You need to park your brains at the door, put your tongue in your cheek and fully engage your funny bone for this film. This spoof is just that a spoof on everything that you find in a typical western and Texan. There is cows, oil, calvary, natives (I seriously doubt if there is a genuine North American native in the cast), good and bad guys and girls (mostly erring toward the good side). Nobody and nothing is spared from the writers' wit. This film is just good fun and a good laugh. I seriously doubt if it would meet any of the more modern standards for tolerance to racial groups and consideration for their feelings but this was the 60's and things were just beginning to change. Watch and enjoy whenever you see it coming. Do expect too much and you'll enjoy it more.
26 Reviews
Amusing mid-60's comedy Western with Dean Martin, Joey Bishop, Alain Delon & Rosemary Forsyth
Wuchakk9 May 2017
Released in 1966, "Texas Across the River" is a Western parody that takes place in 1845, starting at the Louisiana wedding of debutante Phoebe Ann Naylor (Rosemary Forsyth) to Don Andrea (Alain Delon), a Spanish nobleman. When the wedding is interrupted by Cavalry men (e.g. Stuart Anderson & Peter Graves), Don Andrea flees across the river to Texas, where he hooks up with Sam Hollis (Dean Martin) and his Native pal, Kronk (Joey Bishop), who are delivering weapons to Moccasin Flats. Don Andrea soon saves a Native lass, Lonetta (Tina Aumont), which attracts the attentions of a Comanche war party (Michael Ansara, Linden Chiles, etc.). Meanwhile the cavalry are hot on their trail.
You have to be in the right mode to enjoy "Texas Across the River," as it's full of mid-60's goofy humor (think Gilligan's Island or I Dream of Jeanie in the Old West). I personally chuckled from beginning to end and enjoyed it more than "Support Your Local Sheriff" (1969). It's just a fun movie with a great cast and locations, not to be taken seriously.
Speaking of which, one notable critic lambasted the movie for having Bishop play Hollis' Indian sidekick. I guess he didn't get the joke: The movie's poking fun at all the Westerns that used obvious white folk to play Natives; it's the same thing with Aumont playing the Indian cutie, who looks anything but Native American.
Directed by Michael Gordon, the movie was a fair hit at the box office. It runs 101 minutes and was shot in Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, Universal City & San Diego, California.
GRADE: B
You have to be in the right mode to enjoy "Texas Across the River," as it's full of mid-60's goofy humor (think Gilligan's Island or I Dream of Jeanie in the Old West). I personally chuckled from beginning to end and enjoyed it more than "Support Your Local Sheriff" (1969). It's just a fun movie with a great cast and locations, not to be taken seriously.
Speaking of which, one notable critic lambasted the movie for having Bishop play Hollis' Indian sidekick. I guess he didn't get the joke: The movie's poking fun at all the Westerns that used obvious white folk to play Natives; it's the same thing with Aumont playing the Indian cutie, who looks anything but Native American.
Directed by Michael Gordon, the movie was a fair hit at the box office. It runs 101 minutes and was shot in Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, Universal City & San Diego, California.
GRADE: B
"We've had civilized killing around here for years".
classicsoncall21 September 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Starting out I didn't know what to make of this Western. Joey Bishop as an Indian? It had to be the first time he rolled his eyes that I figured out the writers were playing it strictly for laughs here, with Dean Martin leading the charge in this funny Western parody. The Cheyenne Indian tribe in particular cracked me up every time Yellow Knife (Linden Chiles) referred to his father Iron Jacket (Michael Ansara) as 'Dad'. Nothing is safe from the writers' satirical pen in this flick, even the Cavalry gets a workout with Peter Graves leading his soldiers with that non-sensical call to arms that sounded like 'Ha-Roar - Har!' every time they changed direction. I can only imagine what the outtakes for this picture must have been like. To their credit, Rat-Packers Martin and Bishop managed to keep a straight face pretty much throughout the story, but I bet they had to shoot a fair share of scenes more than once to get beyond the hysterics.
Best gag - Sam Hollis (Martin) to Kronk (Bishop) - "Why weren't you born a Comanche?"
Kronk - "Mother run too fast!"
'Suna Mah Gun'.
Best gag - Sam Hollis (Martin) to Kronk (Bishop) - "Why weren't you born a Comanche?"
Kronk - "Mother run too fast!"
'Suna Mah Gun'.
you have to remember the times
shipes_j13 October 2006
the mid sixties...back before we were so culturally/politically correct...this movie wasn't ever meant to be correct anyway...it was a spoof of course and anyone who comments on it negatively without considering that needs some help.....Texas across the river is a signature film for dean....westerns that he loved so much...also a comedy which he was famous for...(many confirm that off camera he was far funnier than jerry lewis back in his earlier days)
Texas across the river is a perfect example of a spoof done in the sixties...and if you consider it as such you will find it to be excellent!....some have commented about joey bishop (jew) playing an Indian...well (hello) that is exactly why it works...it was meant to be tongue in cheek!...one should have little wonder as soon as the organ spits out a 60's rhythm and melody every time the indians are seen...or the surf sounding guitar also used in the soundtrack....I love this movie for what its worth....escapism....during a time (1966) of tragedy....the Vietnam war.
