Spaghetti Western Directors, Screenwriters, Cinematographers

Spaghetti Western Director ~ Italo Martinenghi

Italo Martinenghi was an Italian film director, producer, and screenwriter known for his work in low-budget Italian genre cinema, particularly the long-running "Three Supermen" series of action-comedy films.

Born on October 25, 1930, in Milan, Italy, Martinenghi began his career in the film industry during the 1960s, initially focusing on production roles for genre pictures including “The Three Fantastic Supermen” (1967). He transitioned to directing in the 1970s, often handling writing and production duties as well, with notable works such as “Three Supermen of the West” (1973), “3 Supermen contro il Padrino” (1979), “Lady Football” (1979), and “Three Supermen in Santo Domingo” (1986).

These films typically featured parodic elements, blending superhero tropes, international intrigue, and humor within modest production constraints, contributing to the tradition of Italian B-movies and exploitation cinema during that era. Martinenghi continued working into the 1980s before his death on January 26, 2008, in Italy at the age of 77.

AS mentioned above Italo Martinenghi co-directed one Spaghetti western, “… e cosi divennero i 3 supermen del West” (Three Supermen in the West) with George Martin in 1973.

MARTINENGHI, Italo [10/25/1930, Milan, Lombardy, Italy – 1/26/2008, Milan, Lombardy Italy] – producer, production manager, director, writer, songwriter, film editor

Three Supermen in the West – 1973 (co)

 [photo courtesy Michael Ferguson]

Spaghetti Western Screenwriter ~ Benjamin Fisz

Benjamin Fisz was a Polish-born British film producer known for his contributions to British cinema, particularly through producing and occasionally writing action, adventure, and war films during the mid-20th century.

Born on November 4, 1922, in Poland, Fisz immigrated to England as a teenager and later served as a fighter pilot in the Polish Air Force squadron of the Royal Air Force during World War II, where he earned several medals for courage from the exiled Polish government. After the war, he settled in the United Kingdom and entered the film industry, establishing himself as a key producer of British films from the mid-1950s through the mid-1980s.

Among his most notable productions are the critically acclaimed war epics “The Heroes of Telemark” (1965) and “Battle of Britain” (1969), as well as the action thriller “Hell Drivers” (1957).

His work often featured high-stakes narratives and strong ensemble casts, contributing to the post-war British film landscape across various genres. Fisz continued producing into the 1980s with titles such as “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square” (1979) and “The Jigsaw Man” (1984), before his death on November 17, 1989, in London two weeks after turning 67.

Benjamin Fisz was a co-screenwriter on one Spaghetti western, “Una ciudad llamada bastarda” (A Town Called Hell) with Richard Aubrey in 1971.

FISZ, Benjamin (aka Ben Fisz) (Szlomo Benjamin Fisz) [11/4/1922, Poland – 11/17/1989, London, England, U.K.] – producer, writer, founded S.Benjamin Fisz Productions.

A Town Called Hell – 1971 (co)

Spaghetti Western Cinematographer ~ Aldo Scavarda

Aldo Scavarda was an Italian cinematographer, director, and producer whose work significantly shaped post-war Italian cinema through his innovative visual style and collaborations with prominent directors. Born in Turin on August 22, 1923, he began his career in the 1950s as a camera operator and assistant on films such as “Viaggio in Italia” (1954) and “La signora senza camelie” (1953), before ascending to director of photography roles in the 1960s His most acclaimed contribution was the black-and-white cinematography for Michelangelo Antonioni's landmark film “L'Avventura” (1960), which captured the stark landscapes of Sicily and emphasized themes of alienation and existential isolation, earning international recognition at the Cannes Film Festival. Scavarda's career spanned over two decades, encompassing more than 20 films as cinematographer, including Bernardo Bertolucci's “Prima della rivoluzione” (1964) and Nelo Risi's “Una stagione all'inferno” (1971), where he also served as producer.

In addition to his technical prowess, Scavarda received prestigious accolades for his craft, notably the Nastro d'Argento for Best Cinematography in Black and White from the Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists in 1969 for Salvatore Samperi's “Grazie zia” (1968, known internationally as “Come Play with Me”).

He ventured into directing with “La linea del fiume” (1976), a war drama featuring international stars like John Hurt and Riccardo Cucciolla, for which he also wrote the screenplay, demonstrating his multifaceted talents in the industry. Scavarda's passing in Rome marked the end of a legacy defined by his ability to blend technical precision with artistic depth, influencing generations of filmmakers in Italian and European cinema.

Scavarda died in Rome on May 6, 2000 at the age of 76.

Aldo Scavarda was a cinematographer on two Spaghetti westerns: “Que viva Carrancho!” (The Man from Canyon City) with Alfio Contini in 1965 and “Execution” in 1968

SCAVARDA, Aldo [8/22/1923, Turin, Piedmont, Italy – 5/6/2000, Rome, Lazio, Italy] – producer, cinematographer, cameraman.

