RIP Knut Husebø

 

Norwegian actor and visual artist Knut Husebø died in Norway on June 1st. He was 80. Born in Stavanger, Rogaland, Norway on May 10, 1946. For several decades, Husebø was a prominent figure in Norwegian cultural life. He first made a name for himself as an actor on the theatre stage, before later also making his mark as a visual artist. He became a national celebrity in the 1970s for his role as Benoni in the TV series ‘Benonig and Rosa’, directed by Per Bronken. Here he played opposite Unni Evjen in a heartbreaking Hamsun drama from the Nordland coast. In later years, Husebø devoted more and more time to the visual arts. Husebø appeared in one Euro-western as the outlaw leader in 2001’s “Morgan Kane: Death is a Lonesome Hunter”.

Little Known Spaghetti Western Actors ~ Cesare Di Vito

[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.]

Cesare Di Vito is/was an Italian character actor. He appeared in 104 films and television appearances between 1963 and 1994 covering all genres.

He’s not listed in Italian Film: A Who’s Who and I can find no biographical information on him.

Cesare Di Vito appeared in three Spaghetti westerns: “Buon funerale amigos... paga Sartana” (Have a Nice Funeral My Friend) as a bartender in 1970, “Corte marziale” (Court Martial) as a member of the defense council in 1973 and “Zanna Bianca alla riscossa” (White Fang to the Rescue) as an assayer in 1974.

Di VITO, Cesare (aka Cesare De Vito, John Vincent) [Italian] – film, TV actor.

Have a Nice Funeral My Friend – 1970 (bartender)

Court Martial – 1973 (defense council) [as Cesare De Vito]

White Fang to the Rescue – 1974 (assayer)

Spaghetti Western Directors, Screenwriters, Cinematographers

Spaghetti Western Director ~ Richard Fleischer

 Richard Owen Fleischer was born on December 8, 1916, in Brooklyn, New York. He was an American film director whose prolific career extended over four decades, marked by versatility across genres including film noir, historical epics, and science fiction adventures. The son of pioneering animator Max Fleischer, he transitioned from early interests in psychology and drama studies to directing, helming his first feature, “Child of Divorce”, in 1946.

Fleischer gained prominence with RKO Pictures in the late 1940s and early 1950s, directing taut thrillers such as “The Narrow Margin” (1952), a low-budget noir praised for its suspenseful pacing. His work expanded to high-profile Disney productions like “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” (1954), an Academy Award-winning adaptation of Jules Verne's novel that showcased innovative special effects, and later to ambitious spectacles including “The Vikings” (1958), “Fantastic Voyage” (1966), and “Tora! Tora! Tora!” (1970), the latter a detailed recreation of the Pearl Harbor attack co-directed with Japanese filmmakers. He earned accolades such as a Golden Globe for Best Director for “The Happy Time” (1952) and the Palme d'Or at Cannes for “Compulsion” (1959), a courtroom drama based on the Leopold and Loeb case.

In the 1970s, Fleischer explored dystopian themes with “Soylent Green” (1973), starring Charlton Heston, which highlighted environmental and overpopulation concerns through its plot revealing a food shortage crisis. His directorial style emphasized narrative drive and technical proficiency over auteur flourishes, allowing him to navigate studio demands and collaborate with stars like Kirk Douglas, Rex Harrison, and Tony Curtis across more than 50 films. Despite occasional critical dismissals as a journeyman, his contributions to popular cinema endured, with several works achieving cult status for their entertainment value and historical fidelity.

Fleischer died in New York City on March 25, 2006 at the age of 89.

Richard Fleischer directed one Spaghetti western “Tres forajidos y un pistolero” (The Spikes Gang) in 1974.

FLEISCHER, Richard (aka Dick Fleischer, Richard O. Fleischer) (Richard Owen Fleischer) [12/8/1916, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.A. – 3/25/2006, Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.] – producer, director, writer, stuntman, son of producer, director, animator, actor Max Fleischer [1883–1972] nephew of producer, director, animator Dave Fleischer (David Fleischer) [1894–1979], brother of producer, songwriter, married to Mary Dickson [1919-2009] (1944-2006) father of Bruce Dickson Fleischer [1945-    ], entertainment executive, lawyer Mark Owen Fleischer [1945-    ], Jane Fleischer Reid [1953-    ], grandfather of actress Claire Fleischer [1990-    ].

