4 for Texas

4 for Texas is an American western comedy film released in 1963 from Warner Bros., directed by Robert Aldrich and produced by Aldrich and Sinatra. Renowned entertainment figures Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Anita Ekberg, and Ursula Andress headline the film, adding their distinctive charm and charisma to a movie that skillfully intertwines comedy, action, and the classic elements of the western genre.

The plot of 4 for Texas is set in the 1870s and takes viewers on a thrilling journey to the heart of the Wild West. The film introduces two of its central characters, Zack Thomas (Frank Sinatra) and Joe Jarrett (Dean Martin), as rival hustlers with a common enemy. It is a saga of the good, the bad, and the audacious, driven by a quest for wealth, power, and conquest in an era where law and order struggled against the rule of the gun.

Frank Sinatra's portrayal of Zack Thomas, a suave yet tough entrepreneur, displays Sinatra's dramatic skills and knack for comedic timing. Dean Martin, as Joe Jarrett, gives a delightfully nuanced performance. He is cool, cunning, and charismatic in true Martin style. Their on-screen chemistry brings palpable tension and lively banter, creating comedic moments that balance the high-stakes action the western is known for.

The storyline develops as each of the protagonists separately plan to open a line of stagecoaches and control transportation in Galveston, a bustling Texas city teeming with opportunity. Their shared ambitions, naturally, transforms them into adversaries. However, as they continually cross paths and their fates intertwined, they soon come to realize that they may have to join forces to get the better of Matson (Charles Bronson), a ruthlessly ambitious character with a sinister plan of his own.

The women of 4 for Texas are not to be overlooked either. Swedish actress Anita Ekberg and Swiss actress Ursula Andress both add a dose of glamour and sensuality to this cowboy-dominated narrative. Ekberg plays the role of Maxine Richter, a savvy, assertive, and alluring woman who has her sights set on Sinatra's character. Conversely, Andress, in the role of Elya Carlson, aims to seduce and beguile Martin's character. These empowered women exist not merely as fixtures in the film but as pivotal players in the plot's progression, providing a unique twist on the traditional narrative of the western genre.

Rounding out the elements which make this film a classic are the settings and music. The authentic 19th-century towns, saloons brimming with patrons, populated streets bustling with horse-drawn carriages, and the sweeping Texas countryside immerse audiences into the distinctive milieu of the Old West. The music adds a layer of depth and tone to every scene, with melodies that perfectly match the film's moods, whether it's Sinatra's and Martin’s smooth vocals, the tense stand-offs or the lighter, comedic moments.

Guest appearances by The Three Stooges, Victor Buono, Richard Jaeckel, Marjorie Bennett, Mike Mazurki, and Jack Elam provide great supporting roles that add to the richness and diversity of the film.

In conclusion, 4 for Texas is a perfectly executed blend of western, action, and comedic elements that operates with a deftness and fluidity that is a hallmark of a Robert Aldrich-directed film. With a star-studded cast, compelling storyline, authentic Old West setting, and evocative music, this film is sure to please fans of Sinatra, Martin, and of course, lovers of the good old Western genre. It's a testament to the singular magic of Hollywood's Golden Age, where action, romance, comedy, tension, and drama all converge in one fantastic film.