Savage Pampas (1966 film)
Savage Pampas is a 1966 American Western film directed by Hugo Fregonese and starring Robert Taylor, Ron Randell and Marc Lawrence.[1] The film was a co-production between Argentina, Spain and the United States, and was a remake of the 1945 Argentine film of the same title which Fregonese had co-directed.[2][3] The film's location shooting took place in Spain, a popular location for westerns during the era. The film's action is set in the Argentinian Pampas around the time of the Conquest of the Desert.
| Savage Pampas | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical poster | |
| Directed by | Hugo Fregonese |
| Written by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Manuel Berenguer |
| Edited by | Juan Serra |
| Music by | Waldo de los Ríos |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Comet Pictures (US) |
Release date | 7 July 1966 |
Running time | 112 minutes |
| Countries |
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| Language | English |
Plot
Set during the 1870s, life is hard for soldiers on the outskirts of Argentinean control. The pragmatic Captain Martin struggles to retain control over a ragtag Argentinean Army, made up of largely conscripted criminals. Joined by Lt. Del Río, who just graduated from the newly created Military Institute of Buenos Aires, Cpt. Martin faces mass desertions due to soldiers refusing to serve without women at the garrisons.
These desperate men slip off in the night to join the ranks of Padrón, a charismatic bandit who leads an army made up of indigenous fighters and army deserters. Padrón has a standing offer of a woman to every soldier who changes sides, and many men have taken notice. Loyalties are divided, until Cpt. Martin looks to turn the tables: by bringing women to his own men.
Cast
- Robert Taylor as Captain Martín
- Ron Randell as Padrón
- Marc Lawrence as Sargent Barril
- Ty Hardin as Miguel Carreras
- Rosenda Monteros as Rucu
- Ángel del Pozo as Lt. Del Río
- Felicia Roc as Camila Ometio
- Charles Fawcett as El Gato, Private
- Enrique Ávila as Petizo
- José Jaspe as Luis, Private
- Julio Peña as Chicha, Private
- Laya Raki as Mimí
- Laura Granados as Carmen
- Ingrid Ohlenschläger as The Old Woman
- José Nieto as Gen. Chávez
- Willie Ellie as Chief Winkon
- Barta Barri as Priest
- José María Caffarel as Vigo
- Juan Carlos Galván as Isidro
- Sancho Gracia as Carlos
- Mario Lozano as Santiago
- Isabel Pisano as Lucy
- Lucía Prado as Chiquito
- Milo Quesada as Alfonso
- Héctor Quiroga as Pepe, Private
- Héctor Quiroga as Batasito Pardon
- George Rigaud as Old Man
- Pastora Ruiz as Magnolia
Production
In 1958 it was announced Stephen Barclay would produce 12 films in Argentina with Mendoza Films and Guaranteed Pictures. They were to include Savage Pampas which was to be produced and directed by Hugo Fregonese.[4] Pampas was based on a true story about an encounter between white settlers and Indians in 1830 Argentina.[5]
The film was not made for another decade.[6]
See also
References
- Vagg, Stephen (August 10, 2019). "Unsung Aussie Actors – Ron Randell: A Top Twenty". Filmink.
- Pitts p.302
- Maltin, Leonard. Movie & Video Guide. New York: SIGNET, New American Library, 2000. p1203.
- Willson Will Film 'The Music Man': Playwright Fry on 'Ben-Hur,' His 'First Go' as Script Doctor Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times 9 Oct 1958: B11.
- TRACY TO PORTRAY PRIEST IN DRAMA: He Will Star at Columbia in 'Devil at Four O'Clock' -- 12-Film Pact Announced By THOMAS M. PRYOR New York Times 9 Oct 1958: 46.
- SAVAGE PAMPAS "(Pampa Salvaje)" Monthly Film Bulletin; London Vol. 36, Iss. 420, (Jan 1, 1969): 198.
Bibliography
- Pitts, Michael R. Western Movies: A Guide to 5,105 Feature Films. McFarland, 2012.