Return of the Seven Reviews

A weak sequel to THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN (1960) with only Brynner remaining from the original cast, this film adds a lot more violence. The same small Mexican village is under siege, this time by crazy rancher Fernandez who sends 50 gunmen to round up the inhabitants of the village to construct a church as a memorial to his dead son. Mateos, an original member of the seven, is one of these farmers. His wife contacts Brynner, who then enlists the aid of other gunslingers, some from prison and others from the local watering hole. They ride in to save the villagers and restore peace. Oates, as a skirt-chasing gunslinger, remains behind to teach the villagers how to defend themselves. The film is marred by an implausible script, slack direction, and a cast that lacks any enthusiasm. Another sequel, GUNS OF THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN, followed. The score was nominated for an Oscar.