Train For Durango

Train for Durango is a 1968 Italian-Spanish spaghetti western film directed by Mario Caiano. The primary cast features Anthony Steffen, Mark Damon, and Dominique Boschero, epitomizing the core elements of spaghetti westerns with dynamic characters, high-noon duels, and coy humor.

The central plot revolves around two vagabonds named Gringo (played by Anthony Steffen) and Lucas (played by Mark Damon). The movie opens with these two unintentionally crossing paths. Both of them are spontaneous, reckless, and yet charmingly amusing, drawing the audience into their expedition. At the beginning of their encounter, Gringo and Lucas are nothing but a pair of wandering souls, both hustlers, and yet with very different outlooks on life.

Gringo is more of a recluse, having a jaded outlook on life due to his troubled past. He is characterized by his world-weariness, and yet there is an alluring depth to his character. On the contrary, Lucas is optimistic and chivalrous, a charmer who can effortlessly win people over with his charisma. Despite their contrasting personalities, the two form a rather unexpected alliance, and together they embark on a journey to Durango on a train, thus setting the stage for a host of unforgettable scenes and compelling storyline.

As they journey through the barren yet stunning wasteland, their paths cross with a beautiful and enigmatic prostitute named Lizzy (played by Dominique Boschero). Boschero’s character pushes the boundaries of a traditional female role in a Western film, as she is portrayed as courageously defiant and self-sufficient.

The plot goes into overdrive as the duo Gringo and Lucas, after crossing paths with Lizzy, find themselves embroiled in a hard-hitting rivalry with a notorious gang of bandits. The gang, led by the malicious El Bedoja, is infamous in the region for their heedless and ruthless acts of violence, feared by many.

The maverick pair soon finds themselves embroiled in a world of deceptions, and their journey to Durango takes a tumultuous turn. From intense gunfights to pseudo-philosophical dialogs and intriguing twists, Train for Durango delivers all that is expected from a spaghetti western, and more. The protagonists, despite their bickering and differences, strive to maintain their camaraderie all the way through, which forms the heart of the film.

Alongside its engaging narrative, Train for Durango further stands out for its remarkable cinematography. Director Mario Caiano masterfully captures the harsh landscape of the west. From sweeping desert vistas to the cold mountainous ranges, the movie becomes a visual testament of a world long forgotten. The outstanding music score that accompanies the stark visuals gives the story an additional, almost poignant layer.

Over the course of the movie, Anthony Steffen and Mark Damon deliver stellar performances, bringing their respective characters to life with a blend of wit, sincerity, and charm. They perfectly encapsulate the lawless and adventurous spirit of the Wild West, making the characters of Gringo and Lucas memorable. Prominent actress Dominique Boschero, with her unique combination of femme fatale and a woman fending for herself against the world, provides a fascinating dynamic to the story with her powerful performance.

Train for Durango is an engaging ride through the wild frontiers of the West, packed with non-stop action, vibrant characters, and a storyline that keeps spectators glued to their seats, by intertwining humor and drama in equal measure. This spaghetti western is a testimony to a time when heroes were rough around the edges, and every journey was an adventure. Whether you're a fan of the genre or new to it, this movie is definitely worth a watch.