Pecos Cleans Up ( 1967 )

Pecos Cleans Up (1967): A Spaghetti Western Satire

Pecos Cleans Up, also known as Pecos è qui: prega e muori! in Italian, is a 1967 Spaghetti Western directed by Maurizio Lucidi and starring Robert Woods as the titular Pecos Martinez. While fitting into the broader Spaghetti Western genre, Pecos Cleans Up distinguishes itself through its comedic undertones and satirical approach, offering a lighter, almost parodic, take on the often-grim world of the Wild West. This article delves into the plot, characters, themes, style, reception, and lasting impact of this often-overlooked film.

Plot Summary

The film opens with Pecos Martinez, a skilled gunfighter with a somewhat carefree attitude, arriving in the seemingly idyllic town of Houston. However, the facade of tranquility quickly crumbles as Pecos discovers the town is actually under the tyrannical control of the unscrupulous gang leader, Steve. Steve, aided by his ruthless henchmen, exploits the townsfolk, demanding exorbitant taxes and maintaining his power through fear and intimidation. The previous Sheriff, unable to withstand Steve's reign of terror, resigned in disgrace, leaving Houston vulnerable to his oppressive grip.

Initially, Pecos is drawn into the situation reluctantly. He's more interested in a good drink and a place to rest. However, the injustices he witnesses and the suffering of the townspeople eventually ignite his sense of justice. He decides to take on the role of Sheriff, not for the badge itself, but to rid Houston of Steve and his gang. He begins by subtly undermining Steve's authority, showcasing his superior gunfighting skills and outsmarting his opponents at every turn.

Pecos's methods are unconventional. He doesn't rely on brute force alone. Instead, he employs wit, cunning, and a touch of deception to weaken Steve's hold on the town. He cleverly manipulates Steve's own men against him, exploiting their greed and insecurities. He also gains the trust and support of the townsfolk, who, emboldened by Pecos's bravery, begin to resist Steve's oppression.

The climax of the film is a showdown between Pecos and Steve, a classic Western gunfight. However, even this scene is infused with a degree of humor and playfulness. Pecos, despite facing overwhelming odds, maintains his cool demeanor and uses his sharp shooting skills and tactical thinking to defeat Steve and his gang. With Steve gone, Houston is finally liberated, and the townspeople are free to rebuild their lives in peace.

Character Analysis

• Pecos Martinez (Robert Woods): The protagonist of the film, Pecos is a skilled gunfighter with a roguish charm. He's not a typical hero driven by unwavering moral convictions. Instead, he's motivated by a sense of justice that is often sparked by the injustices he witnesses. He is quick-witted, resourceful, and possesses exceptional gunfighting skills. His nonchalant attitude and dry humor add a comedic element to the film.
• Steve (Erno Crisa): The main antagonist, Steve is a ruthless and greedy gang leader who terrorizes the town of Houston. He is power-hungry and willing to use violence and intimidation to maintain his control. He lacks any redeeming qualities and serves as the primary obstacle that Pecos must overcome.
• Townspeople: While not individually developed in great detail, the townspeople represent the victims of Steve's oppression. Their initial fear and resignation are gradually replaced by hope and courage as Pecos inspires them to resist. They eventually play a crucial role in Steve's downfall.

Themes

Pecos Cleans Up explores several themes common in Spaghetti Westerns, but often with a satirical twist:

• Justice vs. Lawlessness: The film portrays the struggle between good and evil, with Pecos representing justice and Steve embodying lawlessness. However, the film questions the traditional notion of law and order, suggesting that true justice sometimes requires unconventional methods.
• The Corrupting Influence of Power: Steve's character illustrates the corrupting influence of power. His greed and ambition lead him to exploit and oppress the townspeople, highlighting the dangers of unchecked authority.
• The Power of Resistance: The film emphasizes the importance of resistance against oppression. The townspeople's initial fear and resignation are gradually replaced by courage and defiance as they are inspired by Pecos to stand up against Steve's tyranny.
• Satire of the Western Genre: Unlike many Spaghetti Westerns that are steeped in violence and cynicism, Pecos Cleans Up uses humor and satire to critique the genre's tropes. Pecos is a more lighthearted and less morally ambiguous hero than many of his Spaghetti Western counterparts.

Style and Influences

Pecos Cleans Up is a visually stylish film that draws heavily from the Spaghetti Western aesthetic. The film features:

• Ennio Morricone-esque Score: The music, while not composed by Morricone himself, borrows heavily from his signature style, featuring dramatic orchestrations and memorable melodies that enhance the film's atmosphere.
• Close-up Shots: The film utilizes close-up shots to emphasize the characters' emotions and intensify the tension, a technique commonly employed in Spaghetti Westerns.
• Wide Shots of the Landscape: The vast and desolate landscapes of the American West are showcased in wide shots, creating a sense of isolation and highlighting the harshness of the environment.
• Quick Cuts and Dynamic Editing: The film employs quick cuts and dynamic editing to heighten the action sequences and create a sense of urgency.

The film also shows influences from other Spaghetti Westerns, particularly in its depiction of violence and its use of archetypal characters. However, Pecos Cleans Up distinguishes itself through its comedic tone and its satirical approach to the genre's conventions.

Reception and Legacy

Pecos Cleans Up received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised its comedic elements and its stylish direction, while others found it to be too lighthearted and lacking in the gritty realism that characterized many Spaghetti Westerns. However, the film has gained a cult following over the years, appreciated for its unique blend of action, humor, and satire.

While not as widely recognized as some of the more famous Spaghetti Westerns, Pecos Cleans Up remains a notable example of the genre. Its comedic approach and its satirical take on Western tropes make it a refreshing and entertaining watch for fans of the genre.

Cast and Crew

Technical Details

Comparison to Other Spaghetti Westerns

Conclusion

Pecos Cleans Up is a unique and entertaining Spaghetti Western that offers a refreshing departure from the genre's often-grim conventions. Its comedic tone, satirical approach, and charismatic protagonist make it a worthwhile watch for fans of Westerns and those looking for a lighter take on the Spaghetti Western formula. While not as widely celebrated as some of its more famous counterparts, Pecos Cleans Up deserves recognition for its distinctive style and its contribution to the evolution of the Spaghetti Western genre.