White Comanche (1968)

White Comanche Poster
Original Title: Comanche blanco

William Shatner plays two roles: cowboy Johnny Moon and his ruthless Indian twin brother, Notah. Notah likes peyote and gets the crazy idea that he's the Comanche messiah sent to lead the Comanche nation against the white man but more specifically the dusty desert town of Rio Hondo. Moon, estranged from his brother, decides to stop Notah either by words or by bullets.

Introduction
"White Comanche" (likewise called "Comanche Blanco") is a 1968 Spaghetti Western film directed by José Briz Méndez. The film retraces the narrative of star William Shatner, represented in a double role as twin brothers, who discover themselves at odds in the middle of a tribal dispute. Its uniqueness lies in its blend of American Western mythos with the visual appeals of European cinema.

Plot
The film revolves around the dispute in between 2 twin brothers; Johnny Moon, a tranquil drifter drawn towards the culture of the Old West, and Notah Moon, his Comanche Indian counterpart who incites violence in the name of transformation. Johnny Moon represents the conciliatory essence of coexistence, working to mediate the stress in between the white settlers and the Comanche Indians. On the other hand, Notah Moon, who chooses to be called the 'White Comanche', feeds off the division, resorting to violence and horror to advance his cause.

Dispute and Resolution
There is a palpable stress between the brothers, sustained on one side by Johnny's desire for peace and on the other, Notah's obsession with dominance. The contentious relationship culminates in a remarkable sibling face-off. As the movie advances towards the nail-biting climax, Johnny Moon becomes figured out to stop his sibling from sowing further seeds of discord and horror and challenges him to a fight to the death.

The climax reaches a standoff in a desert town, where they face each other. In the taking place battle, Johnny victories over Notah, fixing the tribal dispute and bring back peace. The bros' dispute shows the contrasting identities associated with their combined heritage, and the battle concludes with Johnny releasing himself from the violent shadow of his brother.

Characters & Performance
William Shatner offers a compelling efficiency as he brings both characters, Johnny Moon and Notah Moon, to life. Each character he embodies depicts inconsistent elements of the exact same lineage, torn between the cultural heritage of their Comanche mother and White daddy. The secondary characters, including a corrupt constable and the love interest, add depth to the burgeoning stress in between the community and its dissentious factions.

Total Impression & Reception
"White Comanche" has been criticized by some for its inconsistencies and unpolished instructions. Yet, the film's ability to catch a special form of ethical duality embeded in the more comprehensive landscape of racial tension is unequaled. William Shatner's efficiency is similarly polarizing, pushed to carry out two functions as twin brothers with diametrically opposing ethos, a testament to his adaptability as a star. While its execution met with combined reception, its haunting undertones of identity, race, and familial ties remain notable.

Top Cast

  • Joseph Cotten (small)
    Joseph Cotten
    Sheriff Logan
  • William Shatner (small)
    William Shatner
    Johnny Moon / Notah
  • Rosanna Yanni (small)
    Rosanna Yanni
    Kelly
  • Perla Cristal (small)
    Perla Cristal
    White Fawn
  • Mariano Vidal Molina (small)
    Mariano Vidal Molina
    General Garcia
  • Luis Prendes (small)
    Luis Prendes
    Grimes
  • Barta Barri (small)
    Barta Barri
    Major Bolker
  • Víctor Israel (small)
    Víctor Israel
    Carter
  • José Terrón
    Comanche / Townsman
  • Soledad Miranda (small)
    Soledad Miranda
    India
  • Diana Lorys (small)
    Diana Lorys