Terence Stamp is Azul (Spanish for "Blue"), the adopted son of Mexican bandit Ortega (Ricardo Montalban). Ortega, tiring of the same old robbing and pillaging, and sensing unrest from all of his sons, decides to cross the river into the United States and do some damage to the country that recently took part of Mexico for itself. The bandits raid a settlement, but Azul begins having a change of heart- deciding not to kill, and wanting to stay in the United States. He saves Joanne's (Joanna Pettet) life, and is nursed back to health by her father Doctor Morton (Karl Malden). The rest of the bandits head back to Mexico, mourning their losses. For the first time, and halfway through the film, Blue speaks. He is called Blue because of his eye color. He is not your "typical" Mexican, possessing blonde hair and fair skin. He begins to take a liking to Joanne, and stays on to help farm the doctor's land. Blue is introduced into the settlers' society, but not without raising the suspicions of some of the bandits' victims. Eventually, Ortega and the boys return to reclaim one of their own.
Made in 1968, this western has a definite contemporary feel to it. There are no good guys and bad guys, and Blue is an antihero if there ever was one. His romance with Joanne is expected but never forced or false. Malden is excellent as the doctor who is supposed to help people, murderers or not. Stamp is good as Blue, never speaking through the first half of the film, so when he finally does open up about himself I was hanging on his every word. Narizzano shows a wonderful directorial eye, highlighting great Utah scenery. He is able to generate suspense (Pettet's attack in the general store), lust (a very good clothed love scene), and violence (the final showdown) without getting show-offy with the camera. Yakima Canutt was stunt coordinator, and the explosive finale is some of his best work. While "Blue" might be hard to find, it is worth the search, and I highly recommend it.
Made in 1968, this western has a definite contemporary feel to it. There are no good guys and bad guys, and Blue is an antihero if there ever was one. His romance with Joanne is expected but never forced or false. Malden is excellent as the doctor who is supposed to help people, murderers or not. Stamp is good as Blue, never speaking through the first half of the film, so when he finally does open up about himself I was hanging on his every word. Narizzano shows a wonderful directorial eye, highlighting great Utah scenery. He is able to generate suspense (Pettet's attack in the general store), lust (a very good clothed love scene), and violence (the final showdown) without getting show-offy with the camera. Yakima Canutt was stunt coordinator, and the explosive finale is some of his best work. While "Blue" might be hard to find, it is worth the search, and I highly recommend it.