The Sabata Trilogy

The Sabata trilogy, though not as well known as some other westerns like the famed "Man with No Name" trilogy, is still a solid series of Spaghetti Westerns. The films were all released between 1969 and 1971 and were directed by Gianfranco Parolini (Although he's credited as Frank Kramer). There are some additional knock-off films from that time that feature 'Sabata' in the title such as Wanted Sabata from 1970 and Dig Your Grave Friend... Sabata's Coming from 1971 but, these aren't considered part of the official Sabata franchise.

The first film in the trilogy, simply called Sabata, stars Lee Van Cleef as the title character. The plot centers a plan cooked up by the leaders of a small Texas town to rob their own bank, and then sell the bankrupt town's land to the railroad company for a big payout. Of course Sabata, a sharp-shooting gunslinger, foils their plan. Overall, I think this one is a good movie.

The follow-up film, Adios, Sabata, sees the title role recast with Yul Brynner. Interestingly, Van Cleef was offered the role in the sequel but was busy filming The Magnificent Seven Ride a sequel to the classic 1960 film The Magnificent Seven, which starred Yul Brynner. In this one, Sabata is hired to assist with a Mexican revolution by stealing some gold from the Austrian Army. Of the three Sabata films, this one is my least favorite. I don't find the story as compelling as the first and third. Also, nothing against Yul Brynner but, I like Lee Van Cleef better as Sabata.

The third and final film of the trilogy is Return of Sabata, released in 1971. It's a fitting title as it would feature Lee Van Cleef returning to the title role. This film starts off with Sabata working as a sideshow-gunslinger but, he quickly finds himself in the middle of a plot involving a corrupt mayor and counterfeit money. This entry in the series is a bit more comedic than the others but I think it works and I find it really entertaining.

Overall, while none of the films are perfect, I find each one enjoyable for different reasons. Sabata as a character is fun because while he is the protagonist of these films, he's not really a good guy. Yes, he helps out the people of these small towns that are being taken advantage of but, he always seems to care more about getting money for himself than anything else. If you are a fan of westerns and plan on marathoning the trilogy, it's going to eat up a little over 5 hours of your time but I think they're worth it.