Cemetery Without Crosses (1969)

Written by Wuchak on August 29, 2019

Moody, serious, proficient but flat Spaghetti Western by Robert Hossein

An ex-gunfighter living in a ghost town in the Southwest (Robert Hossein) decides to assist the wife (Michèle Mercier) of a friend that was unjustly lynched by the rough ruling family of the area, the Rogers.

“Cemetery without Crosses” (1969) is a Euro Western (French / Italian / Spanish) originally titled “A Rope… a Colt…” (translated). Director/writer/star Robert Hossein was admittedly inspired by Sergio Leone and you can see the influence of “For a Few Dollars More” (1965). Speaking of which, one of the best scenes in the movie, the amusing dinner sequence at the Rogers’ ranch, was guest-directed by Sergio Leone.

This is a competent Spaghetti Western with a quality score, the usual Spanish locations and a good cast with three beautiful women (Mercier, Anne-Marie Balin & Béatrice Altariba). I like the serious tone, the ambiance and attractive cinematography, but it’s too flat of an experience, disregarding the dinner scene. Simply put, it becomes one-dimensional and tedious as it moves along.

“The Hellbenders,” aka “The Cruel Ones” (1967), was less proficient, but at least it entertained. “Doc” (1971) is a good comparison, but it had a superior cast and way more perks. Even “Navajo Joe” (1966) is more memorable IMHO. But if you like Euro Westerns give it a try. Some cinephiles rave about it.

The film runs 1 hour, 30 minutes, and was shot in Almería, Andalucía, Spain.

GRADE: C+/B-