When half-breed Indian Yaqui Joe robs an Arizona bank, he is pursued by dogged lawman Lyedecker. Fleeing to Mexico, Joe is imprisoned by General Verdugo, who is waging a war against the Yaqui Indians. When Lyedecker attempts to intervene, he is thrown into prison as well. Working together, the two escape and take refuge in the hills, where Lyedecker meets beautiful Yaqui freedom fighter Sarita and begins to question his allegiances.
Stunts
Practical train explosion that absolutely terrified the crew.
Production
Authentic 1910s Mexico shot in Spain on spaghetti western sets.
Director
Tom Gries
Jim Brown
Lydecker
Raquel Welch
Sarita
Burt Reynolds
Yaqui Joe Herrera
Fernando Lamas
General Verdugo
Dan O'Herlihy
Steven Grimes
Eric Braeden
Lt. Franz Von Klemme
Aldo Sambrell
Sgt. Paletes
Soledad Miranda
Girl in Hotel
Alberto Dalbés
Padre Francisco
Charly Bravo
Lopez
José Manuel Martín
Sarita's Father
Michael Forest
Humara
Lorenzo Lamas
Indian Boy (uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Jim Brown's casting was revolutionary — 1969 audiences had rarely seen a Black lawman as lead in a western. Studio executives literally didn't know how to market it.
Raquel Welch and Jim Brown's bathtub scene caused such censorship fights that multiple countries banned the film entirely. The 'scandal' made it a surprise hit.
US
