RIP Jenny Atkins

 

I’ve received word from Jenny Atkins’ granddaughter that Jenny passed away sometime in late May. She was 83. Jenny was supposedly born Jenny P. Riva in England 1943. Jenny moved to the United States and met actor Ty Hardin. They appeared together in an episode of TV’s ‘Riptide’ which Ty was starring in. They became a couple and appeared together in the Spaghetti western “You’re Jinxed Friend, You’ve Met Sacramento” in 1970 where Jenny played Ty’s daughter Maggie Thompson. They married after the film and appeared together again in the following year in “Drummer of Vengeance” where Jenny played a circus girl. Jenny and Ty divorced in 1974 and Jenny married Dr. Steven Zax a surgeon [1938-2017] in 1978 and they divorced in 1982. She then married George R. Brachmanski. The couple lived in Queensland, Australia.

Little Known Spaghetti Western Actors ~ Bretislav Dolejsi

[These daily posts will cover little known actors or people that have appeared in more recent films and TV series. Various degrees of information that I was able to find will be given and anything that you can add would be appreciated.]

Břetislav Dolejší was a Czechoslovak football goalkeeper whose career was from 1952 to 1958. He played for such teams as Dukla Prague and Slavia Prague. In 1958 he played for Czechoslovakia in the 1958 FIFA World Cup.

Born in Bretislav Hrochuv Tynec, Czechoslovakia on September 26, 1928, he was recruited as a brawler for his only film which was also his only Euro-western, “Limonádový Joe aneb Konská opera” (Lemonade Joe) as a brawler in 1964.

After this film he emigrated to Chicago, Illinois in the U.S.A. in 1967 and became a naturalized citizen in 1973. Dolejsi was employed by the Bechtel Power Corporation. He died in Los Angeles, California from cancer on October 28,2010 at the age of 82.

DOLEJSI, Bretislav [9/26/1928, Hrochuv Tynec, Czechoslovakia – 10/28/2010, San Gabriel, California, U.S.A. (cancer)] – soccer player [goalie], film actor, played for the Czechoslovakian team in the 1958 FIFA World Cup, played for Dukla Prague [1952-1956], Slavia Prague [1957-1960], married to Donna Dolejsi (1975-2010) father of Bret Dolejsi.

Lemonade Joe – 1964 (brawler)

Spaghetti Western Directors, Screenwriters, Cinematographers

Spaghetti Western Director ~ James Gardener

James Gardener was an alias used by Adolf Marius Lesoeur who was a French film producer and writer known for his extensive work in low-budget European exploitation, horror, and erotic cinema, particularly from the 1970s through the 1980s. As the owner of the production and distribution company Eurociné starting in 1957, he played a central role in financing and overseeing numerous genre films, often collaborating on projects that blended sensational elements with modest budgets. He also founded Studios Mobiles de France and Paris-Nice Productions, contributing to the infrastructure of independent French filmmaking during a period of prolific output in these niches.

Born in Montreuil, Seine-Saint-Denis, France on January 7, 1910, Lesoeur built a career that spanned producing, writing, and occasional directing or acting roles in his own productions. His credits include notable genre titles such as “Female Vampire” (1973), “A Virgin Among the Living Dead” (1973), “Exorcism” (1975), “The Sadist of Notre Dame” (1979), and “Angel of Death” (1985). These works frequently drew from horror, zombie, and erotic thriller tropes, reflecting the commercial trends of European B-movies during the era. Lesoeur's prolific involvement helped sustain a segment of the industry focused on international co-productions and direct-to-market releases. He died in Ivry-sur-Seine, Val-de-Marne, France on May 16, 2003.

As James Gardener he co-directed one Spaghetti western, “La marque de Zorro” (The Mark of Zorro) with Jess Franco and Alain Payet. He also produced five Spaghetti westerns “Bienvenido, padre Murray” (Welcome Padre Murray) in 1962, “Les aventures galantes de Zorro” (Red Hot Zorro) in 1972, “Convoi de femmes” (Convoy of Women) in 1974 and “Les filles du Golden Saloon” (The Girls of the Golden Saloon) in 1975.

GARDENER, James (aka A.M. Frank, James Gartner, Marius Lefrère, M. Lesoeur, Mario Lesoeur, A. L. Mariaux, A.L. Mariaux, H.L. Rostaine, Dan Simon) (Adolf Marius Lesoeur) [1/7/1910, Montreuil, Seine-Saint-Denis, France – 5/16/2003, Ivry-sur-Seine, Val-de-Marne, France] – producer, production manager, director, writer, actor, married to ? father of producer Daniel Lesoeur [1942-    ], grandfather of actress Anouchka (Anouchka Lesoeur), founded Studios Mobiles de France.

Bienvenido, padre Murray – 1962 [producer]

Rebels in Canada – 1965 [producer]

Red Hot Zorro – 1972 [producer]

Convoy of Women – 1974 [producer]

The Mark of Zorro – 1974 (co-director)

The Girls of the Golden Saloon – 1975 [producer]

Spaghetti Western Screenwriter ~ Sergio Ciani

Sergio Ciani was an Italian actor and bodybuilder known for his starring roles in 1960s sword-and-sandal (peplum) films under the stage name Alan Steel. One of the few native Italians to headline the genre—typically dominated by imported American bodybuilders—he portrayed iconic muscle heroes such as Hercules, Samson, Maciste, and Ursus in numerous low-budget Italian productions.

