50th Anniversary of the premier of “Young Guns Go West”

 

December 2^nd marks the 50^th Anniversary of the release of “Young Guns Go West”. Directed by Luigi Valanzano and starred child actors Aldo Ballanti, Tony Biccari, Marco Mirabella and Walter Battistelli. The film tells the story about a territory of the Far West where a young boy named ‘Billy the Liar’ kidnaps a young girl’s dog she calls her friends and the local kid sheriff. He sets off in pursuit but is waylaid by Indians. The sheriff manages to capture Billy who is sentenced to a severe spanking.

L’Ostaggio – Italian title

Mikpoi Metoaepoe – Greek title

El Rehen – Spanish title

Texas Baby – English title

Hostage – English title

Young Guns Go West – English title

 

A 1975 Italian film production [Roma Cinematografica (Rome)]

Producer: Salvatore Mirabella

Director: Luigi Valanzano

Story: Luigi Valanzano

Screenplay: Letizia Liofredi

Cinematography: Ugo Brunelli [color]

Music: Alessandro Blonksteiner

     Song: “Yippee Ki Yay” sung by children’s chorus

Running time: 85 minutes

 

Cast:

Sheriff Johnny – Aldo Ballanti

‘Billy the Liar’ - Tony Biccari

Maniscalco – Marco Mirabella

The Left-Handed Kid – Walter Battistelli

Postman – Massimo Passeretti

Saloon dancers – Annarita D’Orazio, Simona Pittaro

Desperado – Walter Manzi

Indian Chief – Franco Mari (Gianfranco Mari)

Journalist – Vittorio Falzon

Stranger – Paolo Biccari

Bartender – Francesco De Caro

Padre – Massimiliano Monti

Mary – Agnese Pittaro

Snots – Patrizio Ballanti

With: Rosalba Marra, Robert Marra, Massimiliano Marra, Claudio Aponte, Annamaria Giordano, Anna D’Avino, Felicita Patriarca, Leonidas Klemos, Pino Giordano, Antonella Lizza, Mauro Lizza