Texas across the river is a perfect example of a spoof done in the sixties...and if you consider it as such you will find it to be excellent!....some have commented about joey bishop (jew) playing an Indian...well (hello) that is exactly why it works...it was meant to be tongue in cheek!...one should have little wonder as soon as the organ spits out a 60's rhythm and melody every time the indians are seen...or the surf sounding guitar also used in the soundtrack....I love this movie for what its worth....escapism....during a time (1966) of tragedy....the Vietnam war.
western spoof
blanche-29 March 2017
Dean Martin, Alain Delon, Joey Bishop, and Rosemary Forsyth star in "Texas Across the River" from 1966. This is a funny movie, full of slapstick, political incorrectness, and funny bits, and it also goes to show you how badly Alain Delon's career in the U.S. was mishandled. He made two westerns while in the U.S. - not exactly geared to females. Don't ask what Hollywood was thinking.
The beautiful debutante Phoebe Ann Naylor (Forsyth) is preparing for her wedding to Don Andrea de Baldasar, El Duce de la Casala (Delon) who awaits her in full regalia, including a sword. I will venture to say that for five years after Delon left the U.S. there was no tan makeup to be found in all of Los Angeles - he was soaked in it, as he was in The Yellow Rolls-Royce.
After a duel, Don Andrea's opponent falls out a window and Don Andrea is charged with murder. He escapes and heads for Texas, where he meets Sam Hollis (Martin) and his sidekick, Kronk (Bishop). Don Andrea rescues an Indian woman, Lonetta, tames cattle, and competes with Sam when Phoebe shows up.
The film, directed by Michael Gordon, was done tongue in cheek. Delon is a riot as a formal Spaniard not at home on the range. It's perfect for Martin and Bishop, as the script fit their style of humor perfectly. It's silly but sometimes you need silly. People who saw this film when it came out have fond memories of it.
The beautiful debutante Phoebe Ann Naylor (Forsyth) is preparing for her wedding to Don Andrea de Baldasar, El Duce de la Casala (Delon) who awaits her in full regalia, including a sword. I will venture to say that for five years after Delon left the U.S. there was no tan makeup to be found in all of Los Angeles - he was soaked in it, as he was in The Yellow Rolls-Royce.
After a duel, Don Andrea's opponent falls out a window and Don Andrea is charged with murder. He escapes and heads for Texas, where he meets Sam Hollis (Martin) and his sidekick, Kronk (Bishop). Don Andrea rescues an Indian woman, Lonetta, tames cattle, and competes with Sam when Phoebe shows up.
The film, directed by Michael Gordon, was done tongue in cheek. Delon is a riot as a formal Spaniard not at home on the range. It's perfect for Martin and Bishop, as the script fit their style of humor perfectly. It's silly but sometimes you need silly. People who saw this film when it came out have fond memories of it.
Funny!
yobuzzb11 October 2005
I saw this movie as a kid, growing up in Texas. This was a funny movie and my entire family enjoyed it. I didn't appreciate the gist that people who think this movie is funny is somehow dimwitted for thinking so. Having said that, I haven't seen the movie since childhood and don't know if I'd find it as funny as an adult. I'd be anxious to find out should I ever see it again. I remember, to this day, some of the punch lines from the movie. My family and I gathered around to watch and enjoyed it so much. It was like being at the drive-in theater, with popcorn and the works. Dean Martin was simply a funny character as well as the guy playing the Indian. I don't remember his name, but they were great together. Like I said, this is all from childhood memory, so if I see it again, I'll write another commentary if my view has changed.
Just a comedy Western... do you expect more?
bellino-angelo201425 July 2022
Don Andrea Baldazar (Alain Delon) is soon to be married with gorgeous Isabella Naylor in Louisiana when suddenly Army Captain Rodney Stintson (Peter Graves) breaks in the palace for claiming that his cousin had to marry Isabella, but after the idiot cousin falls to his death Andrea is framed for murder not after promising to Isabella that they will see each other again and escaping to Texas. There he meets gunslinger Sam Hollis (Dean Martin) and Sam becomes his protector. Their trip will not go smoothly thanks to attacks by various comanche tribes on the warpath, love triangles between Sam, Andrea, Isabella and indian girl Lonetta and more. How it will end? See for yourself.
While this is a rare sort of Western with all its comedy elements and situations, it was very funny. Alain Delon surprised me in particular as he is mostly known for romantic or drama movies, yet he carried his comedic role well. Dean Martin was right in his element and funny as usual, while the supporting cast is simply a who's who of familiar faces of those years (Peter Graves, Michael Ansara, Joey Bishop, Andrew Prine, Richard Farnsworth). The Oak Park area scenery in California was great to watch with all the trees and fresh rivers.
If you are a die-hard Western fan it's still good for seeing something different, and overall, still a must for Dean Martin and old movies fans alike.
While this is a rare sort of Western with all its comedy elements and situations, it was very funny. Alain Delon surprised me in particular as he is mostly known for romantic or drama movies, yet he carried his comedic role well. Dean Martin was right in his element and funny as usual, while the supporting cast is simply a who's who of familiar faces of those years (Peter Graves, Michael Ansara, Joey Bishop, Andrew Prine, Richard Farnsworth). The Oak Park area scenery in California was great to watch with all the trees and fresh rivers.
If you are a die-hard Western fan it's still good for seeing something different, and overall, still a must for Dean Martin and old movies fans alike.
There's something about a Jewish Indian
bkoganbing2 June 2005
One of the classic episodes of the Beverly Hillbillies involved a group of movie Indians over at the Clampetts for vittles. They brought some native American cuisine over to the Clampetts and when Granny asked what kind of Indian fish dish it was, chief extra Benny Rubin said gefilte fish.
Jewish Indian, good for a few laughs on the Beverly Hillbillies, but a whole movie with Joey Bishop in an Indian suit? It wears a little thin after a while.
Alain Delon who may have been France's leading cinema star at the time sought to broaden his international appeal. I think once he got on the set of Texas Across the River he realized this was not the vehicle to get him an Oscar. But he does what actors do in a situation like this, chew the scenery.