Born in Rome on September 7, 1935, Ciani entered the film industry as a stunt performer and body double for Steve Reeves in “Hercules Unchained” (1959) and “The Giant of Marathon” (1959). He quickly rose to leading man status, starring in films including “Hercules Against the Moon Men” (1964), “Hercules and the Black Pirate” (1964), “Hercules Against Rome” (1964), and “Samson and the Mighty Challenge” (1964). Following the peplum genre's decline in the mid-1960s, he continued acting in spaghetti westerns, thrillers, and other Italian films through the 1970s, with his final known role in “Baby Love” (1979). Ciani died on September 5, 2015, in Rome, two days before his 80th birthday.

Ciani co-wrote the screenplay for one Spaghetti western which he also starred in “Mano rápida” (Fast-Hand is Still My Name) with Vittorio Salerno, Alberto Cardone and Eduardo M. Brochero in 1973.

CIANI, Sergio (aka Alan Steel) [9/7/1935, Rome, Lazio, Italy - 9/5/2015, Ostia, Rome, Lazio, Italy] – writer, film actor.

Fast-Hand is Still My Name – 1973 (co)

Spaghetti Western Cinematographer ~ Janez Kalisnik

Janez Kališnik was a Slovenian cinematographer and photographer known for his influential work as a director of photography in Yugoslav and Slovenian cinema during the mid-20th century, as well as his later contributions to architectural photography that captured transitional spaces and urban landscapes.

Born on March 2, 1921, in Drenov Grič near Ljubljana, Kališnik developed his craft in film, serving as cinematographer on notable titles such as “Ples v dežju” (Dancing in the Rain, 1961), “Sonce v mreži” (The Sunny Whirlpool, 1968), and other productions that marked important moments in Slovenian filmmaking. After retiring from film, he turned to photography, where his images of architecture and everyday scenes earned exhibitions and recognition for their ability to document the evolving cultural and built environment of late-20th-century Slovenia. He died in 2004, in Ljubljana. His career bridged the cinematic innovations of the postwar period and the reflective documentation of Slovenia's post-independence era, leaving a legacy in both moving and still imagery. Janez died in Ljubljana, Slovenia in January 0f 2004 at the age of 82

Janez Kalisnik was a cinematographer on one Euro-western, “Duell vor Sonnenuntergang” (Duel at Sundown) in 1965.

KALISNIK, Janez [3/2/1921, Drenov Grič, Kingdom of Yugoslavia – 2004, Ljubljana, Slovenia] – cinematographer.

Duel at Sundown – 1965

An extraordinary song for a true masterpiece of western cinema

It is one of the most beautiful songs in the history of cinema: composed 58 years ago by this legendary artist, it has moved millions of viewers 

ESPINOFF

By Mikel Zorrilla

June 3, 2026

Western cinema has left us a multitude of anthological films over the years, but there are a number of titles that make masterful use of it to transport the viewer fully to the Wild West. We already talked about an extraordinary song from 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly' ('Il buono, il brutto, il cattivo') and today it's time to talk about the music that accompanies the arrival of Claudia Cardinale's character to the town where 'Until His Time Came' ('C'era una volta il West') takes place.

Jill's arrival in an American town is done without much fanfare, since no one is waiting for her and the only thing we see is a woman walking nervously on the platform while looking worriedly at a large clock. Then, the character of Cardinale enters the town and Sergio Leone decides to raise the camera to the sky while a sensational melody by Ennio Morricone plays that we will never forget.

The combination of Leone's mise-en-scène work with Morricone's magnificent music to serve as a representation of Jill's character is one of the many great moments of what we at Espinof consider the best western film of all time.

It has been 58 years since the premiere of the film and Jill's theme continues to maintain an unparalleled beauty that stands as one of the most beautiful pieces of music of all time. It is true that in 'Hasta que llegó su hora' itself has tremendous competition with the Harmonica theme, but the two songs play with totally different things.

"Music is indispensable for me"

Leone himself acknowledged that "music is indispensable to me," noting the following about the close bond that united him almost all his life with Morricone:

Ennio has been my friend since school and knows what I want, although sometimes I mistreat him a bit in the process. Music is indispensable because my films could practically be silent, the dialogues count relatively little, so the music emphasizes the actions and feelings more than the dialogues. In my last films, I have asked him to compose the music before the shooting, as if it were part of the script itself.

Although we all think of Morricone's music when we think of spaghetti westerns and that he has composed a huge number of mythical soundtracks over the years, the truth is that the Italian genius only won the Oscar once. And he had to wait until shortly before his death to get it, since it was given to him for his work in 'The Hateful Eight'.

Now I would have liked to tell you where you have 'Hasta que llegó su hora' available in streaming if you wanted to recover it, but it is currently not in the catalog of any platform in Spain. Another reason to keep in mind that the physical format is still indispensable for any lover of the seventh art.