The Man from Canyon City – 1965 (co)

Execution - 1968

The Cowboy Village

1915, United Kingdom

Aka… Cowboy Village 

Production Company: Gaumont British Picture Corporation [A. C. Bromhead]

Distributor: Gaumont British Distributors [A. C. Bromhead] (10/15, UK); Société des Etablissements L. Gaumont [Léon Gaumont] (?)

Director: J.L.V. Leigh [John Louis Victor Leigh]

Cast: J.L.V. Leigh [?]

Synopsis: UK. Village boys emulate the film cowboys they watch.

Comments: The British branch was established in 1898 as an offshoot of France’s Gaumont Film Company.

Director Leigh was a British filmmaker active in the silent film era, best known for directing and acting in a handful of early 1910s–1919 productions. He worked with such performers as Peggy Hyland & Malcolm Mortimer, who may have appeared in THE COWBOY VILLAGE.

Leigh as an actor had been in the earlier feature length western THE SCAPEGRACE (1913, UK) playing a Mexican.

Producer Alfred Claude Bromhead, who ran Gaumont British, was also an actor and a cameraman, may have done the same here.

Despite the war (1914-18) it is believed that Gaumont France was still involved in decision making within Gaumont British during those years. After the war their films may have been too primitive for audience consumption.

 

[Submitted by Michael Ferguson]

Special Birthdays

Hans Klering (actor) would have been 120 today but died in 1988.

Luana Strode (actress) would have been 110 today but died in 1980.

Verna Lisi (actress) would have been 90 today but died in 2014.

Jill Banner (actress) would have been 80 today but died in 1982.

Karoline Mardeck  is 70 today.

From the WAI! vault

 

Little Known Spaghetti Western Actors ~ John Ely

[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.]

John Ely was an alias used by Italian actor Giangiacomo Elia. He appeared in eight films between 1971 and 1975 such as “Slaughter Hotel” (1971), “Lady Dynamite” (1973) and “The Return of the Exorcist” (1975). Either he felt he wasn’t getting better roles or decided to try something else to make a living he suddenly left the film industry and his trail ends.

John Ely appeared in two Spaghetti westerns: “Prega il morto e ammazza il vio” (Shoot the Living and Pray for the Dead) as Dick in 1970 and “Il 13 e’sempre Giuda” (The Last Traitor) as Cayuse in 1971.

ELY, John (aka Gian Giacomo Elia) (Giangiacomo Elia) [Italian] – film actor.

Shoot the Living and Pray for the Dead - 1970 (Dick)

The Last Traitor - 1971 (Cayuse)

Spaghetti Western Directors, Screenwriters, Cinematographers

Spaghetti Western Director ~ Sobey Martin

Sobey Martin was an American television director known for his prolific work on science fiction and adventure series during the 1950s and 1960s. Born in Leipzig, Germany on June 27, 1909, he directed numerous episodes of popular shows produced by Irwin Allen, including '’Lost in Space', 'The Time Tunnel', 'Land of the Giants', and 'Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea'. His credits also extend to western television programs such as 'Rawhide' and 'The Cisco Kid', as well as the feature film 'The Sheriff was a Lady'.

Martin's directing career focused primarily on episodic television, where he contributed to several high-profile genre series that defined 1960s American broadcast entertainment. His work often involved fast-paced storytelling and special effects-heavy production typical of the era's sci-fi programming.

He also served as an assistant director earlier in his career, gaining experience that informed his later directing roles across various genres.

Sobey Martin died in Los Angeles, California on July 27, 1978 at the age of 69.

Sobey Martin directed one Spaghetti western, “Freddy im wilden Westen” (The Sheriff was a Lady) in 1964

MARTIN, Sobey [6/27/1909, Leipzig, Danzig, Germany – 7/27/1978, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.] – director, assistant director.

The Sheriff was a Lady – 1964

Spaghetti Western Screenwriter ~ Odoardo Fiory

Odoardo Fiory was an Italian director, assistant director, writer and actor. Born in Rome on January 4, 1919, he directed two, films in 1954 and 1965, was an assistant director on thirteen films and TV series between 1952 and 1972 such as “Caltiki, the Immortal Monster” (1959), “The White Warrior” (1959) and “Hercules and the Captive Women” (1961), but most of his career was spent as a screenwriter on sixteen films beginning in 1963 and ending in 1980.

Fiory graduated in general medicine and surgery before being hired as an assistant on Francesco De Robertis' film “Alfa Tau” in 1942. After a period as a film war correspondent in North Africa, he began to produce documentaries and worked as an assistant director for early television productions as well as for the cinema from 1953 onwards. From 1963 onwards, he also wrote several screenplays for genre goods. In 1964 he directed his own film and was otherwise responsible for some works as director of the second staff.

