Reel Memories No. 103 The Magnificent Seven

By William V. Reynolds
Columnist

It has been said that all good stories are Westerns. If we take a look at some of the histories of
motion pictures, it’s easy to find examples. Witness (1985) is a remake of Angel and the Bad
Man (1946). Star Wars (1977) is really a Western with a science fiction slant. There’s even a
barroom scene.
The Magnificent Seven (1960) is a remake of a 1956 Japanese film, Seven Samurai. In fact, the
films were so much alike until the Japanese producer sued the US film corporation.
The film is the story of seven men who are hired by villagers to defend it from a bandit leader
and his gang. The village is in Mexico and when they reach it, they are somewhat surprised at the
poverty and condition of the people. Although the film has plenty of action, it is also a study in
the psychology of the men involved in the fight.
Chris Adams (Yul Brynner) seems to have been a soldier of fortune who has faced danger before.
He has managed to gain mastery of his emotions in dangerous situations. The film opens with
him defying a town in order to bury a dead man. He becomes the leader of the seven as he
recruits them for the job.
Vin (Steve McQueen) whose past is unknown, but may have worked as a cowboy, shows a desire
to settle down in the way he treats women and children of the village. He makes friends with two
of the village boys who promised to avenge him in the event he is killed.
Chico (Horst Bulchholz) is the youngest of the group. He is from a farming background and is
clearly ashamed of his past. He performed several acts of bravado in order to try and impress his
companions.
Bernardo O’Reilly (Charles Bronson) likewise seems to be a soldier of fortune. He might have
been rich at one time, but now he is broke. His relationship with the villagers shows that he
thinks family life is important.
Lee (Robert Vaughn) appears to be a gunman who has lost his nerve. He wants to do the right,
but finds it difficult when called upon. In one scene he seems to freeze while the bandits are
attacking. He’s an interesting character and the study of him delivers.
Britt (James Coburn) is a loner who is equally good with a gun or knife. He’s very secretive and
his motives for helping the villagers remain hidden.
Harry Luck (Brad Dexter) is a good man to have on your side in a fight, but his greed clouds
everything that he does. Harry seems to be one of those individuals who is always on the edge of
gaining his goals but never quite reaches them.
All of these men find themselves pitted against Calvera (Eli Wallach) who seems to believe that
stealing is only a job. The villagers are farmers and he is a thief. As far as he’s concerned, each of
them earns their living in a different way.
Today we give a reel memories salute to The Magnificent Seven.
William V. Reynolds is the author of “Murder in the Okefenokee” available at McCaysville
Public Market and Pat’s Country Kitchen in McCaysville; Parris Pharmacy, Book Nook, and
Ingles in Blue Ridge; Book Nook in Blairsville; and Phillips and Lloyd in Hayesville.