Valdez is Coming

Pros: Burt Lancaster is a complete actor; Elmore Leonard script above average; Great weapons sequences.

Cons: Production values a little chintzy.

The Bottom Line: When is a Western more than a Western? When it has a dedicated actor like Burt Lancaster and an above average story, that's when!

Review: Valdez is Coming (1971)

Burt Lancaster stars as Bob Valdez a mixed breed constable on the old Western frontier. Valdez tries to peacefully sort out a situation involving a barricaded rifleman opposed by a rancher and his gang of thugs...

Pros: This is one of the quintessential westerns we watch no matter who’s in it,

Cons: After the usual cross-country chase, the film finishes up with typical “American ending”.

The Bottom Line: Lancaster’s ability to bring the caricature of an aging warrior (back to life, for one last righting of a wrong) is the strength of this film.

Review: This is one of the quintessential westerns we watch no matter who’s in it, “lone hero stands against the evil baron”.
We have all seen this type of film before in many guises and forms. The difference here is Lancaster’s ability to bring the...