Odoardo Fiory wrote and co-wrote three Spaghetti westerns: “Un hombre viene a matar” (Rattler Kid) with Luigi Mondello in 1967, “La salvaje venganza del Gringo” (One by One) with Eduardo M. Brochero, Marino Girolami and Tito Carpi and “…e intorno a lui fu morte” (Tierra Brava) with Eduardo Manzanos Brochero both in 1968.

FIORY, Odoardo (aka Odoardo Fiori, Edoardo Fiory) [1/4/1919, Rome, Lazio, Italy – deceased, Rome, Lazio, Italy] – director, assistant director, writer, actor, married to ? father of three children.

Rattler Kid – 1967 (co)

One by One – 1968 (co)

Tierra Brava - 1968 (co)

 

Spaghetti Western Cinematographer ~ Roberto Scarpa

Roberto Scarpa is/was an Italian cameraman, cinematographer and SFX expert. He was a cameraman on one film in 1964, worked on Special Effects on two films between 1965 and 1969 and was cinematographer on three films between 1964 and 1966. That was the extent of his career and what happened to him is unknown.

Roberto Scarpa was a co-cinematographer on one animated Spaghetti western, “West and Soda” with Luciano Marzetti in 1964

SCARPA, Roberto [Italian] – cinematographer, cameraman, SFX.

West and Soda – 1964 (co)

Western Flair & Italian Fare: Spaghetti Western Restaurant Coming To Old Town Newhall (California)

KHTS

by: Jade Aubuchon

October 21, 2026

After nearly three years in the making, Spaghetti Western Restaurant & Bar is preparing to open in Old Town Newhall, bringing pizza, pasta and a full bar to Newhall Crossing.

The Spaghetti Western concept combines familiar Italian dishes with a playful atmosphere inspired by the intersection of Italian cinema and Santa Clarita’s film history.

The restaurant, planned for 22520 Lyons Avenue next to the Laemmle Theatre, is the latest venture from married restaurateurs AJ Gilbert and Martha Madison.

Despite its name, Spaghetti Western is not a Western-themed restaurant. Instead, the name reflects the Italian-made Western films that helped popularize the genre, including Sergio Leone’s Clint Eastwood-led “A Fistful of Dollars” and “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,” as well as Sergio Corbucci’s “Django.”

Design plans call for movie posters, local production imagery and projected films to reflect the region’s filmmaking roots.

“It’s not a Western restaurant. It’s an Italian restaurant,” Gilbert said while discussing the concept.

The menu is expected to feature pizza, pasta, salads and grilled meats, along with dishes such as steak Florentine, pollo al mattone and local seafood. The owners plan to emphasize fresh ingredients and familiar flavors without limiting the restaurant to a single region of Italy.

The goal, Gilbert and Madison said, is to create a place that feels welcoming rather than formal, with options for a range of occasions, from family dinners and birthday celebrations to date nights and casual evenings out.

“Overall, it’s about fun, it’s about accessibility, and not being too stuffy or pretentious,” Madison said.

That approach will extend beyond the main menu. The owners have discussed a customizable gelato sundae with Italian cookies, chocolates and syrups, as well as a cocktail program that balances sophisticated drinks with more playful creations.

Plans call for dinner service six nights a week, with Mondays off, like many other restaurants on Main Street, alongside Saturday and Sunday brunch. Takeout and catering options are also planned.

The restaurant’s intimate setting will support indoor and outdoor seating and can accommodate larger parties of 24 or more, according to Gilbert.

For Gilbert and Madison, Spaghetti Western represents a return to restaurant ownership and an opportunity to build something in the community they now call home.

The pair moved to the Santa Clarita Valley in 2021 after years in the restaurant industry. Gilbert began managing restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area in the early 1990s, and eventually founded the Luna Park Restaurant Group, while Madison began her restaurant career as a bartender in New York City while attending the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.

Madison has also worked in hospitality recruitment, including as a director of recruitment for One-Haus Hospitality, bringing experience in staffing, hiring and restaurant operations to the new venture.

The couple met in 2003 during the opening of Luna Park’s Los Angeles location and married in 2007. They ran the Luna Park Restaurant Group together until selling the business in 2016.

Their new venture also reflects a connection between the region’s entertainment industry and the Italian films that inspired the restaurant’s name.

Santa Clarita has long been associated with film and television production, but Gilbert said he wanted the restaurant to recognize not only the actors and directors associated with the industry, but also the workers behind the scenes.

“This is a below-the-line town, and so we want to honor the people who built here, live here,” Gilbert said, referring to the production professionals who help bring films and television shows to life.