In 1966, the greatest western movie to ever hit cinemas was released. ‘The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly’ is considered by many to be the best of the genre. The film, led by Clint Eastwood, became the quintessential western of all time.
In the year 1966, bread cost $0.22. Milk cost $1.11, and a gallon of gasoline was just $0.32! A movie ticket to see Clint Eastwood serve wild west justice would’ve run you $1.25.
Eastwood was a rising star, and this film put him over the top. The film itself grossed over 38 million dollars worldwide. Not bad for a movie referred to as a ‘Spaghetti Western.’
The term ‘Spaghetti Western’ was attached to films that focused on the American old west and were made cheaply in Europe. They were typically by an Italian producer or director.
In fact, ‘The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly’ was considered the final film in a three-movie trilogy involving ‘A Fistful of Dollars’ and ‘For a Few Dollars More.’ Each movie was panned by critics but adored by audiences.
The film is highly regarded for director Sergio Leone’s use of close-up cinematography and stylized gunfights. Three gunslingers compete to find a fortune of Confederate gold buried in the desert.
The musical score to the film has become iconic through the years. It was composed by Ennio Morricone, and many of the main themes are still used today in commercials and parodies. This film changed action movies forever and established Clint Eastwood as a true movie star.
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