Buddy Goes West review

Review of Buddy Goes West (1981) Original title: Occhio alla penna

This movie had been on my watch list for some time because it was hard to find an affordable English friendly release. After I became the proud owner of an old TV/VCR Combo, I luckily found the VHS of Buddy Goes West!

Plot

Native American Cocoa (Amidou) is imprisoned by the cavalry for horse theft. For the second time, Buddy (Bud Spencer) feels compelled to save him. The first time he rescued Cocoa’s life with a blood transfusion, which makes Cocoa believe they are blood brothers. Disguised as a tribal Chief and with many wooden dummies in the distance standing in for native warriors, Buddy manages to free Cocoa from the cavalry. Shortly afterwards, the cavalry discovers it was a hoax. Because the cavalry is on their tail and Buddy is tired of getting Cocoa out of trouble, he wants to part ways forever. Cocoa must go to the reservation and Buddy goes west by train.

When Cocoa hears a boarding passenger say that his suitcase is worth its weight in gold, Cocoa chases it. He robs the train and steals the suitcase. Buddy goes with him, supposedly as a hostage. Once off the train they are attacked by Mescalero Apaches. They take refuge in a barn, where they are caught by owner Popsy Logan (Piero Trombetta) who accuses them of trespassing. Popsy opens the suitcase, and it turns out to contain medical supplies. Now Buddy is mistaken for a doctor and forced to cure Popsy's seriously ill father. Hoping for the best, Buddy brews his own medicine cocktail which turns out to work, and the father gets better.

At the sheriff's office, Buddy discovers that people have been driven out of Yucca City by outlaw Colorado Slim (Riccardo Pizzuti). Along with his gang, Colorado Slim terrorizes the area by claiming land and committing robberies. The previous sheriff had been murdered after building a well. Bronson (Joe Bugner) became the new sheriff, only he can’t stop the bandits. Things start to change when Buddy gets his own doctor's office and proves to be a challenge for Colorado Slim.

When Amidou and Buddy investigate the situation, Amidou falls into the well. Once back above ground, he is covered in gold. They discover that a vein of gold beneath Yucca City was the reason why people were driven out of the town. Meanwhile the villains hatched a plan to mine the gold. Can Buddy and Amidou stop them before they are found by the calvary themselves…?

Comment

The film opens with catchy music by Ennio Morricone (Non fare l'indiano). The tune immediately reminded me of Death Rides a Horse (1967), so that was promising! Shortly after, it becomes clear that we are dealing with a comic western and not a revenge film. About half an hour into the film there is a dinner scene that refers to Once upon a Time in the West (1968). It is shot at the same location (the McBain residence). Once again, the bad guys come to disrupt the feast. This time, they better not mess with Buddy while he is eating! At this point in the film, more melodramatic music is introduced (L'ultima tromba). Despite the more serious music, the film fortunately remains a comedy. The director managed to avoid volatility.

The storyline is thin, and the comedy is often silly, juvenile and cartoonish. For example, one of the bad guys’ profile is marked in the wall because of a slamming door. The bad guys fly through the air in all directions. If you are into comedy, the film is easy to watch and entertaining. Halfway through I lost my interest a bit because of the long silly fighting scenes. Towards the end, the villains' motives become clear with a small twist. It led to a good ending of the film. I enjoyed several camera shots and film locations. This film was made ten years after the second Trinity film, long after the spaghetti western heyday, but that wasn’t noticeable at all.

Bud Spencer plays his classic muscleman role with his cranky looks and brute strength. It’s nothing new and that doesn't matter, because this way he is at his best. Amidou plays a clownish role as Buddy’s sidekick Cocoa. He overplays his role a bit with some stereotypical Native American sounds and expressions. It irritated some viewers. Not me because it’s a comedy film. Joe Bugner plays Sheriff Bronson. He is best known as a former heavyweight professional boxer who fought Mohammed Ali for the championship in 1975. I think they missed a big opportunity by not letting him fistfight more. Another honorable mention must be made for Ricardo Pizzuti who plays Colorado Slim. He worked in many spaghetti westerns as an actor and stuntman. He’s best known for his roles in Spencer-Hill films as a villain.

Director Michele Lupo made five spaghetti westerns. In 1965 he made the Fistful of Dollars spoof; For a Fist in the Eye. In the western genre he followed with three well-regarded Giuliano Gemma movies; Arizona Colt (1966), Ben and Charlie (1972) and California (1977). After 1977 he made all of his last five films with Bud Spencer. One of these is his last western: Buddy Goes West. There are several references to Once Upon a Time in the West (1968). Probably due to writer Sergio Donati who co-wrote the script of Once Upon a Time in the West (1968). Or maybe it was director Michele Lupo who wanted to pay a tribute with his final western movie.

Occhio alla penna means ‘Eye on the pen’. The origin of this expression lies in the navy. It’s said as a reminder to pay attention to the pen point of the sail mast. Contemporary it means "Watch out!" or "Be Careful!"

Final verdict: 6/10

Conclusion

Bud Spencer, Ennio's music and the attractive film locations make this film worthwhile. Even more if you are a fan of comedy westerns. It’s a light-hearted entertaining movie with a few lame jokes but also some good laughs. In the middle section there are long silly fights without much story development. Near the end the motives become clear, leading up to an interesting slot. Director Michele Lupo focused purely on comedy in this film and therefore the film has unity. Buddy Goes West is not a standout, yet I think it’s an underexposed film that deserves more attention.

Written and published by Meceita (Roy), February, 2024.