Based on the 1963 novel by Louis L'Amour, this modern western stars Yul Brynner, Richard Crenna, and ... oddly enough, Leonard Nimoy (Spock, from Star Trek), who had been appearing in small TV roles since the 1950s. Brynner is Catlow, and in spite of being hunted down by Cowan (Richard Crenna), he not only helps Cowan when Cowan is in injured, but also plans on stealing two million dollars in Mexico. This one is more of a "bullet burner" than an "oat burner", as the ol westerns were called. Some beautiful scenery of Spain in here. It's listed as "Comedy,western" by imdb... and granted, there are some scenes with fun, upbeat music, as they are clocking the soldiers, one by one. For all the years Brynner had been in hollywood, he still has a pretty strong foreign accent. Also a knockdown, slap-stick fight with Christina. Christina was played by JoAnn Pflug, who was married to Mr. Game-Show, Chuck Woolery. I consider this one more of a western than a comedy. It's a typical western... L'Amour, who was actually born LaMoore, had written TONS of western stories, and many were made into films. Directed by Sam Wanamaker, who directed mostly TV shows, and had been acting since the 1960s. It's pretty okay, but it aren't no shakespeare.

CATLOW is a very entertaining MGM western from 1971 and features Yul Brynner as the title character. Based on a Louis Lamour story, the script allows Brynner and costar Richard Crenna, who play outlaw and marshal respectively, a fair amount of witty banter and plenty of action sequences. Meanwhile, Leonard Nimoy, who wrote about how much he enjoyed making this movie in his autobiographies, is a most impressive heavy, seeking Catlow for his own reasons.If one had not ever seen Brynner in a previous screen performance, and if one had never heard of Nimoy's television alter ego Spock, this would be the perfect film to get familiar with the actors' considerable talents. The vicious gunfighter he plays is a departure for Nimoy, who even has a rare nude scene to perform. Brynner, for his part, plays his anti-heroic figure with such relish that one can't help but be entertained by him.What works best of all with CATLOW is the film's quick and even pace. There is seldom a slow moment. The action sequences build logically, then end quickly, usually giving way to the next sequence that is already building. Since much of the film has been shot on location, the authentic exteriors add yet another winning element to the picture's overall entertainment value.

I really liked this film, with the exception of (Spoiler) Leonard Nimoy in the nude in a tub. To say this scene brings nothing to the table is a gross understatement, and that scene is cringe worthy to say the least. I really think the posters who talk about this film have never saw it, or are unfamiliar with with stars (Or both), For example one poster who talked about Richard Crenna (Marshall Cowan) and asks how he never did more Westerns must have been unfamiliar with "The Real McCoys", "The Man Called Noon", and countless others (Many of which I never saw, because they were made for TV), but if you are going to ask the question, all you need to do is read Crenna's IMDb Page, and you will learn. The main reasons to watch are Yul Brynner ("Catlow"), who although not considered a "Western Actor" certainly was (Including two classics "The Magnificent Seven" and "Westworld"), and Jo Ann Pflug (Christina). My favorite part? Spoilers Ahead: Is the ending which shows what Catlow does to the rest of his partners in crime by locking up Rosita (Daliah Lavi) in jail for her actions, and becoming Marshall and taking the rest of the gang back to Arizona for trial. As for the Marshall he gets shot up, and cannot take the prisoners back to Arizona (Which is why Catlow does it), and after being healed, he will have to face a different kind of sentence there is no escaping from.... The hacienda with Christina, who knows what she wants and will get it. I really like the scenes between Christina and Cowan such as when they are ballroom dancing and horseback riding, you can see how perfect they are together, even if Cowan did not know it, he will have a lifetime to realize it. 8/10 Stars.

This decent but little known comedy-western is all about acting! Especially Yul Brunner has the time of his life portraying a smooth cattle-thief who just promoted himself to gold-robber. His name is Catlow and he rides through the Texan desert with his gang of thugs, chased by Sheriff Richard Crenna (the two are buddies even though they ought to be enemies) and hired hit man Leonard Nimoy. Everybody – Catlow as well as his pursuers – encounters trouble on their ways, such as aggressive Indians, sneaky Mexican villains and deadly ladies… The script of this film (which I believe was filmed in Spain, like many contemporary westerns) isn't very special and lacks coherence. Sam Wanamaker's direction is very hammy and it looks like though the cast is pretty much doing what they feel like. Still, it often is enormous fun to see the comic interactions between Brunner and Crenna when they're trying to outsmart each other with lists and dialogues. Leonard Nimoy is terrific as well, but unfortunately he has little screen time. The beautiful camera-work and exhilarating Country & Western music make you regret that the story is so weak.