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)

Jim Sparrow – Vassili Karis (Vassili Karamesinis)

Willy Sparrow – Sergio Testori

Bill - Franco Pasquetto (Gianfranco Pasquetto)

Evelyne - Elena Pedemonte

Judge Joe Curley – Piero Fumelli (Pietro Fmelli)

Mexicans – Giovanni Cianfrigilia, Artemio Antonini, Emilio Messina

Mexican gang member - Sandro Scarchilli, Gaetano Scala

Sabata’s mother - Elena Marchiani (Eleanora Marchiani)

Chiquita - Maria Luisa Sala

Sheriff - Gino Lavagetto (Luigi Lavagetto)

Deputy Bill - Franco Pasquetto

Bearded deputy - Ezio Vergaro (Ezio Vergari)

Mike Houston - Paul Carter (Paolo Magalotti)

Fred Mulligan – Gino Turini (Giulio Turini)

Conrad Hilton – Roberto Messina

Thomas - Emilio Zago

Sam - Irio Fantini

With: Cesar Ojinaga, Claudio Trionfi, Ezio Vergari, Luigi Pusineri, Bruno Paris (Bruno Parisio)

Master of arms: Roberto Messina