Little Known Spaghetti Western Actors ~ Herbert Dirmoser

[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.]

Herbert Dirmoser was born April 12, 1896, in Vienna, Austria and was a German actor. He appeared in 1937/38 in “Der Berg ruft” directed by Luis Trenker. In the 1950s and 1960s, he worked at various theaters in the GDR and was as a character actor at the DEFA Studios and appeared in his only Euro-western “The Sons of Great Bear” in 1966.

Herbert was the model for Winnetou for the cover image of Winnetou I (illustrated by Bruno Schwatzek) in a series of collected works, as well as the subject of a Winnetou postage stamp.

Herbert Dirmoser died on January 23, 1978, in Erfurt, Thueringen, East Germany.

Herbert Dirmoser appeared in one Euro-western, “Die Söhne der großen Bärin” (The Sons of Great Bear) as Mr. Rabe in 1972.

DIRMOSER, Herbert [4/12/1898, Vienna, Austria-Hungary – 1/23/1978, Erfurt, Berlin, East Germany] – theater, film, TV actor.

The Sons of Great Bear – 1972 (Mr. Rabe)

Spaghetti Western Directors, Screenwriters, Cinematographers

Spaghetti Western Director ~ John Farrell

John Farrell is an alias used by Giovanni Narzisi who was an Italian cinematographer, director, and screenwriter whose career spanned several decades in the film industry, with credits in genres including westerns, dramas, and erotic films.

Narzisi entered the industry in the 1950s, initially working as a cameraman and assistant cinematographer for directors such as Mario Bava and Massimo Dallamano, before contributing to camera and electrical work on productions such as the historical adventure “Erik the Conqueror” (1961), where he was credited as Gianni Narzisi. By the mid-1960s, he transitioned into prominent roles as a cinematographer for films like “The Grim Reaper” (1962) and “Love Factory” (1964), showcasing his technical expertise in capturing atmospheric visuals for Italian cinema. His directorial debut came with the spaghetti western “Djurado” (1966), which he also wrote, marking a key milestone in his multifaceted career.

Throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, Narzisi continued to build his portfolio with cinematography on politically charged works such as “The Subversives” (1967), a film exploring post-war Italian society, and “A Second Spring” (1975), a drama highlighting his versatility in handling diverse narrative styles. He also directed and wrote “Maschio latino cercasi” (1977), an erotic comedy that reflected the era's cinematic trends in Italy. With credits on several films, Narzisi's contributions emphasize his role in supporting the vibrant Italian film scene of the postwar period, though he remains lesser-known compared to contemporaries in the neorealist or giallo movements.

I can find no word of his passing so as far as we know he’s still living.

Giovanni Narzisi directed one Spaghetti western under the alias John Farrell “Djurado” in 1966.

FARRELL, John (aka Gianni Narzisi) (Giovanni Narzisi) [2/2/1929, Palermo, Sicily, Italy -     ] – director, writer, cinematographer, cameraman.

Djurado – 1966

 

Spaghetti Western Screenwriter ~ José Antonio Carreño

José Antonio Carreño Fernández is an Italian producer, director, writer and actor. He was born on June 29, 1990, in Huércal de Almería, Almeria, Spain. Carreño is primarily a director of documentaries and has directed two Spaghetti westerns and a documentary: “Western” in 2016, “La Vida” in 2016 and the 2025 documentary “Sad Hill, Clint Eastwood y Burgos como testigo”

José Antonio Carreño has written screenplays for three Euro-westerns: “Western” in 2016, “La Vida” in 2017 and “Sad Hill, Clint Eastwood y Burgos como testigo” in 2025.

CARRENO, José Antonio (aka Toni Carré) (José Antonio Carreño Fernández) [6/29/1990, Huércal de Almería, Almeria, Spain -     ] – producer, director, writer, actor.

Western - 2016

La Vida – 2017 [as Toni Carré]

Sad Hill, Clint Eastwood y Burgos como testigo – 2025

Spaghetti Western Cinematographer ~ Horst Hardt 

Horst Hardt is a German cinematographer known for his work as a director of photography in East German cinema with the DEFA studios.

Born on March 12 1935, in Bernau bei Berlin, Hardt contributed to several films in the German Democratic Republic era, serving as cinematographer and occasionally writer on productions including “Der Mann mit dem Objektiv” (1961), “The Youth of Peter”, and other DEFA titles. His career focused on camera work within the state-run film industry of the GDR, where he helped shape the visual language of numerous features during the mid-20th century. Limited public details are available about his personal life or later years in accessible English-language sources.

Horst Hardy was the cinematographer on one Euro-western film, “Trini” (Death for Zapata) in 1976 and two television series episodes: “Präriejäger in Mexico – Benito Juarez” and “Prairie Scout in Mexico – Geierschnabel” both in 1987.

