GUNS FOR SAN SEBASTIAN

US, 1967, 115 minutes, Colour.
Anthony Quinn, Anjanette Comer. Charles Bronson, Sam Jaffe.
Directed by Henri Verneuil.

Guns for San Sebastian is a routine Western directed by Henri Verneuil who has made many films in imitation of American film styles, particularly gangster and robbery films like The Burglars, The Sicilian Clan, The Night Caller. Here he relies on the expected response to Anthony Quinn and the novelty of seeing him in a friar's robes. Charles Bronson has a supporting role in the days before he was famous.

1. Was this just another Western or did it have a different theme and slant? Did it raise any issues not common to the run-of the-mill western?

2. How complicated was the situation in Mexico presented by the film - Spaniards. Yaqui Indians. mixed breed peoples? What had caused hatred and disruption in this situation?

3. What kind of man was Leon? Was it clear why he was hunted? Was he just an ordinary violent. sensual bandit?

4. Religion played an important role in the film. What was shown in its favour? What against it? were these praises and criticisms valid?

5. Fr Joseph and sanctuary? Is the Church's old power of sanctuary a good thing? Was Fr Joseph right to protect Leon and help him escape? Why? How harsh was Fr Joseph's being relegated to San Sebastian? How good and sincere a man was he? Why did Leon continue to help him?

6. Why did Fr Joseph ring the bell? How cheap was life in Mexico if Fr Joseph could be shot so casually?

7. Why did Leon continue in San Sebastian as the villagers' priest? Why did he wish to help them? To succeed in his own life? They said he gave them a vision. What was it?

8. How primitive and superstitious were the villagers - their hailing Leon and their belief in the miracle? Why did they quickly lose faith in Leon when their village was raided?

9. What role did the girl play in the film? As a test for Leon and what he was doing in the village? Her confession?

10. Why did Leon go to get guns for the people (and the contrast of the rich life with the poor village life?)?

11. Why did he rally support again with the guns? How important was it for the people of such an outlying area to be secure and feel protected? Did the film show the community's spirit well in its rebuilding and arming?

12. How well-filmed was the siege? Was it just another Western siege or was it better and more significant? How spectacular was the bursting of the dam?

13. Were the half-breed people well presented? why did the villain have a chip on his shoulder and work with the Indians?

14. What had Leon achieved by the end of the film - for the people, for himself?

15. What did the film have to offer in the role of a priest among people? What impact for good - both spiritual and material -can a priest have? Leon, Fr Joseph, the pompous Bishop, the new priest at the end?