Review of The Price of Power

Clearly inspired by the assassination of JFK, this impressively bold and imaginative spaghetti Western offers a fierce critique of the corruption and dirty double-dealing that's an intrinsic component of American politics. A handful of rich folks led by slimy wealthy jerk jerk Pinkerton (splendidly played to the hateful hilt by Fernando Rey) plot to assassinate President James Garfield (a fine performance by Van Johnson) when he visits Dallas, Texas. It's up to noble gunfighter Bill Willer (an excellent portrayal by Giuliano Gemma) and his black friend Jack Donovan (solid Ray Saunders) to stop them. Director Tonino Valerii, working from an audacious script by Massimo Patrizi and Ernesto Gastaldi, relates the gripping story at a steady pace, creates a good deal of tension, maintains an appropriately hard and serious tone throughout, and stages the stirring shoot-outs with considerable skill and gusto. This film further benefits from bang-up acting from an able cast, with especially praiseworthy supporting work by Warren Vanders as the president's loyal aide Arthur McDonald, Maria Cuadra as the president's proud wife Lucretia, and Benito Stefanelli as mean, crooked Sheriff Jefferson. Stelvio Massi's polished cinematography boasts a lot of tight close-ups and smooth pans. Luis Enriquez Bacalov's twangy, harmonic, and dynamic score hits the rousing spot. A very gutsy and enjoyable movie.