GUNS OF THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN

US, 1969, 105 minutes, Colour.
George Kennedy, James Whitmore, Monte Markham, Reni Santoni, Bernie Casey, Joe Don Baker, Michael Ansara, Fernando Rey.
Directed by Paul Wendkos.

Guns of the Magnificent Seven is the second sequel for the classic The Magnificent Seven. Yul Brynner did reappear in The Return of the Seven in 1966. However, he is replaced here by George Kennedy – quite a non-lookalike. There was another sequel in 1972, The Magnificent Seven Ride.

The film follows the patterns of the action of the original film and tries to keep something of its mystique. George Kennedy was always a strong screen presence (best supporting actor Oscar for Cool Hand Luke in 1967). Other regulars like Joe Don Baker appear as well as the genial older James Whitmore.

The film was directed by Paul Wendkos who began his career in direction in the mid-1950s. His career, for over forty years, was in television. However, he directed a number of films including Gidget, Gidget Goes Hawaiian and Gidget Goes to Rome. More serious films include The Battle of the Coral Sea, Face of a Fugitive and Angel Baby as well as The Mephisto Waltz in 1972.

1. How interesting and enjoyable a western? its impact as a sequel and part of a series? The expected characters, their mystique? The western of social help? The recognisable theme music? The value of continuing the series?

2. The title and its emphasis on guns and violence? As used?

3. The impact of social westerns and the contribution of the Seven? Their tradition of helping people in need against tyrants? How well exemplified here?

4. How well was the rebellion situation portrayed? Quintero and his contribution to the rebellion? The importance of his capture and imprisonment? The need for freeing him? The various groups interested in his liberation? The basis for the structure of the film?

5. The character of Max, his role in the rebellion, devotion to Quintero? His use of the money and his reliance on the Seven?

6. Lobero and his villainy?

7. Chris as leader of the Seven? His mystique? George Kennedy Instead of Yul Brynner? The biography of each of the members, Keno the expert marksman, the horse thief, the giant black Cassie, one-armed Slater, the tubercular P.J., the family man, Levi Morgan? How did each explain himself? The reason for following Chris? The capacity for each to be welded into the group?

8. The prison scenes and the liberation for the action pieces of the film? Their meaning and significance for the Mexican people?

9. The significance of the deaths of five of the seven for the Mexicans?

10. The success of the film as an action film, as a significant western?