Doc West

Doc West (2 parts) is a bit predictable and corny, but enjoyable story about a doctor who finds redemption. A story about an unusual (and a somewhat hard to believe) hero who was a doctor in Boston but is now a professional gambler and expert gunslinger and who has a good heart. It is an interesting take on the old west. Too bad there are not additional parts to the story that would bring a satisfying end to the open story lines at the end of the second part.

Oh right, i thought his name was no name... anyway the plot and dialogue were weak and the action was lacking ... the best scenes were the little dog stealing the beans... speaking of which were usually accompanied by bacon and biscuits as the fare of the day in the old west ...

The acting is not very good but it adds charm to this little PG gem. Its a cute little generic western movie, very clean. Docs character is a one of a kind.

Made for Italian TV but shot in English in Sante Fe, New Mexico, Doc West is all about Minnesota "Doc" West (Terence Hill, who co-directed this with Giulio Base) is preparing to send money to a boarding school cross the country when robbers steal everything in the post office. He tries to chase them, but ends up saving a boy named Silver from a rattlesnake and losin their scent. Silver tells Doc that the gang probably went to Holysand,a place where they learn that Silver's stepfather Nathan Mitchell (Boots Southerland) has set a fire and is in the middle of battling with rival rancer Victor Baker (Adam Taylor). They're stopped by Sheriff Roy Basehart (Paul Sorvino) and school teacher Denise Stark (Clare Carey). After a poker game with Siver's ranch hand Garvey (Alessio di Clemente) lands Doc in jail - he's accused of cheating which isn't true - he ends up fixing Sheriff Basehart's back problems and winning his trust. Over another game of poker, West tells Basehart that he was a doctor, but had killed a patient while drunk. He vows to never drink or touch a scapel again and rides the west, looking for work so he can send money to his daughter Estrella. West becomes integral in redeeming the town through his adventures with Silver often getting him in trouble. This movie seems similar to the lighthearted films that Hill is known for and would make a good family introduction to the Italian west. Speaking of family, one of the writers was Marco Barboni, son of Enzo Barboni, who directed the Trinity movie that made Terence Hill a worldwide name.

I am not a movie critic and don't have the guts to comment on acting or cinematography. Instead I am an average movie goer who'd watch movies either for the sake of entertainment or some easy to understand lessons and Doc West has both. Hill has been my favorite since I first saw him when I was a kid in They Call me Trinity. Now myself in the forties, I did not expect him to be jumping high and low and doing all those acrobatics that he did in the days of Watch Out We Are Mad! or I am for the Hippopotamus. I rather wanted to see him as a mature but the same 'magical' person who could make all wrongs right—-and that too in a smiling way. And believe me ye people, he just did that. This movie has really made me respect Terrence Hill. Instead of some chocolate cream hero, who'd never accept the aging factor, Hill has totally embraced it and kept his head high by playing a respectable character who despite realizing the darker sides of life, still has that mesmerizing look in his eyes. Those eyes still shine, even though filled with tears. I look at the movie as a true family drama. Not a serious one but touching some of the very serious things in a very light manner. I even liked the character of Millie's father for sticking to his commitments, something you don't very often see in the average portrayals of rich and selfish people. The above so-so comments come mainly from the people who are either very 'practical' about things or expect Terence Hill to never grow old :). The beauty of the actor/director is 'not to pretend' and rather choose a role suiting his current looks. The kid in me still believes that he is the fastest gun in the west and the best cardsharp :) I recommend this movie to an average person who still believes in old values and is nostalgic. You can watch this movie with your kids and even grand kids without hesitation and will enjoy every bit of it, guaranteed! And yes, the acting (except of Hill's) might seem flimsy to some 'had critics't believe me nobody want an Academy nomination for their acting, and to me they fit perfectly in the film. I hope most of you'd like them too, especially Paul Sorvino. I loved him as the Sheriff.