The Spikes Gang - 1974

Spaghetti Western Screenwriter ~ Paolo Cavara

Paolo Cavara was born in Bologna, Italy on July 4, 1926. He was a director, assistant director, writer, cinematographer and cameraman. He directed sixteen films between1962 and 1988. He also stories and screenplays for eleven films during this same period and was an assistant director on “The Naked Maja” in 1958. 

Cavara was known for co-directing the influential 1962 shockumentary “Mondo Cane” and for his later contributions to the giallo genre of Italian thrillers.

Cavara collaborated with Gualtiero Jacopetti and Franco E. Prosperi on “Mondo Cane”, a controversial film that presented a series of bizarre and shocking vignettes from around the world, establishing the mondo film style and achieving international notoriety. Following this, he transitioned to directing narrative features, including “The Wild Eye” (1967), a pseudo-documentary exploration of war reporting, and several gialli such as “The Black Belly of the Tarantula” (1971) and “Plot of Fear” (1976), which blended suspense, eroticism, and mystery in the tradition of the period's popular Italian thrillers. His career also included works like “Deaf Smith & Johnny Ears” (1973) and the drama “Atsalut pader” (1979), showcasing his versatility across genres.

In March of 1961, after filming scenes of his documentary “A Dog's Life” (1962) in Las Vegas, Cavara and his fellow Italian writer/director Gualtiero Jacopetti, along with Jacopetti's paramour actress Belinda Lee traveled by car from Las Vegas to Los Angeles for more filming. Near San Bernardino, California, on US 91, their Italian driver, who was driving too fast, lost control on a winding road after blowing a tire. The car flipped, killing actress Lee immediately when she was thrown from the vehicle and fractured her skull and broke her neck. All the others escaped with minor injuries.

Paolo died in Rome on August 7, 1982, a month after turning 56.

Paolo Cavara co-wrote the screenplay for one Spaghetti western “Los amigos” (Deaf Smith & Johnny Ears) with Oscar Saul, Harry Essex, Lucia Brudi and Augusto Finocchi in 1972 which he also directed.

CAVARA, Paolo [7/4/1926, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy – 8/7/1982, Rome, Lazio, Italy] - director, assistant director, writer, cinematographer, cameraman,

Deaf Smith & Johnny Ears – 1972 (co)

Spaghetti Western Cinematographer ~ Heinz Holscher

Heinz Hölscher was a German cinematographer known for his influential work in post-war German cinema, particularly in popular genre films of the 1950s through 1970s. His dynamic camerawork and skilled use of lighting contributed to the visual style of numerous adventure, Western, and crime productions, including collaborations with directors such as Harald Reinl and Alfred Vohrer. Hölscher's career encompassed over a hundred films and television projects, establishing him as one of the most prolific and respected cinematographers in German-speaking film.

Born in Munich on October 9, 1925, Hölscher began his career in the film industry shortly after World War II, initially working as a camera assistant before advancing to director of photography. He gained prominence through his involvement in the successful Karl May film adaptations, such as ''Der Schatz im Silbersee'' and the Winnetou series, as well as the Edgar Wallace krimi films that became cult classics in Germany. His technical expertise helped define the look of these commercially successful films, blending dramatic lighting with effective location photography. Hölscher continued working into the 1980s, transitioning to television productions in his later years, before passing away in 2018.

Heinz Holscher was a cinematographer on five Euro-westerns: “Der Ölprinz” (Rampage at Apache Wells) in 1965, “Winnetou und das Halbblut Apanatschi” (The Halfbreed) in 1966, “Die Blutigen Geier von Alaska” (Hellhounds of Alaska) in 1972, “Onkel Toms Hütte” (Cassy) in 1975 and “Die Einsteiger” (The Beginners) in 1985.

HOLSCHER, Heinz (aka Heinz Hoelscher, Henry Hoelsher) [10/9/1925, Munich, Bavaria, Germany – 5/7/2021, Munich, Bavaria, Germany] – cinematographer, cameraman, actor.

