A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

Guns for San Sebastian is directed by Henri Verneuil and adapted to screenplay by James R. Webb from the novel "A Wall for San Sebastian" written by William Barby Faherty. It stars Anthony Quinn, Charles Bronson, Anjanette Comer, Sam Jaffe and Silvia Pinal. Music is by Ennio Morricone and cinematography by Armand Thirard.An outlaw on the run is mistaken for a priest by peasant villagers who are at the mercy of bandits and Yaqui Indians.Something of a multi euro Western, Guns for San Sebastian latches onto the Spaghetti Western coat tails whilst attempting to put something new in the wardrobe. Undeniably the critics who said it's pedestrian in pace are absolutely right, the first two thirds of the piece asks for a great deal of your patience, whilst simultaneously demanding you buy into the various themes trundling away.With a surreal sub-plot at play, a jokey romance and some atrocious dubbing, it's not hard to dismiss it as purely fun cannon fodder. Yet there's some strengths in the piece, literary wise and from a thrilling stand point as the last third brings the thunderous siege - cum battle stations. Quinn throws in a good turn, the Durango locale is superbly photographed, and Morricone offers up one of his tonally astute scores.It's all very Magnificent 7 et al, but nothing wrong with that, that is on proviso you can get through the labours of the first hour or so. 7/10

See it - A pretty stereotypical plot about villagers who must stand up for themselves and fight against the bad guys who have been pushing them around for years. It sounds like "The Magnificent Seven," but this story is unique enough in its own right. Anthony Quinn is a fugitive on the run who is shown kindness by a priest. When the priest is killed, Quinn impersonates the priest and becomes the leader that the village of San Sebastian so badly needs. A leader who is willing to fight against the villain played by Charles Bronson. A pretty average movie, but it has an awesome "Alamo-like" final battle and a great ending! 3 out of 5 action rating.

This is a very different sort of so-called 'Spaghetti Western'. First, unlike most, it's not filmed in Spain but in Mexico. Second, it really isn't nearly as violent as the norm and is much more story and character-driven. It lacks the stylistic violence you'd expect in such a film. Third, it's set in the 18th century--about a hundred years before the usual western film--though at times, it looks much more 19th century than it should (such as the types of weapons and their accuracy as well as the clothing in some scenes). It's also apparently a French-Italian-Mexican co-production! But, on the other hand, it does have music from Ennio Morricone and looks like an Italian-made western. And, like many of these films it has a couple Americans in the leads (Anthony Quinn and Charles Bronson). So it's kind of a Spaghetti Western and kind of not one at the same time.The film begins with Quinn playing a bandit who is trying to escape from the Spanish army. He rushes to a church to claim sanctuary and it is granted by the local Father (Sam Jaffe). But Jaffe's superiors are not at all pleased about this and banish him to the hellish desert town of San Sebastian. Quinn escorts him there and the place is deserted. Shortly after arriving, a bandit murders Jaffe and the people (all hiding in the hills due to repeated Yaqui Indian raids) think Quinn is their new priest. Quinn is not at all interested in the role but reluctantly is guilted into at least pretending to be one for now. He does a lot to help the town and actually, at times, tries to promote peace--and WHY he did all this, since he's an atheist bandit, is totally unclear. Additionally, when the devoted townspeople quickly turn on him, you can't help but think the writing could have been better. People change too quickly and without clear motivations. Despite these serious shortcomings in the script, you can't help but wonder how Quinn will help these people--especially since one of their 'friends' is actually in league with the Yaqui marauders. Plus, you wonder what will become of this bandit by the end of the film.Despite the film's many shortcomings, it does entertain. While you could pick apart the various problems with the movie, overall it's pretty good. Quinn is his usual excellent self while Bronson is mostly wasted. And as for action, the final portion of the film is pretty exciting.

Anthony Quin plays Leon Alastray, part time revolutionary and full time bandit, on the run from the Spanish authorities in Old Mexico in the 18th Century. Through a series of unlikely but possible events, Quinn is mistaken for a priest whom has come to the small village of San Sebastian. The villagers are being victims by Jaime Fernandez and his band of Yacquis. Charles Bronson plays (badly, worst performance of his career) a half-breed whose loyalties are always suspect. Anjanette Comely, er Comer, plays the sultry love interest. Rather silly story, good cinematography, fairly good special effects, and outstanding music (by the master, Ennio Morricone) makes this a worthwhile view. Turner Classic Movies shows it in letterbox. Otherwise, you are out of luck. It's not available in video.