Not to say Alain Delon isn't a fine player, but you'd never know it from this film.
And the gags are a bit old. I mean when Dean Martin gets shot with an arrow in the hindquarters is someone's idea of humor, you know this film isn't getting any awards.
The plot is also stolen from John Wayne's The Commancheros with Martin and Delon in the roles Wayne and Stuart Whitman had. Duke's film is sooooooo much better.
But if you're easy to please with your comedy, Texas Across the River should be your speed.
Jewish Indian, good for a few laughs on the Beverly Hillbillies, but a whole movie with Joey Bishop in an Indian suit? It wears a little thin after a while.
Alain Delon who may have been France's leading cinema star at the time sought to broaden his international appeal. I think once he got on the set of Texas Across the River he realized this was not the vehicle to get him an Oscar. But he does what actors do in a situation like this, chew the scenery.
Not to say Alain Delon isn't a fine player, but you'd never know it from this film.
And the gags are a bit old. I mean when Dean Martin gets shot with an arrow in the hindquarters is someone's idea of humor, you know this film isn't getting any awards.
The plot is also stolen from John Wayne's The Commancheros with Martin and Delon in the roles Wayne and Stuart Whitman had. Duke's film is sooooooo much better.
But if you're easy to please with your comedy, Texas Across the River should be your speed.
God, I love this movie!
Cards_fan8 November 2007
I saw this movie at the theatre as a kid and, thanks to regular television airings, multiple times through the years. I practically have the film memorized. And yet, I bust a gut laughing every time I see it to this day. There are so many memorable scenes and lines that will immediately bring a smile to anyone's face who has seen it; "Texas isn't even a state, how big can it be?", "The coward attacked him from the rear", the slapping scenes, the arrow in the rear, Joey Bishop as an Indian, Rosemary Forsyth in a wet blanket, "No Comanche is a friend of mine", that '60s guitar music whenever the Comanches are around, "Only read Kronk", and the oft quoted "ARUHROAR HAR!". Simply put, this film is funny. It's a horrible injustice that this film has not yet received a studio DVD release. I long to see this film again in a wide screen presentation without the awful pan and scan.
Just funny!
rocknstv13 June 2021
Clever writing, site gags, this film has it all. If you want to see where a lot of it's filming took place. Travel to the intersection of Lindero Canyon Rd and Kanan Rd in the Thousand Oaks, Oak Park area of California. A lot of it still looks the same, just many houses now.
Painfully funny!
spratt-815 October 2005
The first and perhaps, only time I saw this movie was a day or two after having hernia surgery in 1975. That viewing gave new meaning to the phrases "busting a gut" or "being in stitches." I couldn't stop watching despite the pain from the laughter and would love to see it again. It was silly but hilarious nonetheless. Who says movies have to be anything but? Then again, I was/am a big fan of the "Pink Panther" movies, too. As one other review stated, maybe I won't find it as funny the next time around, but I still chuckle remembering Peter Graves and his unintelligible military commands and Joey Bishop's facial expressions. It certainly can be watched with the entire family, and you can't say that about too many movies these days.
Texas ACROSS THE RIVER (Michael Gordon, 1966) ***
Bunuel197611 December 2008
I had missed out on this when it was shown as a weekday matinée' on Italian TV ages ago; while not particularly outstanding, it's a thoroughly engaging (and attractively shot, mostly in exteriors) Western spoof with an amiable and willing cast led by Dean Martin (typically relaxed playing a Texan cattleman), Alain Delon (handsome and charming as a Spanish aristocrat), Rosemary Forsyth (her Southern belle is delightful), Tina Marquand (a cute Indian squaw) and Joey Bishop (in the role of Martin's wisecracking "Kronk" sidekick).
Though the latter is nominally entrusted with carrying the film's comic relief, the other redskins ("Comanche") actually provide the funniest moments especially the antics of the chief's inept son (trying at one point to shoot a flaming arrow, he contrives to set his Dad's feathered cap on fire!). Also notable is a scene in which a medicine man alienated in tracking heroes' moves from afar bumps his head against a tree branch, not to mention the amusing charging command of the cavalry unit after Delon who's accused of murder which is so muddled that not even all the soldiers themselves are able to comprehend it!
The film leads to a pretty good climax actually redolent of RED RIVER (1948) as Martin and Delon about to engage one another in duel can't even agree on whether to do it the official way (stand back to back, walk ten paces in opposite directions, then turn and shoot) or Western-style (face each other at opposite ends of the street, walk closer and then draw). However, the girls (Delon had been engaged to marry Forsyth but, in the meantime, she's caught Martin's attention which he tries to turn to his advantage by keeping his fever going, after being shot with an arrow, for three days straight while the Spaniard has Marquand, whom he has saved from certain death, gushing over him) have it out between themselves, though it's actually a ruse to put a stop to the intended showdown between their respective men. Delon is subsequently tried and convicted (with judge and defense counsel being the victim's brothers!), but Forsyth contrives to demonstrate how it was all an accident; to cap everything, oil is struck soon after while a grave is being dug for the aristocratic Spaniard!
Curiously enough, just as SKIN GAME (1971) the comic Western I preceded this with the film features an incongruous but agreeable lounge score (by DeVol). In conclusion, another Dean Martin Western I own but have yet to watch also hinges on a dynamite star combo i.e. FIVE CARD STUD (1968) with Robert Mitchum as does, for that matter, ROUGH NIGHT IN JERICHO (1967; with George Peppard) which I might also be able to get my hands on in the not-so-distant future (for the record, I'm not familiar with this one either).