Jill’s Theme - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNujKHx6vOI

Who Are Those Gals? ~ Lina Franchi

 

Lina Franchi was an Italian actress known for her prolific career as a character actress in Italian popular cinema, where she appeared in numerous supporting and bit roles across genres such as poliziotteschi, commedie all'italiana, Spaghetti westerns, and gialli from the late 1960s through the 1980s.

Born on February 29, 1932, in Nemi, Italy, Franchi became a familiar presence in Italian films through her frequent uncredited or minor parts, often portraying everyday characters like villagers, market women, or passersby in productions directed by filmmakers including Fernando Di Leo, Bruno Corbucci, Carlo Verdone, and Enzo G. Castellari. She collaborated repeatedly with certain character actors and featured in notable titles such as “Milano calibro 9” (1972), “La mala ordina” (1972), “Tepepa” (Blood and Guns) (1969), “Squadra antifurto” (1976), “Amici miei – Atto II” (1982), and “Febbre da cavallo” (1976), contributing to the texture of Italy's genre cinema during its peak commercial era. She was sometimes credited as Bonny Miles.

Franchi continued working into the late 1980s and passed away on August 5, 2007, in Rome, Italy, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most recurring supporting figures in Italian film of her time.

FRANCHI, Lina (aka Bonny Miles) [2/29/1932, Nemi, Rome, Lazio, Italy – 8/5/2007, Rome, Lazio, Italy] – fotonovela, film, TV actress.

The Big Gundown – 1966 (cantina waitress)

A Stranger in Paso Bravo – 1966 (saloon employee)

Thompson 1880 – (street vendor)

Any Gun Can Play – 1967 (woman behind window)

A Colt in the Hand of the Devil – 1967 (saloon girl)

Days of Vengeance – 1967 (saloon girl)

The Dirty Outlaws – 1967 (saloon girl)

Kill and Pray – 1967 (Mexican)

Last of the Badmen – 1967 (cantina girl)

Sartana – 1967 (Hollman maid)

Shotgun – 1967 (Mexican woman)

Today We Kill, Tomorrow We Die! – 1967 (whore)

Blood and Guns – 1968

Ciccio Forgives…I Don’t! – 1968 (saloon girl)

Cry of Death – 1968 (framer’s wife)

Drop Them or I’ll Shoot – 1968 (saloon girl)

The Longest Hunt – 1968 (Rosita) [Bonnie Miles]

Lynching – 1968 (farmer’s wife)

Shadow of Sartana… Shadow of Death – 1968 (frightened woman)

Tequila Joe – 1968 (Señora Conchita Rodriguez)

Twice a Judas – 1968 (cantina girl)

Zorro the Fox – 1968 (maid)

The 5-Man Army – 1969 (observers at Esteban’s execution)

Quintana – 1969 (townswoman)

Adiós, Sabata – 1970 (Mexican woman)

Blazing Guns – 1971 (Woman spitting on Don Firmino)

Guns for Dollars – 1971 (Mexican revolutionary)

Holy Water Joe – 1971 (bank patron)

He was Called the Holy Ghost – 1971 (Rosita)

The Last Traitor – 1971 (maid)

Return of Sabata – 1971 (saloon girl)

The Last Traitor – 1971 (maid)

Trinity is STILL My Name – 1971 (townswoman)

Two Sons of Trinity – 1971 (Calamity Jane’s friend)

Return of the Holy Ghost – 1972 (Elizabeth’s/Suomi’s mother)

7 Devils on Horseback – 1972 (Tornado’s woman)

Trinity & Sartana Those Sons of Bitches – 1972 (saloon girl)

Bad Kids of the West – 1973 (River City Townswoman)

Carambola – 1973 (Laredo merchant)

Seven Nuns in Kansas City – 1973 (Big Ton nun)

Trinity, the Bell, the Guitar – 1974 (poker cheater partner)

Eh? Who’s Afraid of Zorro! – 1975 (Constanza)

The Genius – 1975 (Mary Gomez) [as Bonny Miles]

The Tiger from the River Kwai – 1975 (townswoman)

White Fang and the Hunter – 1975 (wedding guest)

Zorro – 1975 (tavern housekeeper)

Buddy Goes West – 1981 (waitress)

Special Birthdays

Elio Pandolfi (actor) would have been 100 today but died in 2021.

RIP Christian Bujeau

 

French actor Christian Bujeau, known in the cinema for the role of the dentist in "The Visitors" and the fencing master in "Kaamelott", died on Monday, June 15 at the age of 81 in Paris. Born in Charron Charente-Maritime, France on October 14, 1944, Christian Bujeau learned the acting trade by training at the Conservatoire National Cupérieur D’art Dramatique. A complete actor and eclectic artist, he spent his long career between theatre, television and cinema, also officiating as a stuntman, theatre director and drama teacher at the Jean Périmony school. Bujeau appeared in two Euro-westerns: “Bitumes” in 1986 and the 2016 TV mini-series ‘Fucking Dead’ as Asa.