Texas Across the River (1966)

Texas Across the River Poster

The Louisiana wedding of debutante Phoebe Ann Naylor to Don Andrea de Baldasar, El Duce de la Casala is stopped by the Cavalry over a matter of honor. Don Andrea flees across the river to Texas, where he meets up with Sam Hollis and his Indian sidekick, Kronk, who are carrying rifles to the town of Moccasin Flats. Don Andrea rescues an Indian maiden, Lonetta, tames some longhorns, competes with Sam for Phoebe's affections, eludes a Comanche war party and the cavalry and ultimately saves the town and gets his girl.

Summary
"Texas Across the River" is a 1966 American western funny film directed by Michael Gordon and includes a blend of satire, humor, and romance. The movie includes stars like Dean Martin, Alain Delon, Rosemary Forsyth, and Joey Bishop, who bring life to a compelling story embeded in 1845 Texas.

Plot
In "Texas Across the River", the protagonist Alain Delon plays Don Andrea, a Spanish nobleman engaged to southern belle Phoebe Ann Naylor, depicted by Rosemary Forsyth. The motion picture kicks off with the unforeseen murder of Don Andrea's uncle, the Duke, throughout a mock sword battle on his wedding. Subsequently, Don Andrea is wrongfully implicated of devoting the crime and has to flee from Louisiana to Texas, pursued relentlessly by the groom's cruel brother, Phoebe's ex-fiancé-- Yancey Cottle, played by Peter Graves.

The Journey and Companionship
On his way to Texas, the fugitive signs up with forces with Sam Hollis, an expert Indian fighter played by Dean Martin, and his comedic Indian partner, Kronk, played by Joey Bishop, who offers comic relief throughout the journey. The trio starts thrilling experiences, brawling with Indians, and evading Cottle's attempts to capture Don Andrea. On The Other Hand, Phoebe Ann, who staunchly believes in Don Andrea's innocence, sets out after him, figured out to proclaim her love and reunite.

The Climax
The climax of the film unfolds as the group reaches Texas, where an all-out fight happens between the Comanche people and Texas Rangers with whom Hollis has allied. During the dispute, Hollis creates a genius method, utilizing a cannon that guarantees the victory of the Texas Rangers and simultaneously saving the group from particular death. Also, in a twist of events, Yancey Cottle arrives at the war scene, and after a brief sword fight with Andrea, he pertains to the stunning revelation that it was in fact a malfunctioning chandelier that killed the Duke and not Andrea. With this awareness, Andrea's name is cleared.

Conclusion
The movie concludes with Don Andrea and Phoebe Ann's long-awaited reunion and marital relationship. In the end, Sam Hollis and Kronk choose to continue their journey even more west, therefore leading the way for their possible future experiences.

Reception and Legacy
Though "Texas Across the River" was not admired by critics during its release, it has actually managed to acquire a fan following due to its fun-loving and humorous take on the Western category. The movie is known for its trio of lead characters and their camaraderie, entertaining dialogues, and an amusing plot that ensures an enjoyable cinematic experience for the audiences. Dean Martin's simple charm, Alain Delon's rushing appearances, and Joey Bishop's comic timing further amplify the appeal of "Texas Across the River". The film stays a testament to the diversity of the 1960s' movie theater, as it brilliantly blends western with comedy and romance.

Top Cast

  • Dean Martin (small)
    Dean Martin
    Sam Hollis
  • Alain Delon (small)
    Alain Delon
    Don Andrea
  • Rosemary Forsyth (small)
    Rosemary Forsyth
    Phoebe
  • Joey Bishop (small)
    Joey Bishop
    Kronk
  • Tina Aumont (small)
    Tina Aumont
    Lonetta
  • Peter Graves (small)
    Peter Graves
    Capt. Stimpson
  • Michael Ansara (small)
    Michael Ansara
    Iron Jacket
  • Linden Chiles (small)
    Linden Chiles
    Yellow Knife
  • Andrew Prine (small)
    Andrew Prine
    Lt. Sibley
  • Stuart Anderson
    Yancy
  • Roy Barcroft (small)
    Roy Barcroft
    Morton