| The Ugly |
It was during 89 - 90 that many video cassette libraries sprang up in our neighbourhood in Delhi. During that period we purchased a VCR & connected it to the TV. For a rental of 15 - 20 rupees per cassette per day from the libraries one could enjoy Hollywood blockbusters at leisure in homes.
It was one of 'masala' Western movies 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly' which we watched then a couple of times though it was released sometime in 1966. In the film Eli Wallach played a Mexican bandit Tuco Benedicto Pacifico Juan Maria Ramirez along with the good guy Clint Eastwood & bad guy Lee Van Cleef.
Tuco was comical, clever, dangerous & slippery guy inclusive of our Gabbar Singh, Shakaal & Mogambo all in one. His acting stole the thunder from Clint Eastwood & Lee Van Cleef.
The movie had the beautiful shots of deserts & mountains with many twists & turns in the story as all three of them were chasing hidden gold in a cemetery . It was a few minutes short of full three hour show which kept us fully absorbed.
The movie was one of the Dollar Trilogy other two being 'For a Few Dollars More' & 'A Fistful of Dollars' by Italian director Sergio Leone
Another prominent feature of the movie was its marvellous signature tune by Ennio Morricone which I think is still used in Bollywood or tv shows here occasionally. Movie & the soundtrack is of course available on the net. Do find time to watch this movie amigos which is thoroughly enjoyable I am sure .
Eli Wallach starring as Tuco died at the age of 98 on 24 June 14.
RIP Eli Wallach.
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