“Bandolero!” is the sort of movie they’d have referred to as a “roughie” within the exploitation world — proven in grindhouse theaters solely after the solar went down. However because it was produced in 1968, because the final vestiges of the studio system got here tumbling down, it was in reality the unlikely product of the venerable studio twentieth Century Fox. The movie follows the sun-bleached travails of two brothers, Mace and Dee Bishop, throughout the post-Civil Struggle Texas badlands. Performed by James Stewart and Dean Martin, respectively, Mace and Dee as soon as fought on opposing sides of the conflict, however have reunited within the city of Val Verde to rob banks, kidnap girls, and escape the noose so long as they will.

Raquel Welch performs Maria Stoner, the spouse of a financial institution teller who was killed in a hold-up by gang lord Babe Jenkins (these names!). Dee finally ends up taking Maria hostage after overtaking her getaway wagon, and, sadly, after a time she falls in love along with her captor. The character would not age tremendously effectively, however Welch’s efficiency has solely gotten finer with time. As Maria she’s alternately fierce and comfortable, commanding and obsequious — and after the mud of the grand finale shootout settles, she’s one of many final of all the solid standing.

In his biography of the star, “Raquel Welch: Intercourse Image to Tremendous Star,” Peter Haining particulars how the grit Welch portrayed on display prolonged lengthy after director Andrew V. McLaglen yelled minimize.