The Grand Duel (1972)

Description

An old ex-sheriff, Clayton (Lee Van Cleef), saves young Philip (Alberto Dantice) from a group of bounty killers hired by the Saxon Brothers. The Saxons believe Phillip murdered their father, a brutal man known as “the Patriarch”. Together, the two make their way to Saxon City, where they can confront the three powerful Saxon brothers, and reveal the surprising truth behind the killing of The Patriarch. Masterfully directed by Giancarlo Santi (Sergio Leone’s assistant director) The Grand Duel’s originality lies in it being constructed more like a crime thriller rather than a western. Santi learned well Leone’s rhythmic use of pauses and the poetry of silent moments, channeling the master’s lyrical and epic style. With a fantastic music score by Luis Bacalov that rivals the best of Morricone’s compositions, The Grand Duel (a.k.a. The Big Showdown) is one of the greatest examples of the genre ever produced.