Watch Guns for San Sebastian For Free

Too much of everything

Boring

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.

The original story written by William Faherty was called " 'A wall for San Sabastian' and later under the direction of Henri Vernevil changed to " Guns For San Sabastian. " The late great Anthony Quinn plays the titled character Leon Alastray, a fugitive outlaw and bandito running from the military police. Wounded and helpless, he takes refuge in a Catholic Church under the protection of Father Joseph (Sam Jaffe) and Sanctuary. With the good priest being sent to a forgotten mission, where it's residents live in fear of the Native American, Yaki Apache, Alastray stows away and arrives at the distant mission, where Father Joseph is murdered. Due to circumstances, Leon take's the old priest's place and serves as protector and counselor to the frightened populace. Among the heavies of the film, audience members will see a very young, Charles Bronson, Jorge Martínez De Hoyos and Jaime Fernández as 'Golden Lance.' The story is slow to develop, but does rise to the occasion when expected, to such a degree it has become a Western Classic. Fine casting and good story. Recommended. ****

In "Guns for San Sebastian," Anthony Quinn plays a wanted Mexican bandit who escapes execution through the inadvertent help of a humble and good-natured priest (played by veteran actor Sam Jaffe). The good father's new assignment is San Sebastian and, to escape the authorities, Quinn goes along for the ride. Overrun by the local Indians, the town is empty upon their arrival. After the priest is murdered in cold blood by some despicable Mexican bandits, Quinn avenges his death and then is mistaken for the old padre when the townsfolk return from the hills. Why they should believe that Quinn is their new priest is known only by God and the scriptwriter. Of course, Quinn plays along with the charade and soon falls for the local good-looking chica (Anjanette Comer). Unfortunately for Quinn, the girl and the town, the Indians (led by Charles Bronson) are up to no good and making their usual forays and unrelenting demands. Quinn decides that what the town really needs to do is defend itself. All that's required is a few crate loads of guns and ammunition and some much-needed guts. It doesn't take old Charlie too long to figure out that Quinn is going to be a big headache for him. After that conflict is established, the film moves along a brisk pace and an even faster body-count.Director Henri Verneuil knew something about being besieged on all sides. As a young boy, he and his family had to flee Armenia to escape annihilation from the Turks. He eventually settled in France. I don't believe that this film makes any type of personal statement, but it is possible that Verneuil's own history may be an undercurrent theme. As for the film itself, it's an above-average Spaghetti Western directed by a Frenchman with American actors in the cast. You might call it a very mixed bag in more ways than one. Quinn, as usual, gives a fine performance as does his chief antagonist, Charles Bronson. Bronson's character is a bit conflicted which adds some much-needed ambiguity to his role. He's not all bad all the time and has worthy motives for his mischief. The rest of the cast includes beautiful Anjanette Comer who provides the love interest and holds her own throughout.

This is one of those films that nearly loses you, but in the end rewards you for sitting through it. It makes for a very good view, despite its leisurely pace at times.In summary Anthony Quinn stars as a outlaw that is saved by Father John, whom he escorts to the village of San Sebastian. The village is deserted, with its cowardly residents hiding in the hills from indians, who pillage their crops and burn their buildings. When Father John is murdered, the outlaw is mistaken as the man of god by the villagers, and assists them in regaining their confidence and defending themselves.Quinn is superb in his role, complimented by Charles Bronson, who plays the bad guy "half breed" Teclo. Sam Jaffe's Father Joseph character is also very likable.Whilst the movie is quite slow in places, this only helps to plot out the story. Although casting the indians as the "bad guys", it does explain that the massacre of the villagers is no different than what the white man has done to their own race "in the name of god".The soundtrack is again provided by Ennio Morricone and, whilst not his best work, does help provide the suitable atmosphere, borrowing heavily from some of his other compositions.Definitely worth a view.

The film has a good theme and set in quite genuine historical settings. It brings out the conflict between the indians and the settlers, the poor settlers and the ruling elite. It packs in quite some punch on the action category.