Michael Morrison Dubbed movies are, at least for me, difficult to watch in part because the speech always seems out of synch -- and of course is.This film, known variously as "Johnny Oro" and "Ringo and His Golden Pistol," almost overcomes that difficulty because of very good acting, great scenery (supposedly Italy), many and superlative stunts, and an excellent score.And even good acting from the dubbers, something I have found rare in the past.As to that score, I wonder if composer Carlo Savina influenced Ennio Morricone, or if Morricone influenced Savina. There are similarities in their scores, as witness this one and any of the Clint Eastwood "spaghetti Westerns."But the story here is both unusual and clever. Written by Adriano Bolzoni and Franco Rossetti, "Ringo" presents many and varied characters as well as an involved story of Gringos and Mexicans and Apaches, back-stabbing, cowardice, courage, honor, and, yes, foolishness.In addition, the chief villain, slimily played by Franco De Rosa, is surely one of the most evil ever portrayed on film.Mark Damon might have appeared in a better light without a dubbed-in performance, but by and large he made a good ... well, "hero" might not be the correct term here, but as a strong protagonist Damon was quite watchable.There is an interesting print at YouTube, with the dubbed English and Greek subtitles. I enjoyed it, and can recommend it.

alphaboy At the beginning, we watch Johnny Oro (Mark Damon, dressed up in a jet black and tight costume with just a hint of gold at the right spots, and introduced by the riveting lyrics 'Non importava dell' amore / a Johnny Orooooooooooooo') riding into town and killing off a few Mexican bandits walking out of a church wedding - but sparing the youngest one ... Big mistake; he's back soon enough, along with some Indians (a rare appearance in Spaghetti westerns!), to take Johnny out - and the whole town of Coldstone as well. A lot of dead bodies there at the end of the movie, as the Indians are shot in dozens, body piles everywhere, they even start using their dead ones as shields. In the end, the whole town is literally blown to hell.Johnny is characterized as the type who is on the side of justice only to see get the gold (reason given: he was born in a gold mine); full of himself, he is having a good time ridiculing and shooting his enemies and cashing in the money, and one cannot help but smiling along with him. Johnny has the kiddo feel to him, and he never gets serious right until the end of the movie - even after the bad guy shoots his love interest right in the face at close range (off screen). It's THE role for Mark Damon, who can get pretty tedious if cast as a serious character: The fun he is having while performing Johnny's gleeful pranks is highly contagious.Contrasting Johnny's character is the sheriff, played by Ettore Manni, a principled man well beyond reason himself, with a son and a wife to boot. The two of them play off well enough against each other.Plenty of violence from the bad guys (including a drunk Indian). Shady owner of the saloon and 'businessman' (he deals in weapons) Andrea Aureli does some highly enjoyable sleazy acting and ends up with an ax right in the middle of his bald patch. Figure that! After all it is only 1966.Those violent bits help to remind that director Corbucci did 'Django' with Franco Nero the very same year, so very different in tone. If 'Django' is the tragedy, this one is the satyr play.All in all, the movie stays light-hearted throughout, and you can have yourself a few fine laughs and enjoy a wild ride in the pasta west.

jure-8 Well I think this really isn't so much worse than Sergio Leone's best movies. Music is really great and i am sure Ennio Morricone would gladly sign under it. There are many themes and very nice "mandolin and trumpet" combinations. Yes it's true synchronized sound is somewhat funny but it doesn't spoil the authentic filling. There is some serious acting present by nearly all main characters. I decided to check more of Corbucci's work if i can find it somewhere. Is this movie was shot in Italy or America? A must see movie for all spaghetti fans.

cengelm Johnny is pretty materialistic. Without a piece of gold he won't move a limb. Early in the story he could have killed bad guy Perez - but without the dime no kill. Story develops into a lonely-sheriff-versus-the-bandits one where the sheriff demonstrates his iron will to maintain law and order. Added to this familiar plot there is the element of temptation: if the town dwellers deliver Johnny to the outlaws the town would be saved. Unfortunately this sideline isn't well developed. In the end we get a good portion of action with explosions etc. Score, cinematography(too many studio shots) and acting are adequate. Was made in the same year as DJANGO with very different maverick heroes.5 / 10.