Though the latter is nominally entrusted with carrying the film's comic relief, the other redskins ("Comanche") actually provide the funniest moments especially the antics of the chief's inept son (trying at one point to shoot a flaming arrow, he contrives to set his Dad's feathered cap on fire!). Also notable is a scene in which a medicine man alienated in tracking heroes' moves from afar bumps his head against a tree branch, not to mention the amusing charging command of the cavalry unit after Delon who's accused of murder which is so muddled that not even all the soldiers themselves are able to comprehend it!
The film leads to a pretty good climax actually redolent of RED RIVER (1948) as Martin and Delon about to engage one another in duel can't even agree on whether to do it the official way (stand back to back, walk ten paces in opposite directions, then turn and shoot) or Western-style (face each other at opposite ends of the street, walk closer and then draw). However, the girls (Delon had been engaged to marry Forsyth but, in the meantime, she's caught Martin's attention which he tries to turn to his advantage by keeping his fever going, after being shot with an arrow, for three days straight while the Spaniard has Marquand, whom he has saved from certain death, gushing over him) have it out between themselves, though it's actually a ruse to put a stop to the intended showdown between their respective men. Delon is subsequently tried and convicted (with judge and defense counsel being the victim's brothers!), but Forsyth contrives to demonstrate how it was all an accident; to cap everything, oil is struck soon after while a grave is being dug for the aristocratic Spaniard!
Curiously enough, just as SKIN GAME (1971) the comic Western I preceded this with the film features an incongruous but agreeable lounge score (by DeVol). In conclusion, another Dean Martin Western I own but have yet to watch also hinges on a dynamite star combo i.e. FIVE CARD STUD (1968) with Robert Mitchum as does, for that matter, ROUGH NIGHT IN JERICHO (1967; with George Peppard) which I might also be able to get my hands on in the not-so-distant future (for the record, I'm not familiar with this one either).
HILARIOUS
Big Movie Fan23 February 2002
I'm not a big fan of most Western movies but I do enjoy comedy and as this was a comedy Western I found myself enjoying it.
As with most comedy movies, I am reluctant to give details about any of the scenes because if I were to tell you now then you wouldn't find them funny once you watch the film.Let's just say that Dean Martin (as Sam Hollis) and Joey Bishop (as Kronk) make quite a team. In fact everyone involved in the movie provides plenty of laughs. Everyone is playing a total buffoon.
If you don't like Westerns but do enjoy comedies then I strongly recommend this movie.
As with most comedy movies, I am reluctant to give details about any of the scenes because if I were to tell you now then you wouldn't find them funny once you watch the film.Let's just say that Dean Martin (as Sam Hollis) and Joey Bishop (as Kronk) make quite a team. In fact everyone involved in the movie provides plenty of laughs. Everyone is playing a total buffoon.
If you don't like Westerns but do enjoy comedies then I strongly recommend this movie.
My appreciation for this movie grows
vincentlynch-moonoi12 February 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Dean Martin liked making Westerns, and he made some that were quite good -- "Rio Bravo" (of course), "The Sons Of Katie Elder", and "Five Card Stud". And then there were a couple that were ringers, and I always felt this was one of those. So, it was interesting to watch it again after not seeing it for quite a while...and after reading several of the reviews here. I still don't think it's a great film -- and I say that as a huge Dino fan. But looking at it for the spoof that it is, it is quite a funny Western that tackles most of the stereotypical things you see in Westerns.
One thing we have to get out of the way from the start is that this film isn't politically correct. It makes a mockery of Indians (who, of course, are played by Whites in makeup). But it also makes fun of Texans, and Europeans, and the "town folk", and the military, and...well, just about anybody in the plot. And I guess that's the strength of the film. I imagine real Native Americans would appreciate that it wasn't Indians playing Indians here!
As to plot...well, it's a cute idea, and the film has its moments...but not 101 minutes of memorable moments. Maybe a little stronger editing would have helped.
In terms of performances, Dean Martin plays...Dean Martin...which is pretty much always enjoyable. Alain Delon plays the European, and does nicely. Rosemary Forsyth is fine as Dean's love interest. Joey Bishop is rather funny as the deadpan Kronk the Indian. Peter Graves has a thankless job as a military captain. It's always nice to see Michael Ansara as the Indian chief...though he is actually from Syria. Tina Aumont is rather flat as the Indian girl.
It's reasonably funny, sometimes actually clever. You just have to watch it in the right context.
One thing we have to get out of the way from the start is that this film isn't politically correct. It makes a mockery of Indians (who, of course, are played by Whites in makeup). But it also makes fun of Texans, and Europeans, and the "town folk", and the military, and...well, just about anybody in the plot. And I guess that's the strength of the film. I imagine real Native Americans would appreciate that it wasn't Indians playing Indians here!
As to plot...well, it's a cute idea, and the film has its moments...but not 101 minutes of memorable moments. Maybe a little stronger editing would have helped.
In terms of performances, Dean Martin plays...Dean Martin...which is pretty much always enjoyable. Alain Delon plays the European, and does nicely. Rosemary Forsyth is fine as Dean's love interest. Joey Bishop is rather funny as the deadpan Kronk the Indian. Peter Graves has a thankless job as a military captain. It's always nice to see Michael Ansara as the Indian chief...though he is actually from Syria. Tina Aumont is rather flat as the Indian girl.
It's reasonably funny, sometimes actually clever. You just have to watch it in the right context.