HARDT, Horst [3/12/1935, Bernau, Berlin, Germany -     ] – director, writer, film, TV, cinematographer, cameraman.

Death for Zapata – 1976

Prairie Scout in Mexico: Benito Juarez (TV) - 1987

Prairie Scout in Mexico – Geierschnabel (TV) - 1987

The Cannon used in “The Good the Bad and the Ugly” located

The cannon used at the end of 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly' has been located

The Sad Hill Association finds in Cartagena the weapon used by Clint Eastwood in the last sequence of the film

Diario de Burgos

May 15, 2026

[Still in which the protagonist is seen from behind with the canyon and the Burgos valley as a natural setting.]

Hundreds of Spaniards did their military service in the Sad Hill cemetery in the summer of 1966. Without them, that mythical scenario would not exist and probably neither would Sergio Leone's film, since their work was fundamental to be able to shoot The Good, the Bad and the Ugly 60 years ago. They carried sacks of earth and nailed crosses in the hollow of Santo Domingo de Silos, who dressed as unionists or confederates – as decided by the sergeant who was in command of the peculiar camp of Hortigüela – and acted as extras for the war sequences.

This year they will have the opportunity to remember that film chapter of their military service in Burgos, during the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the recording prepared by the Sad Hill Cultural Association. Projections, exhibitions, concerts and recreations will be distributed throughout Santo Domingo de Silos, Contreras, Salas de los Infantes, Hontoria del Pinar and Hortigüela for weeks, although the bulk will be concentrated from July 20 to 26.

Immersed in a maelstrom of preparations, from the design of the commemorative T-shirt to the invitations sent around the world, the members of the association have time to dive into the history of the film and discover some gems yet. The last one, a cannon. But really. The 1873 Whitworth used by Clint Eastwood in the final sequence of the emblematic film.

Diego Montero, a member of the Board of Directors of the Sad Hill Association, has managed to identify this piece among those exhibited in the Military Historical Museum of Cartagena and restored in 2010 by the Association of Friends of the Museum, a team made up of British and Spanish volunteers who are now retired and who take care of its collections on a daily basis, according to the association.

Spaghetti Western Sets and Locations – Chalet Caraduras

 

Chalet Caraduras was a private residence and only the entrance to the mansion and gardens were used and seen in the 1965 Franco & Ciccio Spaghetti western “Fistful of Knuckles”.

The mansion itself is called “La casa de Toledo” located in Madrid.

Special Birthdays

Sisto Brunetti (actor) would have been 115 today but died in 1984.

Jacques Hilling (actor) would have been 100 today but died in 1975.

Odile Asti (stuntwoman) would have been 85 today but died in 1980. 

Little Known Spaghetti Western Actors ~ Enrique Diosdado

[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.]

Enrique Diosdado is a Spanish actor and theatre director known for his distinguished career in stage and screen, particularly as a leading man in Spanish and Argentine productions during the 1940s and 1950s. He achieved prominence through dramatic roles in both theatre and film, earning acclaim for his interpretations of classical works and his contributions to Spanish performing arts.

Born on May 6, 1910, in Madrid, Diosdado began his professional life as a theatre reporter before debuting as an actor at age 18 and rising to leading man status in 1935 with the prestigious company of Margarita Xirgu. The outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in 1936 caught him on tour in South America, leading to exile in Argentina where he continued his career in theatre and cinema for over a decade. Upon returning to Spain in 1950, he joined the María Guerrero theatre company and later established his own ensemble with his second wife, actress Amelia de la Torre, directing and performing in a diverse repertoire that included modern plays and classics by Federico García Lorca. His screen work featured notable appearances in films such as “Madame Bovary” (1947), “Fedra, the Devil's Daughter” (1956), “Alexander the Great” (1956), and “Viento del norte” (1954), for which he received awards at festivals including San Sebastián.

Diosdado retired in 1978 following health complications and died on December 1, 1983, in Madrid. He is also remembered as the father of Ana Diosdado, a prominent Spanish playwright and actress.

Enrique Diosdado appeared in one Spaghetti western, “Il segno di Zorro” (The Sign of Zorro) as the governor in 1962.

DIOSDADO, Enrique (aka Enrique A. Diosdado, Enrique Alvarez Diosdado) (Enrique Álvarez Diosdado) [5/6/1910, Madrid, Madrid, Spain – 12/1/1983, Madrid, Madrid, Spain] – theater, film, TV actor, married to Isabel Gisbert (1937-1949) father of actress, writer, playwright, actress Ana Isabel Diosdado (Ana Isabel Álvarez-Diosdado Gisbert) [1938-2015], married to actress Amelia de la Torre (Amelia Torre de la Fuente) [1905-1987] (1943-1984).

