Deaf Smith & Johnny Ears
"The man who hears with his eyes and speaks with his gun..."
Two friends help Sam Houston work for Texas statehood. Johnny Ears and his deaf-mute sidekick Erastus "Deaf" Smith go after a Mexican general under orders from Germany to agitate the populace.
Curator's Take
“A strange, melancholy buddy movie. The premise sounds like a sitcom, a deaf gunslinger and his translator, but the execution is surprisingly tender. Anthony Quinn brings majestic weight to the role of Deaf Smith, grounding the film's more absurd moments. It’s a film about friendship in a world where connection is a liability.”
Why This Movie Is Important
A film that builds its identity around a unique character gimmick, a deaf gunslinger, and executes it with surprising heart and humor. The inclusion of Anthony Quinn adds gravitas, and the location shooting (partly in the US) gives it a look distinct from the usual Almería sets. It explores dependency and friendship in a way few other genre films attempted.
Production Details
Deaf Smith & Johnny Ears is a 1973 western film directed by Paolo Cavara. Originally released in Italy under the title "Los Amigos", the film was produced during the golden era of European westerns. The film features a score composed by Daniele Patucchi. Cinematography was handled by Tonino Delli Colli. The film stars Franco Nero as Johnny Ears, Anthony Quinn as Erastus 'Deaf' Smith, and Pamela Tiffin as Susie the hooker. Running 1 hour and 31 minutes, it is a well-paced entry in the genre.
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Did You Know?
Unlike most Spaghetti Westerns filmed in Almería, Spain, this was partially shot on location in the United States.
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