This is an amusing film in which two roguish men join up, a gunrunner , Martin and a a Spanish nobleman
ma-cortes7 November 2023
Spoof Western with magnificent starring duo as Dean Martin and Alain Delon, both of whom giving great lots of fun, while rescue distressed maidens, tame some longhorns, and competing themselves for Rosemary Forsyth's affections. Riotous Western parody compellingly directed by Michael Gordon with entertaining and funny scenes. Sam Hollis (Dean Martin) is a wise-cracking gun runner who, along with Indian sidekick Kronk (Joey Bishop) undertake several adventures and misfortunes. In 1845 Texas, a Louisiana belle is courted by a wanted Spanish nobleman and by a Texas brawling gunrunner, but her suitors' passionate wedding is interrupted by the cavalry and a Comanche attack. Alain Delon is a nobleman of Spanish origin who is forced to flee from Louisiana after killing accidentally -for a matter of honor- an American officer, former fiancé to the young woman (Rosemary Forsyth) he is about to marry. The Spaniard arrives in a small town in Texas where he joins the lively Sam Hollis and his inseparable Indian partner, who are heading to the city of Moccasin Flats to deliver smuggled weapons. Meanwhile, Hollis is recruiting men to help him ship guns through hostile Comanche territory. The Spanish nobleman Don Andrea (Alain Delon) wrongfully accused of murder and the rogue gunslinger Hollis join up forces and much comic misadventure ensues. Along the way, Andrea saves a young Indian woman (Tina Aumont) who was going to be sacrificed and takes her with him, provoking the wrath of the Apaches and their chief Iron Jacket (Michael Ansara) , and he gets elude a Comanche war party. A Swinging Fun-Romp that Fractures the Frontier !
This wacky spoof is packed with mayhem, lots of silly laughters and great entertainment and fun. Most of the laughs and sight gags galore work acceptably well; humor is also bold and intelligent with a myriad of imaginative sketches. Harold Greene, Ben Starr, Wells Root's screenplay besides having more than its fair scraps of funny lines ,throws up rich roles. Demystified Western was one of a group of much-imitated stories which changed the concept of this particular genre each bent on disproving a popular myth, yet tinged with humor, spoof and combining with anti-heroes and the inevitable decadence of the protagonists. The formula deals to enhance the comic observations of the western originated on the decade of the Sixties, including the following filmmakers : Andrew McLagen with ¨McLintock!¨, ¨The rare breed¨, Something Big¨ and Burt Kennedy with ¨Support your local gunfighter (one of his better spoof Western)¨ , ¨Support your local sheriff¨ (his highpoint) , ¨Dirty Dingus Mcgee¨ , ¨War Wagon¨ and ¨ The Good guys and bad guys¨, and a bit later on, Mel Brooks directed the indispensable ¨Blazing saddles¨. Texas Across the River (1966) is a surrealist, extreme and gross-out spoof with the ordinary bunch of loonies and loopies. The picture is wonderfully amused and enjoyable with Dean Martin as a tough but sympathetic gunrunner with his Maverick image who uses brains as well as brawny and guns, alongside Alain Delon as the stubborn and boastful Spanish nobleman, and, of course, the always gorgeous Rosemary Forsyth as the lady in distress; she and Joey Bishop as the ironic, deadpan Indian steal the show. They're well accompanied by a likeable and attractive support cast, such as: Tina Aumont, Peter Graves, Michael Ansara, Linden Chiles, Andrew Prine, Roy Barcroft, George Wallace, Don Beddoe.
It contains colorful cinematography rightly shot by excellent cameraman Russell Metty. Jolly and agreeable musical score by Frank De Vol, including catching song: Texas Across The River by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen sung by The Kingston Trio played over the opening title and credits. The motion picture was amusingly directed by Michael Gordon. He directed 3 actors to Oscar nominations: José Ferrer (Best Actor, Cyrano de Bergerac (1950)), Doris Day (Best Actress, Pilow Talk(1959)), and Thelma Ritter (Best Supporting Actress, Pilow Talk (1959)). Ferrer won an Oscar for his performance in Gordon's film. Grandfather of Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Dan Gordon-Levitt, Michael Gordon directed decent films, such as: For Love or Money , An act of murder, I Can Get It for You Wholesale, The Lady Gambles, Another part of the forest, Boston Blackie Goes Hollywood, Underground agent, The secret of Convict Lake and his big hit: Cyrano Bergerac. Rating: 6/10. The flick will appeal to Dean Martin and Alain Delon fans.
This wacky spoof is packed with mayhem, lots of silly laughters and great entertainment and fun. Most of the laughs and sight gags galore work acceptably well; humor is also bold and intelligent with a myriad of imaginative sketches. Harold Greene, Ben Starr, Wells Root's screenplay besides having more than its fair scraps of funny lines ,throws up rich roles. Demystified Western was one of a group of much-imitated stories which changed the concept of this particular genre each bent on disproving a popular myth, yet tinged with humor, spoof and combining with anti-heroes and the inevitable decadence of the protagonists. The formula deals to enhance the comic observations of the western originated on the decade of the Sixties, including the following filmmakers : Andrew McLagen with ¨McLintock!¨, ¨The rare breed¨, Something Big¨ and Burt Kennedy with ¨Support your local gunfighter (one of his better spoof Western)¨ , ¨Support your local sheriff¨ (his highpoint) , ¨Dirty Dingus Mcgee¨ , ¨War Wagon¨ and ¨ The Good guys and bad guys¨, and a bit later on, Mel Brooks directed the indispensable ¨Blazing saddles¨. Texas Across the River (1966) is a surrealist, extreme and gross-out spoof with the ordinary bunch of loonies and loopies. The picture is wonderfully amused and enjoyable with Dean Martin as a tough but sympathetic gunrunner with his Maverick image who uses brains as well as brawny and guns, alongside Alain Delon as the stubborn and boastful Spanish nobleman, and, of course, the always gorgeous Rosemary Forsyth as the lady in distress; she and Joey Bishop as the ironic, deadpan Indian steal the show. They're well accompanied by a likeable and attractive support cast, such as: Tina Aumont, Peter Graves, Michael Ansara, Linden Chiles, Andrew Prine, Roy Barcroft, George Wallace, Don Beddoe.
