$1000 on the Black (1966)

An excellent example of a mid-budget Spaghetti Western - it has everything you look for in this type of film: melodrama (many of the best low budget Spaghetti’s amp up the melodrama), odd camera angles, derranged villains. On the flip side it does also suffer from some of the common failings typical to this type of film: primarily over-long fist fights (with a very limited range of punch sound effects) and a plot that is overly reliant on characters staying alive because “I’ll deal with you later”.

The story has Antony Steffen and Gianni Garko has feuding good and evil brothers. The former has just been released from jail for a crime the latter commited. The latter is terrorising the local towns in exchange for protection money. They’re overseen by their embittered mother who Garko in particular has an overly close relationship with. There’s also a corrupt local judge, and a love triangle/polygon involving Steffen, Steffen’s ex (who Garko has “stolen” against her wishes) and also the daughter of the man Steffen was accused of murdering.

Notably, Garko’s character is named Sartana (the first appearance of this name in the genre) however the character has little to do with the later Sartana character Garko played – the character here is more interesting, but less suitable for being the hero of a series.

In summary, well worth-while. Provided you’re prepared to overlook some of the minor spaghetti western flaws the rewards are easily worth it. The verison I saw was on Movies4Men and looked almost perfect. I imagine the Koch DVD (as part of the 3rd Italowestern collection) is the same.