The Comancheros Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Texas Ranger arrests a gambler, then they become besties and fight crime while simultaneously navigating questionable historical inaccuracies, all while avoiding a serious history lesson.

🍿 The Comancheros: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Duel and an Escape

In 1843 New Orleans, gambler Paul Regret kills a man in a duel. Discovering his victim was a judge’s son, he flees, pursued by Texas Ranger Jake Cutter. Aboard a riverboat, Regret meets Pilar, a mysterious woman who piques his interest. Cutter arrests Regret but their journey to justice is interrupted when they stumble upon a massacred ranch. Regret seizes the opportunity, knocking Cutter unconscious and escaping with his horse.

Undercover and Alliances

Cutter learns about gunrunners dealing with the Comanches, known as Comancheros. He goes undercover, assuming the identity of a gunrunner. In Sweetwater, he encounters Tully Crow, who connects him to the Comancheros. Unexpectedly, Cutter finds Regret at a poker game, leading to a tense standoff with Crow. Cutter kills Crow in self-defense and rearrests Regret, but their unlikely alliance begins to form.

Comanche Attack and a Reprieve

While staying at a ranch occupied by Texas Rangers, a Comanche attack forces Cutter, Regret, and the Rangers to defend themselves. Regret initially flees during the attack, but later returns with reinforcements, earning him a reprieve from Cutter. Through Cutter’s influence, Regret avoids a harsh sentence. Instead, he is made a Texas Ranger with a fabricated history to cover up his past crimes.

Infiltration and Confrontation

Cutter and Regret, now partners, set out to find the Comancheros’ hideout. They are eventually captured and taken to a secret community of outlaws, where they meet Graile, the leader, and Pilar, who recognizes Regret. Pilar vouches for them, leading to uneasy alliances and reconnaissance. At dinner, with escape in mind, Cutter confronts Graile.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Capt. Jake Cutter (John Wayne): A tough Texas Ranger who is determined to bring criminals to justice while also having a soft spot for those deserving of a second chance.
• Paul Regret (Stuart Whitman): A charming gambler and duelist who finds himself reluctantly allied with a Texas Ranger while being wanted for murder.
• Pilar Graile (Ina Balin): A beautiful and independent woman torn between her loyalty to her father and her love for a reformed gambler.
• Graile (Nehemiah Persoff): The ruthless and wheelchair-bound leader of the Comancheros, a criminal organization supplying arms to the Comanches.
• Tully Crow (Lee Marvin): A psychopathic gunrunner with a distinct scalped head who works with the Comancheros.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Capt. Jake Cutter: “Now, Monsieur, you’re going to dig a hole.” – Cutter orders Regret to dig up the buried rifles, establishing their reluctant partnership.
• Capt. Jake Cutter: “Pilgrim, you cause more trouble than a whiskey still in a parsonage.” – Cutter expresses his exasperation with Regret’s antics.
• Tully Crow: “And by that crimson settin’ sun, peace come to forest glade. And of the redskins they was none, for history had been made.” – Tully recites poetry during a bar fight, highlighting his character’s sinister nature.
• Capt. Jake Cutter: “We didn’t beat this boy enough when he was growing up.” – Duke’s ad-lib line showing affection for his son on-screen.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4,260,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Comancheros Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed ‘The Comancheros’! It’s a classic John Wayne film with that old-school Western charm. Sure, the timeline is all over the place, but who cares when you’ve got Duke kicking butt and taking names? I loved the scenes with Lee Marvin; he’s such a scene-stealer. The music just sweeps you right into the action, and the scenery is breathtaking. It made me want to hop on a horse and ride off into the sunset!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Westerns”
  • “John Wayne enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers who appreciate action-packed adventures”
  • “Those interested in tales of unlikely alliances”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence and gunfights”
  • “Depictions of Native Americans that may be considered outdated or stereotypical”
  • “Some thematic elements that may not be suitable for very young viewers”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “While historically inaccurate, ‘The Comancheros’ delivers classic western thrills, blending action with John Wayne’s signature charisma. Elmer Bernstein’s score elevates the experience, making it a fun ride despite its flaws.
• Variety: “A rousing Western adventure, with John Wayne at his finest! The plot may be thin, but the action is plentiful, and Lee Marvin’s brief appearance steals the show. Curtiz’s direction, coupled with stunning landscapes, makes this a worthwhile watch.
• AllMovie: “Visually stunning with gorgeous landscapes, ‘The Comancheros’ is an enjoyable, if somewhat flawed, Western. The historical inaccuracies are glaring, but the chemistry between Wayne and Whitman, alongside Bernstein’s music, keeps it engaging.

Audience Reactions

Spectacular scenery and rousing music make it a thrilling Western experience.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s action sequences, memorable characters, and the dynamic between John Wayne and Stuart Whitman.

Lee Marvin’s performance, though brief, is considered a highlight by many fans.: Many agreed that Lee Marvin’s brief but memorable performance in the movie was amazing and stole the show.

Overall Consensus: Despite historical inaccuracies, ‘The Comancheros’ remains a beloved Western due to its action, iconic performances, and memorable score.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Michael Curtiz was seriously ill during filming, and John Wayne stepped in to direct some scenes, but Wayne insisted on no co-director credit.”
• “Elmer Bernstein’s score is considered one of his best Western scores, rivaling his work on ‘The Magnificent Seven’.”
• “The film features several historical inaccuracies, including the use of repeating rifles and Colt revolvers that were not available in 1843, when the story is set.”
• “The beautiful landscapes were filmed in Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Comancheros?

Currently, “The Comancheros” is available for streaming on platforms like Disney+ (subscription required). You can also rent or purchase the movie on demand through services like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for TV airings as well. Purchasing a physical copy on Blu-ray or DVD remains a reliable option for collectors.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Comancheros, you might like these similar films:

• Rio Bravo (1959): Features a similar theme of an unlikely group banding together to fight against overwhelming odds in a Western setting.
• The Alamo (1960): Another John Wayne-directed and starring Western epic, focusing on a historical event with similar themes of courage and sacrifice.
• The Magnificent Seven (1960): A classic Western with a rousing score and a group of men uniting to protect a village, similar to the camaraderie and action in ‘The Comancheros’.
• Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969): A buddy Western with charismatic outlaws on the run, mirroring the dynamic between Cutter and Regret.

🛒 The Comancheros Related Products

• John Wayne: The Comancheros – Limited Edition Blu-ray: A limited-edition Blu-ray with restored footage, director’s commentary, and behind-the-scenes documentaries. A must-have for any serious John Wayne collector.
• The Comancheros Movie Poster (Framed): High-quality framed movie poster to add a classic Western touch to any room. Features vibrant colors and durable construction.
• The Comancheros: Inspired Western Novel by Paul Wellman: Dive deeper into the story with the original novel that inspired the film. Explore the characters and plot in more detail. Available as an ebook.
• John Wayne: The Man Behind the Myth: Explore the life and career of John Wayne with exclusive interviews, rare footage, and personal stories. A comprehensive look at the man who defined the Western genre.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Comancheros features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Comancheros” – performed by Elmer Bernstein

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The definition of unbothered. #TheComancheros #JohnWayne #western #shorts #grittv

Ever seen John Wayne deliver a perfect punch? This short clip from ‘The Comancheros’ shows him at his finest, cool as a cucumber. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be this effortlessly unbothered?

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