Review of Django, Prepare a Coffin

Shrewd roving gunslinger Django (an excellent and convincing performance by Terence Hill) gets hired by the sadistic Lucas (a perfectly nasty portrayal by the always imposing George Eastman) as a hangman to execute innocent folks who have been framed by Lucas. However, Django doesn't kill these men; instead he spares their lives and makes them members of his gang so he can get revenge on cruel and unscrupulous politician David (finely played by Horst Frank) for murdering his wife. Ably directed by Ferdinando Baldi (who also co-wrote the intriguing script), with a steady pace, a twangy, harmonic score by Gianfranco Reverberi (the jaunty theme song totally smokes), a compelling premise, slick cinematography by Enzo Barboni (the gliding tracking shots are especially impressive), a tough, serious tone, well-staged action set pieces (the expected rough'n'ready fisticuffs and fierce shoot-outs are both smack dead on the money exciting while a thrilling stage coach robbery rates as the definite pulse-pounding highlight), and strong central themes concerning honor and revenge, this movie certainly makes the grade as a superior spaghetti Western winner. Kudos are also in order for the sound acting from the capable cast: Hill excels in a juicy lead role, with bang-up support from Frank, Eastman, Jose Torres as the lethal, treacherous Garcia, and the lovely Barbara Simon as Garcia's fetching, loyal wife Mercedes. Recommended viewing for spaghetti Western buffs.