Movie Introduction"The Last Ride to Santa Cruz" (originally titled "Der Letzte Ritt Nach Santa Cruz") is a 1964 German western movie directed by Rolf Olsen and starring Mario Adorf, Lex Barker, and Gérard Barray. The movie is set in the American Western frontier during the late 19th century and follows the story of a former lawman turned outlaw, Pedro Ortiz, who seeks vengeance against the man responsible for his failure, Captain Michael, while becoming involved in a dispute with a powerful cattle baron.
PlotThe film starts with Pedro Ortiz (Mario Adorf), a previous lawman, being launched from jail after serving a sentence for a crime he did not commit. As soon as a respected member of his neighborhood, Ortiz was incorrectly implicated of corruption and had been sentenced to 10 years in prison. Disillusioned with the justice system and driven by his need for vengeance, Ortiz decides to become a criminal and form a gang to take down the guy accountable for his ruin, a corrupt and powerful livestock baron called Parker (Walter Giller).
Ortiz's gang soon acquires prestige for their daring break-ins and brazen acts of defiance versus Parker and his henchmen. As they continue to create chaos and disrupt Parker's operations, they capture the attention of Captain Michael (Lex Barker), the brand-new U.S. Army officer in charge of managing peace and order in the area. Captain Michael recognizes Ortiz as the previous lawman he as soon as knew and respected, and is torn between his task to uphold the law and his desire to assist Ortiz specific revenge versus Parker.
Meanwhile, Parker's kid Jeff (Gustavo Rojo) grows tired of his dad's ruthless ways and decides to sign up with forces with Ortiz and his gang to reduce his father. As the dispute in between Parker's men and Ortiz's gang heightens, Captain Michael is caught in the crossfire, ultimately understanding that he can not disregard to the corruption and injustice happening in his jurisdiction.
With Captain Michael's assistance, Ortiz orchestrates a final raid on Parker's ranch, with the goal of recuperating the incriminating files that show his innocence and reduce the corrupt cattle baron at last. The final showdown happens at the ranch, culminating in a climactic gun battle in between Ortiz's gang, Parker's henchmen, and the U.S. Army led by Captain Michael.
End and ResolutionIn the ensuing battle, Ortiz is able to obtain the evidence of his innocence from Parker's safe, while numerous members of both sides are eliminated or caught. The conflict ends with the deaths of both Parker and Ortiz, who catches the injuries he sustained in the battle. Captain Michael, having seen the depth of corruption and injustice within the neighborhood, deals with to continue his fight versus such forces in his new function as protector of the law.
The movie closes with the enduring members of Ortiz's gang, including Jeff Parker, being granted a pardon by the U.S. government due to their function in exposing Parker's corruption. As they ride off into the sunset en path to Santa Cruz, they represent a new beginning for the area, with the promise of justice and a fairer society on the horizon.
Legacy"The Last Ride to Santa Cruz" is noteworthy for its unique mix of the American Western genre with the perceptiveness and aesthetics of European movie theater, a combination which has earned it a cult following amongst fans of both categories. The film also includes strong performances from its worldwide ensemble cast, especially Mario Adorf, who brings a captivating charisma and intensity to his representation of the tragic, cruel figure of Pedro Ortiz.
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