Guns of the Magnificent Seven

This second sequel (after Return of the Seven in 1966) to a great original wisely retains the majestic Elmer Bernstein score. This time out, Yul Brynner relinquishes his role of mercenary gunman Chris to character actor George Kennedy, and the Mexican-set locations were actually filmed in Spain. Thankfully, because of director Paul Wendkos's professionalism, it neither looks nor feels like a European western, despite the fact that it was made at the height of the spaghetti western's popularity. A touch of class is provided by Fernando Rey, veteran of many a Luis Buñuel film, as the revolutionary leader in need of rescue by Kennedy's gang. The action sequences are exciting enough, but Kennedy lacks the necessary charisma to make this compulsive viewing.