It contains colorful cinematography rightly shot by excellent cameraman Russell Metty. Jolly and agreeable musical score by Frank De Vol, including catching song: Texas Across The River by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen sung by The Kingston Trio played over the opening title and credits. The motion picture was amusingly directed by Michael Gordon. He directed 3 actors to Oscar nominations: José Ferrer (Best Actor, Cyrano de Bergerac (1950)), Doris Day (Best Actress, Pilow Talk(1959)), and Thelma Ritter (Best Supporting Actress, Pilow Talk (1959)). Ferrer won an Oscar for his performance in Gordon's film. Grandfather of Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Dan Gordon-Levitt, Michael Gordon directed decent films, such as: For Love or Money , An act of murder, I Can Get It for You Wholesale, The Lady Gambles, Another part of the forest, Boston Blackie Goes Hollywood, Underground agent, The secret of Convict Lake and his big hit: Cyrano Bergerac. Rating: 6/10. The flick will appeal to Dean Martin and Alain Delon fans.
Breezy, Hilarious; a Classic Romantic Comedy Western
silverscreen88823 July 2005
Don Andre de Baldasare was set to marry Pheobe Ann Naylor of Louisiana; after an affair of honor goes wrong, he has to flee across the river, into the wilds of Texas. Once arrived, he meets encounters Sam Hollis and his Indian sidekick, the Karonkawa Indian, Kronk, who are transporting rifles to the town of Moccasin Flats. Don Andrea rescues an Indian maiden, Lonetta, uses Spanish skills to tame longhorns, becomes Sam's rival for Phoebe's affections, heads off a band of angry Comahces and runs continually from the cavalry (who have come to Moccasin Flats to celebrate Texas' statehood but mostly charge after him in gallant groups). At the end of the film, the man Sam calls "Baldy" saves the town and also gets his girl--but which one wins him? In this cheerful and frequently hilarious screenplay, Alain Delon is very funny and understated as Don Baldasare, Dean Martin is a bit too-old as Sam Hollis perhaps but shows his excellent comedic timing in the likable role. Rosemary Forsyth is vivacious and very pretty as Phoebe Ann, Southern accent and all; Peter Graves and Andrew Prince lead the cavalry, to whom Graves continually issues orders such as "To the rur, har!" which no one understands any more than they can penetrate Kronk's Indian sayings, delivered deadpan and rather beautifully by Joey Bishop. Others in the large cast include Tina Aumont as the Indian girl, Michael Ansara as the Indian chief pursuing them, and Linden Chiles as his physically- inept son, Stuart Anderson, Roy Barcroft, George Wallace, Don Beddoe,.Kelly Thordsen, Nora Marlowe, and John Harmon. Director Michael Gordon kept the action and the laughs coming despite much of the film being filmed out-of-doors. the bright cinematography was supplied by veteran Russell Metty, the script by "Maverick" TV series alumnus Wells Root and Harold Greene, and the art direction was done by William D. DeCinces and Alexander Golitzen. Set decorations were supplied by John McCarthy Jr. and James Redd; the vivid costume designs were created by Helen Colvig and Rosemary Odell. This is a personal favorite of mine as a writer, breezy in dialogue and attractively colorful and often amusing. I recommend it for repeated viewing, for its spaciousness and its intelligent comedy, its style and its infectious and fantasy-free good humor.
Great Western Spoof
gdlance22 October 2006
This is a great fun movie that was released during the mid sixties wave of western spoofs. It has some jokes which fall a bit flat with 40 years of distance, but all comedy has a very short shelf life. In fact, there are gags in this film that not only stand the test of time, they amaze me at how well written and ahead of there time they seem to be. I love the cavalry orders being unintelligible. I love the Indians not getting anything right. I love Joey Bishop. The writers were very hip to western clichés, and took some brilliant unexpected turns with the script. It may not be a perfect movie, but if you love a good western spoof, then this is a great movie! Uh - ruhr - hur!
Really good fun Western!
adrian-4376726 February 2018
I have always been a fan of Alain Delon and preferred Dean Martin to the rest of the Rat Pack, so when TEXAS ACROSS THE RIVER came on a nearby theater in the early 70s, I dared not to miss it, and there I was for the first night. And a good decision that was, because at the very end of the last reel, the projector caught alight, the theater closed for a couple of nights, and TEXAS ACROSS THE RIVER never showed there again!
Delon is at the peak of his physical condition and good looks, and he seems thoroughly to enjoy the part (his exchange of clothes with a passing rider and his bullfight scene are high points, even if his double in the latter clearly looks nothing like Delon - but somehow it just adds to the enjoyment of TEXAS taking nothing seriously); a peaking Martin weighs in with a wry and cynical sense of humor, and his amorous pursuit of Forsyth from a delusional state of mind, and a wound caused by an Indian arrow, is a gem; Joey Bishop is superb, whether is deadpan, ratting on Delon, displaying "Kronk" emotions -- or doing a rain dance, one of the movie's funniest moments.
