.Westerns...All'Italiana!: 50th Anniversary of “Wanted Sabata”

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

50th Anniversary of “Wanted Sabata”

Today marks the 50^th Anniversary of the premier of “Wanted Sabata” directed by Robert Mauri sing the pseudonym Robert Johnson and starring Brad Harris and Vassili Karis. At a ranch, Jim Sparrow a professional bounty killer, kills the owner's brother, Willy, and puts the blame on Sabata. Four witnesses paid for by Jim accuse Sabata and he is sentenced to be hanged. But an unknown savior sends through the window of the jail a weapon in which Sabata, is able to escape injuring the jailer, who is killed by another’s hand. The public prosecutor finds Sabata guilty of this murder also, and a bounty is placed on his head. While the posse is hunting for Sabata during the night a man who resembles him is killed by one of his accusers. The size of the bounty is increased to eight thousand dollars. During the search, Sabata is able to convince the sheriff of his innocence. Together they capture Jim Sparrow and force him to confess. Now it is Jim who is imprisoned and forced to face the gallows.

Wanted Sabata – International title

Kataziteitai o Sabata – Greek title

A 1970 Italian film production [Three Star Films (Rome)]

Producers: Walter Brandi, Ralph Zucker, Gabriele Crisanti

Director: Robert Johnson/Morris (Roberto Mauri)

Story: Roberto Mauri, Ambrogio Molteni (Palmambrogio Molteni)

Screenplay: Roberto Mauri, Ambrogio Molteni (Palmambrogio Molteni)

Cinematography: Mario Mancini [Telecolor, CinemaScope]

Music: Vassili Kojucharov

Running time: 88 minutes

Cast:

Sabata – Brad Harris (Bradford Harris)