Cry Onion

Cry Onion is an engaging comedy western movie full of goofy slapstick humor and riotous action sequences that blend in an eccentric mix, lending it a unique place in the canon of Spaghetti Westerns. The 1975 film stars Franco Nero, an Italian actor known for his charismatic roles in international cinema, and Sterling Hayden, the American film and television actor famed for his roles in film noir classics.

Franco Nero headlines the movie as Onion, a quirky yet skillful onion-eating character with an idiosyncratic love for harmonica playing. Onion is spontaneously charismatic, displaying an odd mix of clownish innocence and tactical, gunslinging brilliance. His comical charm is accentuated by his unusual habit of eating raw onions in high-stress or volatile situations, which frequently provoke tears - hence the film’s title, Cry Onion.

Opposite Nero is Sterling Hayden, offering a decisively different character portrayal compared to his earlier noir roles. Hayden plays the formidable, stoic Sheriff Coburn, a man deeply committed to maintaining peace in his town who is both respected and feared by his townsfolk.

The film narrative balances traditional Western elements with broad comedy stylings. Onion, who starts as an obscure onion peddler on a loaded mule, is introduced amidst a series of chaotic happenings. While starting relatively harmless, these events soon ascend into a whirlwind of hijinks, mishaps, and unexpected consequences. Onion invariably finds himself tumbling into the center of these raucous situations, his magnetism drawing him into conflicts, love interests, and the heart of the local community.

Throughout the movie, Onion's love for music and the harmonica is a constant theme. Onion uses his harmonica not only for leisurely entertainment, but as a cunning tool in his numerous confrontations. Indeed, it becomes almost a comical weapon, serving to confound and confuse his increasingly frustrated adversaries.

The storyline focuses not only on Onion's hilarious adventures with the town's more notorious inhabitants, but also his peculiar relationship with the gamma of intriguing personas around him. There are villagers, bandits, untrustworthy businessmen, and Coburn - the ever-watchful sheriff who rather grudgingly takes to the spirited newcomer.

Hayden's Sheriff Coburn is a seasoned law-enforcer, weather-beaten but unbowed, showcasing all the grit and determination of an archetypical Western hero. His interactions with Onion form many of the film's highlights, their clashing personalities sparking funny confrontations and unique camaraderie.

Cry Onion also has a romantic subplot. Onion falls for Coburn's daughter, further intensifying the tension between the likeable outlaw and the tenacious sheriff. Their mutual affection offers moments of respite amidst the comic chaos, adding a new layer to the characters and the narrative progression.

The film does not revolve around a classic good-versus-evil storyline. It instead finds its pacing and vitality in the clash of unusual idiosyncrasies, slapstick comedy, and rollicking adventures. Cry Onion provides a satirical yet affectionate portrayal of the western genre sprinkled with Italian imagery, offering a unique, entertaining viewing experience.

The director, Enzo G. Castellari, exhibits a masterful command over the hybrid genre. With quick cuts, unconventional camera angles, and an energetic rhythm, he expertly navigates the line between the absurdity of the comedy and the inherent seriousness of the western elements.

The cinematography sets the mood for the film, capturing sweeping shots of the dusty, barren landscapes typical of westerns, contrasting with intense close-ups during the more emotional scenes. The bright costumes and bustling town scenes add color and vibrancy to the film, enhancing its comedic appeal.

The music in Cry Onion further enhances the film's charm. Guido and Maurizio De Angelis's score is a mix of traditional Spaghetti Western themes and 1970s pop music, paralleling the film’s blend of classic and contemporary styles.

Cry Onion is a light-hearted, chaotic romp through the Wild West, a cocktail of genres that delivers high on laughs, excitement, and good old fashioned fun. Nero's Onion and Hayden's Sheriff Coburn create an unforgettable partnership driven by both camaraderie and rivalry, making this film an unconventional and engaging addition to the Western genre. It's a rare find that will treat both fans of Franco Nero and Sterling Hayden, and enthusiasts of Spaghetti Westerns and comedy alike.