One of the most successful Italian westerns, with Terence Hill as the famous Django
A film with a strange destiny: intended as a dark and violent western, it unexpectedly left audiences rolling in the aisles with laughter, directly leading to the Trinità series
Due to the unavailability of actor Franco Nero, the original Django, for Preparati la bara! the role of the ruthless avenging gunslinger was entrusted to the up-and-coming Terence Hill. At first glance, it looked like a dreadful case of miscasting, with his blonde hair and angelic eyes. Instead, it led to one of the most successful Italian westerns of all time. Director Ferdinando Baldi, assisted by the impeccable photography of Enzo Barboni, insisted on dark and violent tones, culminating in a final act of vengeance accomplished by means of a machine gun hidden inside a coffin. Most apt for a merciless massacre. Advertising for the film left no doubt as to what was in store for audiences: “Dark, sinister, a scream echoed in the valley of death.” However, to the great surprise of the director, audiences burst into laughter, at times mistaking the film for a comedy. In fact, a short time later the trio of Terence Hill, Bud Spencer and Enzo Barboni will transform the genre with the Trinità series, pushing it towards out-and-out comedy and farce. Nicola di Bari’s song You Better Smile, will be re-worked in 2006 and released under the new title of Crazy, becoming an interplanetary hit.
A shady figure intends to become governor with the help of some bandits. Unfortunately for him, the outlaws in question have killed Django’s wife…
One of the most successful Italian westerns, with Terence Hill as the famous Django
A film with a strange destiny: intended as a dark and violent western, it unexpectedly left audiences rolling in the aisles with laughter, directly leading to the Trinità series
Due to the unavailability of actor Franco Nero, the original Django, for Preparati la bara! the role of the ruthless avenging gunslinger was entrusted to the up-and-coming Terence Hill. At first glance, it looked like a dreadful case of miscasting, with his blonde hair and angelic eyes. Instead, it led to one of the most successful Italian westerns of all time. Director Ferdinando Baldi, assisted by the impeccable photography of Enzo Barboni, insisted on dark and violent tones, culminating in a final act of vengeance accomplished by means of a machine gun hidden inside a coffin. Most apt for a merciless massacre. Advertising for the film left no doubt as to what was in store for audiences: “Dark, sinister, a scream echoed in the valley of death.” However, to the great surprise of the director, audiences burst into laughter, at times mistaking the film for a comedy. In fact, a short time later the trio of Terence Hill, Bud Spencer and Enzo Barboni will transform the genre with the Trinità series, pushing it towards out-and-out comedy and farce. Nicola di Bari’s song You Better Smile, will be re-worked in 2006 and released under the new title of Crazy, becoming an interplanetary hit.
A shady figure intends to become governor with the help of some bandits. Unfortunately for him, the outlaws in question have killed Django’s wife…
