By 1970, Elmer Bernstein was known throughout Hollywood and the global film community as one of the most gifted and versatile movie composers. While peers like Bernard Herrmann were producing fewer works, Bernstein was just beginning to hit his stride. With the score for Doctors' Wives (1970) already under his belt, Bernstein next submitted a rousing soundtrack for Cannon for Cordoba (1970), a revenge Western set amidst the backdrop of the Mexican Revolution. George Peppard plays an army general who is sent to recapture some cannons stolen by bandit chief Raf Vallone. Along the way he is joined by Giovanna Ralli as a peasant woman seeking retribution for her rape by the same outlaw.
While Cannon for Cordoba, also known as Dragon Master, wasn't praised for its historical accuracy, many critics admired Paul Wendkos' direction which put a distinctive mark on the proceedings. Other attributes were the stunning scenery (shot on location in Spain) and the score by Elmer Bernstein. Wendkos had worked with the composer before on Guns of the Magnificent Seven (1969), which was number three in the many sequels that popped up after the astonishing success of The Magnificent Seven in 1960.
Producer: Vincent M. Fennelly, Stephen Kandel (associate producer)
Director: Paul Wendkos
Screenplay: Stephen Kandel
Cinematography: Antonio Macasoli
Film Editing: Walter A. Hannemann
Original Music: Elmer Bernstein
Principal Cast: George Peppard (Capt. Rod Douglas), Giovanna Ralli (Leonora), Raf Vallone (Cordoba), Pete Duel (Andy Rice), Don Gordon (Jackson Harkness),
C-105m.
by Scott McGee
