The Comancheros

Critics Consensus

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100%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 6

75%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 8,191

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Movie Info

Based on a novel by Paul I. Wellman, The Comancheros stars John Wayne and Stuart Whitman as a Texas Ranger and roguish gambler, respectively. Reluctantly joining forces, Wayne and Whitman try to round up the "comancheros" -- renegade whites who've aligned with the Indians in smuggling guns and whisky. Ina Balin plays the daughter of comanchero chieftain Nehemiah Persoff, who rescues Stu and the Duke when they're captured by the renegades. After the anticipated climactic battle, Wayne allows Whitman and Balin -- fugitives from justice both--to ride into the sunset together. The last film directed by the estimable Michael Curtiz, The Comancheros is fine testosterone-laden entertainment. Keep an eye out for veteran western stars Bob Steele and Guinn "Big Boy" Williams in uncredited supporting roles. More than a few elements from The Comancheros would find their way into Sam Peckinpah's The Wild Bunch, albeit without the happy ending.

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Cast

John Wayne
as Cutter
Stuart Whitman
as Regret
Ina Balin
as Pilar
Nehemiah Persoff
as Graile
Lee Marvin
as Crow
Michael Ansara
as Amflung
Patrick Wayne
as Tobe
Bruce Cabot
as Maj. Henry
Joan O'Brien
as Melinda
Jack Elam
as Horseface
Edgar Buchanan
as Judge Bean
Henry Daniell
as Gireaux
Richard Devon
as Estevan
Steve Baylor
as Comanchero
John Dierkes
as Bill
Roger Mobley
as Bub Schofield
Bob Steele
as Pa Schofield
Luisa Triana
as Spanish Dancer
Iphigenie Castiglioni
as Josefina
Aissa Wayne
as Bessie
George J. Lewis
as Iron Shirt
Harry Carey Jr.
Tom Hennessy
as Graile's Bodyguard
Jackie Cubat
as Hotel Girl
Leigh Snowden
as Hotel Girl
Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams
as Ed McBain
Gregg Palmer
as Duel opponent
Don Brodie
as Card dealer
Jon Lormer
as Elderly man on riverboat
Phil Arnold
as Nervous man
Alan Carney
as Bartender
Ralph Volkie
as Riverboat steward
Dennis Cole
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Critic Reviews for The Comancheros

All Critics (6)

View All Critic Reviews (6)

Audience Reviews for The Comancheros

  • Jul 03, 2011
    A great cast in a very enjoyable Wayne western. One that has more below the surface than your typical western of the time. I especially enjoyed Lee Marvin, though his stint was too short. Interesting and fresh storyline as well.
    Jeffrey M Super Reviewer
  • Mar 20, 2010
    John Wayne is good as the cantankerous and rough Texas Ranger who goes undercover to smoke out a gang smuggling guns to the Comanches. Along the way he gets entangled with gambler and fugitive Paul Regret played by Stuart Whitman and the girl (Ina Balin) who fancies the gambler and who just so happens to be the daughter of the head of the Comancheros, a gang of renegades who provide the Comanches with booze and guns. It's a great ride from beginning to end and Lee Marvin does well in his small part and Whitman was okay as a fugitive on the run with a heart of gold and a good aim with the gun. However, two things I didn't like was this film depiction of all Comanches as drunken, bloodthirsty savages and the heroine's willingness to sell out her father and friends so easily is a little lacking in credibility, but I guess when they say love conquers all that included kith and kin.
    Deb S Super Reviewer
  • Apr 24, 2008
    Michael Curtiz' last film is a solid and layered piece of actioner as a Texas Ranger tries to take out some knuckleheads suppling rifles to the Comanches. Yeah sure, it's a John Wayne film (and don't you forget it, pilgrim!) but there's room for everyone here. The word rollicking comes to mind.
    Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
  • Dec 16, 2007
    This action-western picture of John Wayne is absolutely which has not one dull moment. It has lots of nice moments between the Texas Ranger (played by Wayne) and gambler (Stuart Whitman) as the unlikely partners to take on the villians of Comancheros.
    Dean M Super Reviewer
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