A Fistful of Dollars (1964) in the PNW

Details: Written by: Mortado; Category: The 1960s in Northwest Cinemas

This is a collection of media from the initial runs of "A Fistful of Dollars" (1964) in the Pacific Northwest.

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A Fistful of Dollars (1964)
"A Fistful of Dollars" is a seminal 1964 Western film directed by Sergio Leone. The film is notable for its stark, visual storytelling, minimal dialogue, and haunting score by Ennio Morricone. It stars Clint Eastwood, in his breakout role, as the Man with No Name—a laconic, enigmatic drifter who finds himself embroiled in a deadly feud between two rival families in a small, lawless town. The film’s narrative is driven by the protagonist's cunning and resourcefulness as he maneuvers between the two factions, playing both sides to achieve his ends. "A Fistful of Dollars" is renowned for its innovative approach to the Western genre, eschewing the moral certainties and clear-cut heroism of earlier Westerns in favor of a grittier, more ambiguous vision of the Old West.

The film initially faced a somewhat rocky path to its American release due to concerns about its violence and perceived nihilism. It was released in the USA on January 18, 1967, three years after its debut in Italy. Despite these challenges, "A Fistful of Dollars" became a huge commercial success and significantly influenced the Western genre, paving the way for more complex, morally ambiguous stories. It also established Sergio Leone as a genre master and catapulted Clint Eastwood to international stardom. The film's success led to two sequels, forming the iconic "Dollars Trilogy."

Director: Sergio Leone
Writers: Adriano Bolzoni, Mark Lowell, Víctor Andrés Catena
Stars: Clint Eastwood, Gian Maria Volontè, Marianne Koch
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January 31, 1967 ad (Portland)