
Matt Fletcher, a Mexican-American buffalo hunter is constantly harassed and humiliated by bandit general Chuy Medina. When the bandit steals his horse - the appaloosa of the title - he sets out to even scores; at the climax, single-handedly, he takes on the whole gang.... (Full plot summary below)
Enjoy FREE movies and series with your Prime (USA) subscription or when you start a 30-day free trial!
Links compiled using automated software. Availability of offers subject to change / might be region specific / out of date.
Matt Fletcher, a Mexican-American buffalo hunter is constantly harassed and humiliated by bandit general Chuy Medina. When the bandit steals his horse - the appaloosa of the title - he sets out to even scores; at the climax, single-handedly, he takes on the whole gang.
Leave your thoughts about The Appaloosa.
| Ozus' World Movie ReviewsDennis SchwartzNever seemed anything but a pointless horse tale told in a style that was too mannered. |
| The New York TimesBosley CrowtherEssentially a film of mordant feeling in which violence is always just below the surface of pokerfaced bluffing and fake Old-World Spanish courtesy. |
| User ReviewJeremy CA movie with more than a couple of very memorable scenes - in particular the arm wrestling scene between Saxon and Brando. This Western is different and Brando's charisma carries it - - and you're never really quite what to expect. Not your usual Western. Brando and Saxon (an under-rated actor) are excellent. I believe this movie's value will enhance with time and be regarded as a minor classic of the genre. |
| User ReviewNafiul Cwow umn just seen this movie 4 the 1st time n think that this is a good movie 2 watch..i think that marlon brando, emilio fernandez, john saxon play good parts throughout this movie...i think that this is a good 1960's movie 2 watch...i think that the director of this Western, Classics movie had done a good job of directing this movie because you never know what 2 expect throughout this movie..i think that the fight scenes n the gun shoot outs were pretty kewl throughout this movie..its a good movie 2 watch |
| User ReviewCha tDuring the peak of spaghetti westerns came this little gem with Brando at his subtle best. He plays Matt Fletcher, a Rambo like character from FIRST BLOOD who returns home for some peace and quiet. But Trini, (Anjanette), draws him into a web of jealousy and power control with the town's chief, Chuy, (John Saxon). At first it starts with a little scuffle over Matt's horse, an Appaloosa. But it digs deeper than that when morals are tested. Brando throws in the occasional modern slang that fits in to this western period. It's a joy to watch him and the story slowly unravel. This will have to be director Furie's best effort with the help of Russell Metty's photography. |
| User ReviewMary MDuring the peak of spaghetti westerns came this little gem with Brando at his subtle best. He plays Matt Fletcher, a Rambo like character from FIRST BLOOD who returns home for some peace and quiet. But Trini, (Anjanette), draws him into a web of jealousy and power control with the town's chief, Chuy, (John Saxon). At first it starts with a little scuffle over Matt's horse, an Appaloosa. But it digs deeper than that when morals are tested. Brando throws in the occasional modern slang that fits in to this western period. It's a joy to watch him and the story slowly unravel. This will have to be director Furie's best effort with the help of Russell Metty's photography. |
| User ReviewJohn TThis western touches on the usual themes: honor, courage, physical toughness, and they are developed in an escalating mano-a-mano confrontation between characters played by Marlon Brando and John Saxon. The upshot is that both men want the same horse. In classic "Shane" tradition, Brando rides into town on said horse. But unlike Alan Ladd, Brando is not blessed with supernatural gun fighting skills. So when local Mexican bad guy John Saxon covets the horse, Brando has no quick and easy solution. Brando wisely underplays his character's resolve not to be bested, and as their conflict builds in intensity and violence, his stoicism never flags. But, rarely for Brando, he is upstaged by his antagonist. John Saxon, who I always felt was underrated, finds his sweet spot as a wealthy Mexican landowner who is not accustomed to being denied. There is a whisp of Spanish aristocracy in him that precludes dealing with Brando unjustly. Instead h3 gives Brando a fair chance at retaking his horse. From that point on you know one of these guys isn't going to get out of this situation alive. The film is worth watching for Saxon's performance. Both actors are playing against the stereotypes of their characters, but Brando is hobbled by a ridiculous wig, and there is a tiredness to his presentation that might have been provoked by the actors descent into personal dissipation around this time. He is overweight and slow. But still he is Brando, so you watch him. The storyline is ridiculous and the supporting actors are as stereotypical as they get. In particular, the Mexican man and his family with whom Brando intends to start a ranch are embarrassing in their fawning attitude to Brando. Such a scenario in a modern film would rightfully be condemned as racist. But for all that, I've still watched this little film four or five times. Most viewers won't like it as much as I. Perhaps my enthusiasm for the film is tied to my fondness for John Saxon. In this film he goes toe to toe with the biggest male star of his time and more than holds his own. |
| User ReviewMike TMarlon Brando's career in the 1960s is certainly not the barren wasteland that it's often proclaimed to be. This is another interesting, albeit flawed movie from the decade that boasts a strong piece of acting from the legendary star. The patience-demanding structure of the film grows mildly tiresome at times, but for the most part I enjoyed the approach. A slick photographic venture, it manages to stay out of the confines of its genre for the most part, with only flashes of cheesy cliche. |
| User ReviewSean SAs with most Marlon Brando films the best thing about it is Marlon Brando. Thats not to say the films arn't good it just shows how consistant he is as an actor and "The Apaloosa" is no exception. His performance is ranged and strong. From falling over blind drunk to sharpshooting enemies Brando is believeable in the role of pride filled Matt out for revenge after his peaceful new lifestyle had been disturbed. The directing is either love or hate as there are a lot of shots which are not framed in the traditional mainstream way with objects blocking your view of character, this is done intentionally though to help you focus on a certain thing within the frame. The soundtrack is brilliant as well mixing the traditional western soundtrack with music that helps immerse you into the mexican culture and ambience. |
| User ReviewRichard JA Marlon Brando western. Not the best use of Brando's considerable talents. Plot is so-so: not really original nor profound. Direction is OK. Brando gives a solid performance. You wouldn't think that western's would be his ideal type of move, but he gives a very convincing performance. Supporting performances are less satisfactory, varying from OK to cringeworthy. Overall, an average western, and really only worth watching for the presence of the great Marlon Brando. |