Review of Bandolero!

A mildly entertaining western directed by the efficient Andrew V. McLaglen. When bank robber Dean Martin & his unsavory crew are set to be hanged, his clever brother James Stewart shows up as the hangman. After helping the motley group escape, Stewart joins the bandits as they head across the border to Mexico with wealthy widow Raquel Welch in tow. They're all pursued (for various reasons) by vengeful sheriff George Kennedy. Martin plays it straight in this film and Stewart is very much Stewart. In other words, he's a pillar of strength and the film's moral compass. Welch affects a Mexican accent and is fine, though she stays remarkably freshly scrubbed for being on the road for what seems like at least several weeks. The large supporting cast includes Will Geer, Andrew Prine, Denver Pyle and, briefly, Dub Taylor as an ornery hotel attendant. The stunning cinematography is by William H. Clothier and the exciting music score is by Jerry Goldsmith. Both are probably too good for what is essentially a fun diversion.