Cast
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Giuliano Gemma
as Gary O'Hara
Ida Galli
as Judy O'Hara
Pierre Cressoy
as McCoy
Giuseppe Addobbati
as Donaldson
Franco Fantasia
as George Anderson
Massimo Righi
as Brad
Andrea Scotti
as Farmer
Tullio Altamura
as Peter
Nazzareno Zamperla
as Phil O'Hara
Benito Stefanelli
as James
Franco Lantieri
as Slim
Gino Marturano
as
Nello Pazzafini
as
Bernard Farber
as Hombre de McCoy
Luigi Tosi
as Herrero
Crew
Director
- Giorgio Ferroni
Writer
- Giorgio Ferroni
- Giorgio Stegani
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Western/Action/Romance film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Blood for a Silver Dollar distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Giorgio Ferroni brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1965, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Blood for a Silver Dollar took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 99 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 132 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1965, when this film was released:
- Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Blood for a Silver Dollar shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Specialists, which focuses more on action than character development, Blood for a Silver Dollar subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Colorado Charlie and The Girls of the Golden Saloon explore similar territory, Blood for a Silver Dollar stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 8, 1965
- Runtime: 1h 39m
