Texas Across the River (1966)

I have always been a fan of Alain Delon and preferred Dean Martin to the rest of the Rat Pack, so when TEXAS ACROSS THE RIVER came on a nearby theater in the early 70s, I dared not to miss it, and there I was for the first night. And a good decision that was, because at the very end of the last reel, the projector caught alight, the theater closed for a couple of nights, and TEXAS ACROSS THE RIVER never showed there again!Delon is at the peak of his physical condition and good looks, and he seems thoroughly to enjoy the part (his exchange of clothes with a passing rider and his bullfight scene are high points, even if his double in the latter clearly looks nothing like Delon - but somehow it just adds to the enjoyment of TEXAS taking nothing seriously); a peaking Martin weighs in with a wry and cynical sense of humor, and his amorous pursuit of Forsyth from a delusional state of mind, and a wound caused by an Indian arrow, is a gem; Joey Bishop is superb, whether is deadpan, ratting on Delon, displaying "Kronk" emotions -- or doing a rain dance, one of the movie's funniest moments.Peter Graves is a hoot with his outlandish commands to his clumsy military force (the scene where he goes past a swarm of Indians on the warpath and does not even see them because he is so intent on catching Delon is another belly laugh); the Indian chief's exchanges with his constantly blundering son, while the rest of the tribe's elders look on knowingly, are sublime; and the witchdoctor is a riot, even if his presence in the film hardly totals 1 minute.And, last but by no means least, the two beatiful women, Forsyth and Marquand: Forsyth, who starts the film looking purity itself in her white wedding dress, turns out to be a cheat at the slightest opportunity. Marquand, the Indian sqwaw, is about to be sacrificed by her tribe for the alleged commission of some illegality, but she is the purest, even if she is not above a good punch up with Forsyth.This film perfectly captures the spirit of the West in the humorous, positive and deconstructionist 1960s. Some have criticized the fact that the Indians are made to look dumb, but so do the Union troopers, Martin, Delon, et al. Everybody has a turn looking dumb. In fact, the two most sensible characters are played by Bishop and Marquand - both Indians. Direction is splendid in the humorous sequences, otherwise nothing memorable. Cinematography has its ups and downs - beautiful color, but some amateurish day for night, and clearly visible background cutouts.Thankfully, I was able to buy a VHS copy, then a DVD copy, and I must have watched TEXAS ACROSS THE RIVER some 7 times by now: always enjoyed it, as did my kids, who remember it fondly.

Dean Martin liked making Westerns, and he made some that were quite good -- "Rio Bravo" (of course), "The Sons Of Katie Elder", and "Five Card Stud". And then there were a couple that were ringers, and I always felt this was one of those. So, it was interesting to watch it again after not seeing it for quite a while. By the way, it's clear that several of our reviewers are Dean Martin fans...nothing wrong with that...I'm one, too...but that shouldn't color a review of the quality of a film.One thing we have to get out of the way from the start is that this film isn't politically correct. It makes a mockery of Indians (who, of course, are played by Whites in makeup). But it also makes fun of Texans, and Europeans, and the "town folk", and the military, and...well, just about anybody in the plot.As to plot...well, it's a cute idea, and the film has its moments...but not 101 minutes of memorable moments.In terms of performances, Dean Martin plays...Dean Martin...which is pretty much always enjoyable, though this particular role certainly wouldn't have put him in contention for an Academy Award. Alain Delon plays the European, and does nicely. Rosemary Forsyth is fine as Dean's love interest. Joey Bishop is rather funny as the deadpan Kronk the Indian. Peter Graves has a thankless job as a military captain. It's always nice to see Michael Ansara as the Indian chief...though he is actually from Syria. And Tina Aumont is rather flat as the Indian girl.It's reasonably funny, but not one of Dean's best efforts.

Alain Delon is one of my favorite actors. Basically, that's how I came across the movie and decided to watch it. As I saw the list of actors, I expected the movie to be nice and I wasn't disappointed. With Alain Delon, Dean Martin and Joey Bishop, it is one of the best westerns I've ever seen. Apart from the cast, there are hilarious scenes which make the movie pleasant and enjoyable. For me , the entire movie is awesome. I can't point out my favorite scene from this movie. Besides being funny , it's engrossing. The ending might be predictable but it's still captivating. Even my friend , who is neither into westerns , nor into comedies enjoyed the movie. You won't get bored once you started watching!

the mid sixties...back before we were so culturally/politically correct...this movie wasn't ever meant to be correct anyway...it was a spoof of course and anyone who comments on it negatively without considering that needs some help.....Texas across the river is a signature film for dean....westerns that he loved so much...also a comedy which he was famous for...(many confirm that off camera he was far funnier than jerry lewis back in his earlier days)Texas across the river is a perfect example of a spoof done in the sixties...and if you consider it as such you will find it to be excellent!....some have commented about joey bishop (jew) playing an Indian...well (hello) that is exactly why it works...it was meant to be tongue in cheek!...one should have little wonder as soon as the organ spits out a 60's rhythm and melody every time the indians are seen...or the surf sounding guitar also used in the soundtrack....I love this movie for what its worth....escapism....during a time (1966) of tragedy....the Vietnam war.