Man of the East

Man of the East is a European comedy-western movie released in 1972. With star-studded performances by Terence Hill, Gregory Walcott, and Yanti Somer, this film combines a mix of intricate storytelling narratives and notable character performances set within the backdrop of the vast and raw American Wild West.

The central figure of Man of the East is a young and debonair English gentleman, Sir Thomas Fitzpatrick Phillip Moore, portrayed by the charismatic Terence Hill. From impeccably polished shoes to an exemplary command of etiquette, Hill effortless portrays Thomas, who is sent to the wild playground of Old West after learning about his estranged father’s death. Raised with a sophisticated city life's comforts, he is completely unprepared for the rugged and raw lifestyle of the west.

Terence Hill perfectly encapsulates the naivety and wide-eyed innocence of his character, providing an engaging performance that demonstrates that the man of the city can be as bold as the man of the West. His grand transformation from a loving son of a wealthy widow, unaware of his paternal ancestry in the Wild West, into a cowboy constitutes the essence of the plot.

The narrative takes a surprising spin when Thomas realizes that his father was not a noble businessman but an infamous outlaw, known in the west as 'Easy Going.' Finding his father's three loyal pals, Bull (Gregory Walcott), Holy Joe, and Monkey, Thomas is taken under their robust, rugged wings. They take it upon themselves to make a 'Man of the West' out of the Bates-educated young Thomas.

Gregory Walcott, as Bull, takes on the role of Thomas's strict yet endearing mentor with aplomb. He is determined to transform him into an authentic cowboy despite his inclination towards non-violence and gentlemanly ways. Bull's robust and fiery character complements Thomas's reserved and polished demeanor, causing many entertaining conflicts and situations between the two.

A unique and charming aspect of the Man of the East is the film's romantic angle wonderfully handled by the stunning Yanti Somer. She is Candida, an independent, fierce outlaw woman with killer instincts. The chemistry between Thomas and Candida provides a delightful respite from the cowboy lifestyle's harsh realities.

Man of the East incorporates elements of comedy, action, romance, and personal transformations seamlessly. Director Enzo Barboni successfully manages to combine these diverse elements to create an engaging narrative that keeps the audience interested and entertained throughout. Not only does the film show captivating transformations in character arcs, but also renders an almost anthropological study of the wild American frontier and the contrast it creates with the refined European culture.

The film, complete with intense gunfights, horse chases, and tough living alongside unanticipated friendships, charming romance, and personal transformation, provides a diverse range of emotional experiences that keep the audience engrossed.

Barboni's combination of comedy and western genre elements transforms the standard wild American frontier narrative into an amusing, engaging, and unique cowboy film. What further enhances this fantastic narrative is an unforgettable musical score by Oliver Onions, which perfectly suits the rough and formidable atmosphere characteristic of the Old West. The cinematography stunningly captures the rugged terrains and vast landscapes, adding another layer to this wonderful movie.

In essence, Man of the East is an essential movie for fans of comedy-westerns and certainly a highlight of Terence Hill's career. The film narrates a strong transformation story, emphasizes the importance of friendship, and offers its fair share of laughter and action-filled sequences. Its unique narrative approach and excellent star performances make this film a memorable one that hasn't lost its charm since its release in 1972. It not only offers a refreshing comedic take on the lives and times of cowboys but also highlights the resilience and adaptability of humans in new and challenging situations.