The Undefeated

Rating:
Summary: Best of Enemies.
Review: Various factors combine to make this an enjoyable bit of action-adventure fluff. This applies both before and behind the camera. John Wayne worked very well with director Andrew McLaglen. For the record, the typical result was less artistic than Wayne's efforts with John Ford, Howard Hawks, etc. Wayne and McLaglen adeptly collaborated on an entertaining string of big budget B pictures. Much of the cast is from the Batjac production company players, and features Western stalwarts such as Ben Johnson and Dub Taylor. Then, of course, there is Rock Hudson. Hudson and Wayne both display enthusiasm and humor in their roles as former Civil War enemies that form an unlikely alliance. After the war ends, Wayne and his herders drive wild horses down to Mexico for profit. They find Hudson leading a group of ex-Confederates seeking to resettle around Durango. After fighting off an army of bandits, the Wayne and Hudson contingents are caught between Mexican revolutionary factions and they have to shoot their way out. This flick features an ample amount of shoot-'em-up violence that never gets more explicit than "PG." A highpoint is the hilarious drunken brawl at the Confederates' July 4 picnic. (Why die-hard Confederates want to celebrate July 4 is not explained). Colorful outdoor locations, a small-scale Civil War battle, and a romantic subplot rounds two hours of action-packed fun. Look for football stars Merlin Olsen and Roman Gabriel in supporting roles. Recommended viewing. ;-)