Rampage at Apache Wells - 1965

The Halfbreed – 1966

Hellhounds of Alaska - 1972

Cassy – 1975

Die Einsteiger - 1985

The Socceritos (2026) (film review)

Outnow

May 27, 2026

“The Socceritos”, the title of the short film that returns Terence Hill to the Western and to shoot in Almería to promote a supermarket on the occasion of the World Cup.

Last summer Terence Hill was filming in Fort Bravo and the Tabernas desert. It was speculated that it was a new installment of the Trinidad series, but nothing could be further from the truth, it is a short film of a commercial brand that will promote the World Cup.

On the occasion of the World Cup to be held in June 2026, the DENNER chain, which is dedicated to the world of discount supermarket, has created a promotion that includes a short film, in which Terence Hill has a leading role alongside the players of the Swiss national team Granit Xhaka and Zeki Amdouni. They are also accompanied by the also soccer player Ana Maria Marković who, although Swiss, currently plays in the U.S.A.

“The Socceritos”, a western short film shot in Almería.

The promotion includes animations on all known social platforms, and contests, for the DENNER network, "The Socceritos is action, heart and humor and is about true pioneers who brought football to the Wild West, as Denner brought the discount to Switzerland."

The project also includes a soundtrack of about thirteen songs and includes one in Spanish with the title "The Socceritos", which you can find at the end of the short film.

The short film that you can see at the end of the text has been directed by Reto Salimbeni, Swiss by birth and who in addition to shooting several films, his career has led him to film more than 800 commercials with different brands.

As several languages are spoken in Switzerland, this production has been translated into French, German and Italian.

Football should unite people, bring joy, and, not least, celebrate those who can masterfully handle the ball. At least, that is the opinion of the “The Socceritos”, who, led by Terence (Terence Hill), are travelling through the Wild West with their football show. The two ball virtuosos Granit (Granit Xhaka) and Zeki (Zeki Amdouni) provide excitement and great fun with their juggling skills. Currently, they manage to keep the ball in the air a hundred times between themselves.

Now, however, they have arrived in a small town where the Sheriff (Daniel Swain) has no love for football. He does not want this nonsense in the town and informs the arriving ball artists accordingly. To make the whole thing a bit more exciting, a bet is therefore devised. If Zeki and Granit manage to juggle the ball between themselves a hundred times, the Sheriff's reign will end. The fact that the footballers can count on support (Anna Maria Markovic) is certainly a plus, as the Sheriff's henchmen are trying everything to ensure the ball touches the ground as quickly as possible.

When footballers act, the result is rarely anything good. However, “The Socceritos” stages Xhaka and Amdouni in such a way that it makes sense, and you are surprised by the screen presence of the two. Combined with Terence Hill, who is still fit and likeable even at almost 90 years old, this makes for a squad you would have happily watched for even longer. Filmed on behalf of a major Swiss retailer, this short film turns out to be highly enjoyable entertainment. Mission accomplished!

In the long career of Terence Hill, who famously shot numerous films with his pal Bud Spencer in the 1960s, 1970s, and also 1980s, thereby becoming a cult star, Wild West settings are not a rarity. For the new short film “The Socceritos”, which has a runtime of barely 16 minutes, his co-stars are somewhat different, however. Instead of trained actors, he shares the screen with football stars like Zeki Amdouni and Granit Xhaka. But he proves even in his advanced age that he remains undisputed when it comes to scoffing beans and dealing out slaps.

Reto Salimbeni, who shot One Way with Til Schweiger in 2006, not only wrote the screenplay for The Socceritos, but also took on the directing duties. He takes us into the Wild West in an amusing way, initially placing his superstar squarely in the spotlight. The two footballers, who are joined by Anna Maria Markovic over the course of the film, have their peak moments later on and do surprisingly well.

That the story moves efficiently during its short runtime and isn't particularly sophisticated was fully to be expected. In “The Socceritos”, however, it is primarily about having fun and peering over the stars' shoulders as they playfully juggle the ball. This works wonderfully and leaves the filmmakers plenty of opportunities to celebrate this juggling in a humorous way. The fact that the bad guys try everything to stop the ball from staying in the air provides a fair few chuckles.

