John Wayne is Capt. Jake Cutter, a Texas Ranger determined to crush a powerful outlaw gang that's selling guns to the Indians. Cutter is also trying to bring in gambler Paul Regret (Whitman), who's wanted for murder. Bot... more »h missions get entangled when Cut« less
"Finally, "The Comancheros" is released on DVD. This is one of Wayne's best, and most enjoyable westerns(that says a lot, because the Duke's westerns were always classic). The acting is superb, Stuart Whitman turning out one of his best performances, and John Wayne underrated as usual. Lee Marvin also makes a powerful, short performance. That cast alone makes for a classic. Michael Curtiz's("Casablanca"-1942) last film, he creates one of the better 1960's westerns. Several people have mentioned the guns in the film. Historical facts are often changed to create entertaining films. This film is not a history lesson, it is an example of classic hollywood at it's best. A well crafted, fun, classic western. Recommended for both fans of classic westerns, and classic films in general."
Excellent Duke western
T O'Brien | Chicago, Il United States | 06/23/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The Comancheros is another great John Wayne western with a great supporting cast. The story follows Captain Jake Cutter, a Texas ranger, and his efforts to capture a prisoner, and then to infiltrate a group of gunrunners and bandits, the Comancheros. This group has been supplying the Comanches with repeating rifles who then wreak havoc on the area. There is plenty of action here with numerous shootouts, and also plenty of great characters. At parts during this movie, I wondered why the Duke never took more comedic roles since he is very funny in several scenes. John Wayne plays Captain Jake Cutter, the big, brawling Texas Ranger who attempts to bring in a prisoner who keeps escaping his grasp, "Monsoor" Paul Regret, played by Stuart Whitman very well. Another notable performance is Lee Marvin's Crow, the contact between Cutter and the Comancheros. He doesn't have a very big part, but what is there is very good. The film also stars Ina Balin, Nehemiah Persoff, Michael Ansara, Patrick Wayne, Bruce Cabot, and Joan O'Brien. Elmer Bernstein also turns in another excellent score that has elements of the Sons of Katie Elder and The Great Escape. The DVD offers a widescreen presentation which looks very good, two trailers(one in Spanish), and also Movie Tone News about an award presented involving the movie. More John Wayne movies should be put out like this, and I give credit to the companies putting out so many new ones recently. A very exciting, enjoyable Duke western that all his fans will love!"
Rollicking good time.
William W. Miller | Sparks, NV United States | 02/28/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"John Wayne as the texas ranger whose job it is intially to bring in gambler Stuart Whitman is great fun with a great score to support this technicolor action and buddy film. The title refers to a group of white outlaws who rile up the indians against the settlers. Ina Balin is the lady with a connection to the outlaw clan that Stuart lays claim to and eventually wins. Wayne as the senior member of this buddy team helps out in the romance department being a little long of tooth to be the romantic focal point though there is a brief indication of a love interest for his character as well. Stuart becomes a reluctant ranger in order to save himself from deportation back to Louisiana and an appointment with a hangman for winning a dueling contest and he is teamed with Wayne to locate the outlaw gang. The scenes between the two while they travel together initially as ranger and prisoner and finally as evolving friends and allies are most entertaining.
Pleanty of action and entertaining dialogue. Cast is populated by a number of Wayne's stock company of actors and includes Lee Marvin in a relatively brief role as, what else, a bad guy. One of the most fun of Wayne's westerns before he started playing parodys of himself."
Classic, Crowd-Pleasing Duke!
Thomas Gabriel | Solvang, CA United States | 05/25/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"You can see by the title that I am a John Wayne fan, and this rip-roaring Western is one of the reasons why. With equal portions of rousing action, humor, and drama, this film keeps your interest and, like the Duke's performance, never loses its authenticity. It's said that John Wayne took over direction of some of the action sequences, and they're great. There are well-drawn, clear differences between the good guys and bad guys, but the characters are human and developed enough for the actors to sink their teeth into, which all do with gusto. By this time in his career, the Duke only had to show up on screen to be the authentic Western hero, but as usual he goes 'way beyond that, giving a colorful, humorous, absolutely real and terrific performance as the Texas Ranger who helps a man on the wrong side of the law redeem himself and find the woman he loves--as well as stopping a motley, dangerous bunch of white renegades (Comancheros) who are selling weapons to warring Comanche Indians. It's great movie-making and a great couple of hours with the Duke, so check it out!"
Comancheros editing
Old movie guy | 11/15/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Good action buddy movie. If you buy the movie, be forewarned that editing takes out some scenes. This version from foxhome video does not show John Wayne coming aboard the steamboat, but is referenced later on. The version shown on AMC-TV channel is a different full version. Just be aware there is an edited version."