We gathered this evening for a movie night with daughters, Liz and Rachael; Liz’s boyfriend, Ron; his father, Rick; and a family friend, Karson. First, everyone came here for a quick pick-up supper of turkey sandwiches and chips before heading to the Ahrya Fine Arts movie theater in Beverly Hills for the big screen showing. The Ahrya Fine Arts Theater is having a Western Weekend Celebration and Sergio Leone’s 1966 spaghetti western is part of the line up.
Ahrya Fine Arts Theater
The movie stars Eli Wallach, Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef and is a classic Western set at the time of the Civil War. Eli Wallach actually steals the film in his portrayal of Tuco, The Ugly,though a young Clint Eastwood (as The Good) brings a little sultry sex appeal to the story. Lee Van Cleef definitely plays his role as “The Bad” with a sinister sneer.
I have seen this film at least five times and each time it seems to get better. There is a lot to absorb between the rivalry among the three characters, the Wild West and the unglorified portrayal of the Civil War.
If you haven’t seen The Good, The Bad and The Ugly since the 1960’s, then it’s time to take another look. But be prepared for a slow unfolding film punctuated by long gazes from the three stars at points during the story. This is part of the style of the movie and it actually works perfectly with the exceptional soundtrack for the film.
After five viewings over the years, I would still give this movie two enthusiastic thumbs up.
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