dutch · View original
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