Between God, The Devil and a Winchester - Digitally Remastered

Between God, The Devil and a Winchester is a noteworthy Italian-made Western filmed in 1968 and digitally remastered recently. Directed by the ever-competent hand of Marino Girolami under the pseudonym "Dario Silvestri," this captivating Western, known in its native language as "Anche nel west c'era una volta Dio," showcases intriguing performances from veteran actors Gilbert Roland, Richard Harrison, and Ennio Girolami.

This movie plunges the viewer into the dusty, dangerous, and unpredictable atmosphere of the Old West. As the title suggests, the narrative masterfully treads the intricate line between faith, lawlessness, and the ever-lingering specter of death—in essence, painting a vivid picture of the struggle between good and evil, greed and morality, in a lawless frontier setting.

Amid the grit of the Old West, the film introduces the story's protagonist, a charismatic yet jaded gunslinger portrayed by Richard Harrison. Harrison's character stumbles upon a map leading to a hoard of stolen gold. The map is first introduced by a dying man who found himself the unfortunate victim of a merciless gang.

While the allure of gold would be enough to draw any man into the treacherous heart of greed and violence, this story is spun with added complexity when Harrison's character encounters a delinquent 12-year-old boy. The boy, orphaned at a young age and hardened by the unforgiving ways of the West, is portrayed with remarkable maturity and charisma by the young actor Dominique Boschero. This unforeseen companionship forms the emotional crux of the film, delicately balancing the hardened stoicism of the Western genre with a more human, heartfelt dimension.

Standing as a ruthless antagonist, Gilbert Roland plays the villainous bandit leader. Roland’s character embodies the merciless side of the West; he cruelly pursues the protagonists in a relentless hunt for the stolen gold, leaving no stone unturned in his quest for wealth and power. Roland's impressive performance adds a palpable layer of tension to the film, raising the stakes and breathing urgency into the narrative.

Contributing further to the cinematic experience is the film's intimate look at the diverse lifeways of the Old West. From the lonesomeness of the frontier to the camaraderie and conflict among bandits, the film doesn't shy away from the hardships that defined the era. Infused within this gritty reality is a subtle examination of religious and spiritual themes, with both God and the Devil serving not only as symbolic entities but as important narrative devices. Faith stands as a fascinating counterpoint to the film's raw narrative, where the promise of wealth and the threat of death coexist at a knife's edge.

Between God, The Devil and a Winchester also showcases the inherent majesty of the Western landscape coupled with the exquisite cinematography. The remastered edition provides a fresh and enhanced viewing experience, with sharper images, more vibrant colors, and a cleaner, clearer sound. This improved delivery lets the viewer fully absorb the film's stunning set pieces, from sprawling deserts and cavernous canyons to the interiors of rickety saloons.

Additionally, the film's music, created by the talent of film composer Francesco De Masi, deserves special acclaim. From the foreboding undertones of danger to the cathartic sounds that accompany moments of triumph, the score lends an unforgettable aura to the cinematic spectacle.

Between God, The devil and a Winchester, in both its original and digitally remastered form, remains an important entry in the Western genre. Its blend of traditional frontier storytelling with elements of heart, faith, and morality pushes the boundaries of the genre and crafts a narrative that is as introspective as it is exciting. It is, undoubtedly, a film that should not be overlooked by fans of the Western genre and cinema in general.