The Sign of Zorro – 1962 (Governor)

Spaghetti Western Directors, Screenwriters, Cinematographers

Spaghetti Western Director ~ Joe Evans

Joseph Evans was a British producer, director, writer and actor. The brother of Fred Evans he worked with his brother and together the founded Folly Films in 1912. Joe wrote screenplays for two-hundred-four films, acted in eighty-three and directed two-hundred-twelve.

Joe Evans born in London in 1891. He began as an English music hall comedian. Scripted, directed and starred in many silent short films including “Joey” and “The Terrible Twins” comedy series often starring opposite his wife actress Geraldine Maxwell as well as co-directing and playing second lead in those of his brother's movies, Fred 'Pimple' Evans in hundreds of Pimple comedies at the Piccadilly Film Company between 1913-20. he was last seen in an interview on BBC T.V. in the mid 1960's. He was the nephew of Music Hall Star Will Evans.

Joe Evans directed and co-directed six Silent Euro-westerns: “The Adventures of Pimple: The Indian Massacre” with Fred Evans in 1913, “Big Chief Little Pimple” with Fred Evans. “Broncho Pimple” with Fred Evans, “Lieutenant Pimple Goes to Mexico” with Fred Evans and “The Passing of Black Pete” all in 1914 and “Ragtime Cowboy Pimple” with Fred Evans in 1915.

EVANS, Joe (Joseph Evans) [1891, London, England, U.K. – 1967, England, U.K.] – producer, director, writer, actor, grandson of clown Fred Evans, nephew of director, writer, actor Will Evans (William Edward Evans) [1873–1931], brother of producer, director, writer, puppeteer, circus performer, actor Fred Evans (Alfred J. Evans) [1889-1951], married to actress Gerladine Maxwell, co-founded Folly Films [1912].

The Adventures of Pimple: The Indian Massacre – 1913 (co)

Big Chief Little Pimple – 1914 (co)

Broncho Pimple – 1914 (co)

Lieutenant Pimple Goes to Mexico – 1914 (co)

The Passing of Black Pete - 1914

Ragtime Cowboy Pimple – 1915 (co)

 

Spaghetti Western Screenwriter ~ Richard Carr

Richard Carr is an American television writer and producer known for his contributions to popular action, adventure, and drama series from the 1950s through the 1980s. He was botrn in Cambridge, Ohio on February 24, 1929. His career spanned numerous influential shows, where he crafted teleplays, stories, and served in key creative roles such as story editor and consultant.

Carr gained particular recognition for his extensive involvement with ‘The Six Million Dollar Man’, contributing teleplays and stories to multiple episodes while acting as story editor for a significant portion of the series. He also wrote for ‘Charlie's Angels’, ‘Wonder Woman’, ‘The Waltons’, ‘Johnny Staccato’, and ‘Richard Diamond, Private Detective’, among others, often specializing in high-concept action and western-influenced narratives. Earlier in his career, he wrote the screenplay for the 1956 film “Man from Del Rio” and later worked on television movies such as ‘Sizzle’ and ‘Casino’. His work helped shape several long-running series during the peak of episodic television production in the United States.

Carr died in Escondido, California on June 13, 1988, at the age of 59.

Richard Carr co-wrote one Spaghetti western, “Il magnifico straniero” (The Magnificent Stranger) with David Lang in 1966.

CARR, Richard [2/24/1929, Cambridge, Ohio, U.S.A. – 6/13/1988, Escondido, California, U.S.A.] – producer, writer.

The Magnificent Stranger – 1966 (co)

 

Spaghetti Western Cinematographer ~ Otto Hanisch

Otto Hanisch is a German cinematographer and screenwriter known for his extensive work with the DEFA film studio in East Germany.

Born in Berlin on January 11, 1927, Hanisch contributed to numerous East German films and television productions from the late 1950s onward, beginning with his first feature film credit on “Der Prozess wird vertagt” in 1958. His credits include director of photography roles on feature films such as “Gejagt bis zum Morgen”, “Chingachgook: The Great Snake”, “Woman Doctors”, “The Scout”, and “Sonja's Report”, as well as episodes of the long-running series ‘Polizeiruf 110’. Hanisch's career spanned several decades in the German Democratic Republic's film industry, where he helped shape the visual storytelling of many notable productions during the GDR era.

Hanisch died in Berlin, Germany on December 13, 2021. He was 94.

Otto Hanisch was a cinematographer on four Euro-westerns: “Chingachgook, die große Schlange” (Chingachgook: The Great Snake) and “Spur des Falken” (The Falcon’s Trail) both in 1967, “Blauvogel” (Blue Bird) in 1979 and “Der Scout” with Geserdshawijn Masch in 1982.

HANISCH, Otto [1/11/1927, Berlin, Berlin, Germany – 12/13/2021, Berlin, Berlin, Germany] – writer, cinematographer, cameraman.

Chingachgook: The Great Snake – 1967

The Falcon’s Trail - 1967

Blue Bird – 1979

The Scout – 1982 (co)