Solemplex To me, this movie is perfection.

Pacionsbo Absolutely Fantastic

Philippa All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Dana An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

Leofwine_draca It's testament to SHALAKO's efficiency that it ably passes for a Hollywood western despite being a British/West German production; the mountainous Spanish scenery accounts for much of the authenticity here and the story that follows is surprisingly decent, although perhaps not one of the absolute classics of the era. I'm just surprised that the team made a likable western despite the problems that could have arisen with it.One of these is Sean Connery, perhaps playing one of the most unlikely cowboys ever; he acquits himself well and gives a taciturn performance which suits the film nicely. Brigitte Bardot doesn't have much to do other than stand around and look ravishing, which of course she does with ease. The excellent supporting cast includes the likes of Jack Hawkins, Eric Sykes (!), Honor Blackman, Peter van Eyck, Stephen Boyd, and, in an odd but effective bit of casting, Woody Strode as a Native American leader.The spare narrative doesn't have a great deal of plot structure but that fits well with the survivalist tone. The action scenes are very effective, particularly a mini siege that brings to mind ZULU. The film was based on a book by popular western writer Louis L'Amour, and was directed by old-time Hollywood pro Edward Dmytryk.

StingrayFilms This is a most peculiar oddity -- a British Euro-Western shot in Spain by veteran American director Edward Dmytryk. It should come as no surprise that everything, especially the casting, seems a bit off. A group of snooty European aristocrats, and a U.S. senator, goes on a fancy hunting expedition in the Old West. They haul along all the cumbersome trappings of civilization: servants, fine wine, expensive silverware, etc. But their unscrupulous cowboy guides, led by Bosky Fulton (Stephen Boyd), foolishly encamp on Apache land. When a French Countess (Bardot) wanders off, she is attacked by the Indians. Fortunately, Shalako (Sean Connery), an experienced cowboy known by the Indians, happens along. He rescues the Countess and brokers a truce with the Indians. The hunting party is given till dawn to leave Indian territory. But the Europeans, led by a German Baron (Peter van Eyck), arrogantly refuse to be run off by a gang of savages. They decide to make a stand, trusting their superior firepower and breeding to win the day. The next morning the expected Indian attack is just barely repelled. To make matters worse, their guides run off with most of their supplies (and Honor Blackman). This is the first of many lessons in humility for the hunting party as they struggle to survive. Shalako must now lead them to safety through a hostile landscape.The story, based on the book by Louis L'Amour, is essentially a study of class divisions. This is what must have appealed to the British producers in the first place. It is the opposite of "Zulu", in which the besieged Army of the British Empire nobly held out against a massive native attack. In "Shalako" a group of seemingly superior Europeans are trounced and harassed by savage Indians and must turn to a working class saddle tramp for salvation.Sean Connery, with his thick Scottish accent, is woefully miscast as Shalako -- a role originally intended for Henry Fonda. A fine actor in most roles, Connery simply isn't believable as an American cowboy. His presence only serves to derail the film. Plus, playing him against a group of European co-stars destroys the contrast that is at the heart of the story. Connery had just quit the James Bond series and was eager to establish himself as a versatile actor. He could not have picked a worse film to demonstrate his range. With a dark tan, longer hair, and sideburns, Connery was never more handsome, but he never seems comfortable in this setting. Brigitte Bardot, with her trademark heavy eyeliner, looks like a sexy French raccoon. She and Connery are given a brief romantic interlude, but even that doesn't work. The lack of chemistry between the two stars is obvious.Honor Blackman (who was in "Goldfinger"), as English lady Julia Daggett, was clearly a bit of stunt casting. The fact that she has no scenes with Connery makes her being in the film all the more absurd. But the oddest casting choice in this off-kilter film is Woody Strode as the Apache leader. Strode is the imposing African-American actor best known for "Spartacus" and "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance".All of this had a chance of working with a different cast and a better script. As it is, this is an unfortunate misfire of a film in which its obvious flaws are its only points of interest.

Jeff (actionrating.com) See it – Let's be honest, the main reason you'll want to watch this movie is to see Sean Connery as a cowboy. But this is a surprisingly good rip-roaring western. In fact, the strangest thing about this movie is that it revolves around a group of British hunters on a big game hunt, and none of the British characters are played by Connery. He plays the American. The only western he ever did, Connery doesn't even attempt to change his accent, but it's okay. This is an action movie, and it is as exciting and action-packed as they come. The hunting party is attacked by Indians, and James Bond…I mean Shalako, has to save the day. This movie is a mix between "Duel at Diablo" and "Last of the Mohicans." Plus, the story was written by the legendary Louis L'Amour himself, so that should be enough right there. 4.5 action rating

FightingWesterner A hunting party of European aristocrats is led onto Apache land by arrogant hunting guide Stephen Boyd, in violation of a government treaty. Soon the party is given an ultimatum brokered by G-man Sean Connery. The Europeans stubbornly refuse to leave Apache lands, leading to a violent confrontation and a desperate trek through the hills.This British production is decent enough but it goes on a bit too long. The widescreen photography is excellent, showing off some mighty fine locations and the action is competently handled. However there isn't much sympathy generated by any of the characters in the film.Sean Connery makes an adequate western hero albeit with a Scottish accent, while Woody Strode steals every scene he's in as Connery's number one Apache nemesis.It's true what they say about Connery and Bridget Bardot's lack of on-screen chemistry. Viewers wondering why Bardot has such a loyal cult following won't find any answers here.The worst thing about this film is the awful theme song.