The Socceritos – International title

 

A 2025 Swiss, Spanish film co-production [Denner (Zurich), Fort Bravo (Almeria)]

Producers: Shannon Mildon, Reto Salimbeni Michelle Bucher, Jonas Hendrix, Dani

     Ojeda, Claudio Ruben, Terry Gallagher

Director: Reto Salimbeni

Story: Reto Salimbeni

Screenplay: Reto Salimbeni

Cinematography: Damian Garcia [color]

Music: Brahm Wenger, Pascal Münger

Running time: 16 minutes

Cast:

Terence - Terence Hill

Granit - Granit Xhaka

Zeki - Zeki Amdouni

EmilyAbril Garcia

Stark - Daniel Swain

Ana - Ana Maria Marković

John Hutchins

Referee – Lidia Gallego

Earl – Daniel Hernandez

Bandits – Rafael Apricio, Alexander Romero, Ricardo Cruz, Antonio Aaron Leon Perez, José Manuel López, Marcus Zölch

Patron – Nahuel Castañeda

Commentator – Ricardo Mena

Stunt coordinator: César Solar

Stunts: Amado Danoz Rua, Pablo Quirante, Andrés Ramón Samtiago, Katarzyna Elbieta, Borja Godoy, Marouanes Sennouni, Juan Carlos Fernandes, Daniel Llopis, Miguel Arranz, Eduardo Cruz

Who Are Those Guys? Paddy Fox

 

Paddy Fox was the popular western-film screen name for the Croatian-born actor Milutin Srdoč (also known as Milan Srdoč).  He is best remembered for playing the bumbling sidekick character "Old Wabble" in the 1960s Winnetou film series alongside Stewart Granger. Srdoč was a prolific Yugoslavian actor who appeared in well over 160 films and television appearances throughout his career beginning in 1954 and ending in 1988.

He was born on January 3, 1920, in Rijeka, Croatia as the son of a shipbuilder, and grew up on the outskirts of Belgrade, where he learned the turning trade at the shipyard in Čukarica. He was an amateur actor, and as a child he already acted in Nušić's “Mrs. Minister”. After a tram accident, he acted for a while at the Puppet Theater in Belgrade; from 1948 at the Zaječar Theatre, and in the 1950s at the Belgrade Drama Theatre where he played minor roles. He then acted at the National Theatre, and then switched to freelance artist status and devoted himself to film and television. Srdoč went on to become one of the most famous comedians in Yugoslav post-war cinema.

Milan died in Belgrade, Serbia, Yugoslavia on January 7, 1988, one week after turning 68.

FOX, Paddy (aka M. Srdoc, Milan Srdoč) (Milutin Srdoč) [1/3/1920, Rijeka, Croatia, Yugoslavia – 1/7/1988, Belgrade, Serbia, Yugoslavia] – theater, film, TV actor.

Frontier Hellcat – 1964 (Jeremy ‘Old Wabbles’ Sanders)

Flaming Frontier – 1965 (Jeremy ‘Old Wabbles’ Sanders)

Rampage at Apache Wells – 1965 (Jeremy ‘Old Wabbles’ Sanders)

Special Birthdays

Alberto Farnese (actor) would have been 100 today but died in 1996.

Maria Grazia Spina (actress) would have been 90 today but died in 2025.

Little Known Spaghetti Western Actors ~ Jan Divis

[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.]

Jan Divis is/was a Czechoslovakian character actor. Jan was born on December 5, 1923, in Rokycany. He began his acting career prior to World War II when he appeared in several Czech films.  After the war he continued to act in both theaters where he also directed and films up until 1969. He pops up again in the cast listing for “The Unknown Beauty” in 2014. Other than his filmography nothing is known about the man. Thanks to Michael Ferguson's research it looks like Jan died in Prague on August 31, 1986, at the age of 63.

Jan Davis appeared in only one Spaghetti western as Chief Burning Arrow in 1964’s “Die Goldsucher von Arkansas” (Massacre at Marble City).

DIVIS, Jan (Jan Diviš) [12/5/1923, Rokycany, Czechoslovakia - 8/31/1986, Prague, Czechoslovakia] – director, film, voice actor, married to ? father of?.

Massacre at Marble City – 1964 (Chief Burning Arrow)

[Thanks to Thierry Caillier and Michael Ferguson for researching and finding Jan's birth and death information.]