Peter Graves is a hoot with his outlandish commands to his clumsy military force (the scene where he goes past a swarm of Indians on the warpath and does not even see them because he is so intent on catching Delon is another belly laugh); the Indian chief's exchanges with his constantly blundering son, while the rest of the tribe's elders look on knowingly, are sublime; and the witchdoctor is a riot, even if his presence in the film hardly totals 1 minute.
And, last but by no means least, the two beatiful women, Forsyth and Marquand: Forsyth, who starts the film looking purity itself in her white wedding dress, turns out to be a cheat at the slightest opportunity. Marquand, the Indian sqwaw, is about to be sacrificed by her tribe for the alleged commission of some illegality, but she is the purest, even if she is not above a good punch up with Forsyth.
This film perfectly captures the spirit of the West in the humorous, positive and deconstructionist 1960s. Some have criticized the fact that the Indians are made to look dumb, but so do the Union troopers, Martin, Delon, et al. Everybody has a turn looking dumb. In fact, the two most sensible characters are played by Bishop and Marquand - both Indians.
Direction is splendid in the humorous sequences, otherwise nothing memorable. Cinematography has its ups and downs - beautiful color, but some amateurish day for night, and clearly visible background cutouts.
Thankfully, I was able to buy a VHS copy, then a DVD copy, and I must have watched TEXAS ACROSS THE RIVER some 7 times by now: always enjoyed it, as did my kids, who remember it fondly.
Delon is at the peak of his physical condition and good looks, and he seems thoroughly to enjoy the part (his exchange of clothes with a passing rider and his bullfight scene are high points, even if his double in the latter clearly looks nothing like Delon - but somehow it just adds to the enjoyment of TEXAS taking nothing seriously); a peaking Martin weighs in with a wry and cynical sense of humor, and his amorous pursuit of Forsyth from a delusional state of mind, and a wound caused by an Indian arrow, is a gem; Joey Bishop is superb, whether is deadpan, ratting on Delon, displaying "Kronk" emotions -- or doing a rain dance, one of the movie's funniest moments.
Peter Graves is a hoot with his outlandish commands to his clumsy military force (the scene where he goes past a swarm of Indians on the warpath and does not even see them because he is so intent on catching Delon is another belly laugh); the Indian chief's exchanges with his constantly blundering son, while the rest of the tribe's elders look on knowingly, are sublime; and the witchdoctor is a riot, even if his presence in the film hardly totals 1 minute.
And, last but by no means least, the two beatiful women, Forsyth and Marquand: Forsyth, who starts the film looking purity itself in her white wedding dress, turns out to be a cheat at the slightest opportunity. Marquand, the Indian sqwaw, is about to be sacrificed by her tribe for the alleged commission of some illegality, but she is the purest, even if she is not above a good punch up with Forsyth.
This film perfectly captures the spirit of the West in the humorous, positive and deconstructionist 1960s. Some have criticized the fact that the Indians are made to look dumb, but so do the Union troopers, Martin, Delon, et al. Everybody has a turn looking dumb. In fact, the two most sensible characters are played by Bishop and Marquand - both Indians.
Direction is splendid in the humorous sequences, otherwise nothing memorable. Cinematography has its ups and downs - beautiful color, but some amateurish day for night, and clearly visible background cutouts.
Thankfully, I was able to buy a VHS copy, then a DVD copy, and I must have watched TEXAS ACROSS THE RIVER some 7 times by now: always enjoyed it, as did my kids, who remember it fondly.
So funny
Lilibetp30 September 2003
I remember seeing this the first time when I was about 12. I nearly passed out from laughing so hard. Maybe it's not highbrow comedy, but in my opinion, it's still one of the funniest movies ever made. I especially enjoy Joey Bishop's "Indian" character. Watch it with your kids.
Actually hilarious!
fine_ass_white_boy_3930710 January 2008
I generally hate westerns because they bore me to death within seconds. But I started watching this movie with my father, who loves westerns, and I actually never got bored watching it. It kept my interest the whole time and constantly made me laugh. I didn't give it a 10 because of some of the "editing" practices they had so long ago but other than that it's a great movie.
I couldn't believe how well the writers were back then. To be able to come up with such comedy so simple and so fluid without having to make it "stupid" funny, like most of the comedies we make now, it's very refreshing and amazing to see.
A+ movie.
I couldn't believe how well the writers were back then. To be able to come up with such comedy so simple and so fluid without having to make it "stupid" funny, like most of the comedies we make now, it's very refreshing and amazing to see.
A+ movie.
First Western Parody I can remember.
dunsuls-118 September 2012
When this film was made back in 1966,I don't think there was a "genre"of film parodies,I guess they just called them "comedies".Well welcome to the earliest western comedy I can remember.Even before"Blazzing Saddles"which I consider the gold standard of western comedy.Except for some very poor editing and super imposing,its a well made film.That might be my only complaint.There are many funny Texas jokes and some funny if a little politically incorrect,lines as well. But the real fun is the casting of Dean Martin and Alan Delon,both of whom played serious roles in major westerns.Martin earlier in "Rio Bravo" and Delon later in "Red Sun".You also have to LOVE Peter Graves as Capt. Stimpson in a hint to the comedy yet to come from this fine actor.Even Joey Bishop as a Indian named Kronk is low key funny.Finally Michael Ansara as Iron Jacket,a Comanche chief is funny.The rest of the cast works well also.So if your looking for a good funny western parody and have already seen "Saddles"check it out.It's worth a few laughs. Especially jokes about that"poison black water"
Campy Western
drcroach18 March 2017
I had forgotten how campy this movie was. The sound effects were really amusing. I saw this at the Houston Premiere in 1966 with my mom and aunt. Dean Martin was there in the movie theater. I guess I remember that more than the actual movie! LOL But it is really fun to watch on a lazy Saturday morning.
