My Review: 9
Do you like the movie the Good, the Bad and the Ugly? Do you remember the Ugly? The sharp shooting, weak-willed thief Tuco. Do you know who played the role of Tuco? Eli Herschel Wallach, that’s who.
Eli Wallach is a Jewish actor, born in Brooklyn New York, whose most famous role is that of a Mexican thief opposite Clint Eastwood in (arguably) the most famous spaghetti western of all time. The music, the stark scenery, and the complex characters made this one of Sergio Leone’s greatest achievements of all time. Wallach also played a Mexican as the villain in another incredible western movie, the Magnificent Seven.
I grew up watching westerns with my Dad, and I love the genre dearly. I think Clint Eastwood is the man. But I have always had an enduring affection for this Brooklyn Jew who so convincingly played a mexican murderer and thief. Tuco wasn’t evil in the the Good The Bad and The Ugly; he was ugly. He was small minded and selfish, callous and focused only on his own short term, short sighted needs. And Wallach was brilliant in the role.
Eli Wallach deserves a nine plus, and I am glad to see a member of the tribe with such range and versatility. Hooray.
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