Funny and enjoyable
Memi73410 February 2013
Alain Delon is one of my favorite actors. Basically, that's how I came across the movie and decided to watch it. As I saw the list of actors, I expected the movie to be nice and I wasn't disappointed. With Alain Delon, Dean Martin and Joey Bishop, it is one of the best westerns I've ever seen. Apart from the cast, there are hilarious scenes which make the movie pleasant and enjoyable. For me , the entire movie is awesome. I can't point out my favorite scene from this movie. Besides being funny , it's engrossing. The ending might be predictable but it's still captivating. Even my friend , who is neither into westerns , nor into comedies enjoyed the movie. You won't get bored once you started watching!
If You Like F Troop, You'll love this!
verbusen10 June 2019
I watched this on the Starz Western network on a Sunday morning. I had set my DVR to record Alain Delon films looking for more of his French crime films, notably Le Cercle Rouge. I am also a Dean Martin fan, having just rewatched Rio Bravo, so when this was recorded I was looking forward to it. This is probably the best comedy Delon was in that I saw, My wife and I found ourselves laughing many times. I wasn't sure if it was going to be a Western action film, but you know from the opening cartoon credits and song that it is a Western comedy, which don't always work out well. In this instance it was done very good as the jokes kept coming. If you are a fan of F Troop the TV show you will like this film. F Troop was shown after school in the 1970s and I would regularly watch it along with the Brady Bunch and Gilligan's Island. That show was only on 2 seasons and the first season from 1965 was in black and white so to show it on a daily basis in reruns for many years in the New York City market attests to how funny the show was. This film may have lifted the Jewish actors doing their Borscht Belt shtick playing Indians from F Troop because thats who was on that show. But a non Jewish actor playing an Indian, Michael Ansara, has some really funny moments as well as the chief with his flunky tribe. In fact, one scene with him involving fire got a good belly laugh out of me. Martin, Delon, Bishop and Ansara all have some good scenes as well as Peter Graves with what another reviewer mentioned and his commands that his men wonder what he is saying. Highly recommended as far as Western comedy goes. 8 of 10!
We Like Rosemary Forsyth!
aimless-462 December 2007
Hollywood discovered the not so subtle parody western in the mid-60's and produced several that have become true comedy classics; "Support Your Local Sheriff", "Cat Ballou", and "The Brothers O'Toole". Mel Brooks followed a few years later with "Blazing Saddles", the sub-genre's best ever.
But for each one that has become a classic there are several best-forgotten releases that just didn't work. "Texas Across the River" (1966) is one of the better of these secondary efforts; not a total loss but far short of being the complete package.
I wonder what goes through the mind of a relatively astute 21st century viewer when viewing something like "Texas Across the River" for the first time. My guess is that they would question the basic business sense of Hollywood producers (in not employing better writers) and wonder how anyone could have classified Joey Bishop as a comedian (he actually had his own prime time television comedy series).
Dean Martin (with his basic "Matt Helm" personality) and French actor Alain Delon (it was all the rage for Hollywood to import the latest European heartthrob back then for this type of stuff-Delon was one of the few who have some degree of acting ability) are two parts of a love triangle. Rosemary Forsyth plays their romantic interest. She has very good chemistry with Martin and very little chemistry of any kind with Delon. Fortunately someone had the inspiration to import French actress Tina Aumont to play opposite Delon. She plays his secondary love interest, a beautiful Indian maiden, and their English challenged scenes together are far better because of the shared language challenge.
"Texas Across the River" originally had a running length of 101 minutes and would have greatly benefited from some serious trimming. The running length was padded by old gags giving Jewish personality traits to the Indians. Unfortunately few (perhaps none) of this stuff is funny. Imagine the least funny10% of "F Troop's" Hekawi stuff endlessly strung together in the same movie.
Forsyth is the main reason to watch "Texas Across the River". I for one have fallen in love with her Southern Belle character each time I've watched the movie, and it happened again during my last viewing. Definitely on my top 10 list of most pleasing movie heroines.
Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.
But for each one that has become a classic there are several best-forgotten releases that just didn't work. "Texas Across the River" (1966) is one of the better of these secondary efforts; not a total loss but far short of being the complete package.
I wonder what goes through the mind of a relatively astute 21st century viewer when viewing something like "Texas Across the River" for the first time. My guess is that they would question the basic business sense of Hollywood producers (in not employing better writers) and wonder how anyone could have classified Joey Bishop as a comedian (he actually had his own prime time television comedy series).
Dean Martin (with his basic "Matt Helm" personality) and French actor Alain Delon (it was all the rage for Hollywood to import the latest European heartthrob back then for this type of stuff-Delon was one of the few who have some degree of acting ability) are two parts of a love triangle. Rosemary Forsyth plays their romantic interest. She has very good chemistry with Martin and very little chemistry of any kind with Delon. Fortunately someone had the inspiration to import French actress Tina Aumont to play opposite Delon. She plays his secondary love interest, a beautiful Indian maiden, and their English challenged scenes together are far better because of the shared language challenge.
"Texas Across the River" originally had a running length of 101 minutes and would have greatly benefited from some serious trimming. The running length was padded by old gags giving Jewish personality traits to the Indians. Unfortunately few (perhaps none) of this stuff is funny. Imagine the least funny10% of "F Troop's" Hekawi stuff endlessly strung together in the same movie.
Forsyth is the main reason to watch "Texas Across the River". I for one have fallen in love with her Southern Belle character each time I've watched the movie, and it happened again during my last viewing. Definitely on my top 10 list of most pleasing movie heroines.
Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.
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