Apocalypse Joe Clifford is a spaghetti Western released in 1970. The movie is directed by León Klimovsky and stars Anthony Steffen as Joe Clifford, a bounty hunter who pursues Eduardo Fajardo's character, Jonathan Murdok across the Wild West. The plot of Apocalypse Joe Clifford revolves around Clifford's pursuit of Murdock, a notorious outlaw who has committed several heinous crimes. Murdock has a $10,000 bounty on his head, and Clifford is determined to capture him for the reward money. However, things are not as simple as they seem. Murdock has a powerful gang of supporters who are willing to do anything to keep him free.
Clifford, being a seasoned bounty hunter, knows that he has to use all his skills to outsmart the gang members and catch Murdock. He teams up with a former lover of Murdock's, Dolores (played by Cristina Galbó), to get closer to him. As Clifford and Dolores get closer to their target, they realize that Murdock is planning something big. His next target is a railroad company that he plans to rob to gather enough money to finance his future robberies.
Clifford knows that he has to act fast before it's too late. He hatches a plan to ambush Murdock and his men during the robbery. What follows is an epic showdown between Clifford and Murdock's gang. The two sides engage in a fierce fight that will determine who will come out on top.
The movie has all the usual Western tropes - gunfights, horseback chases, and saloon brawls. However, what sets Apocalypse Joe Clifford apart is the performances of the two leads. Anthony Steffen gives a performance that is both rugged and charming. He manages to convey the character's grit and determination without ever losing his cool. Eduardo Fajardo, on the other hand, is excellent as the villain. He is menacing without being over the top and manages to create a character that the audience will love to hate.
Apart from the performances, another highlight of the movie is the cinematography. The movie was filmed in Spain, and the landscapes provide a beautiful backdrop for the action. The camera work is excellent, and the movie has several breathtaking shots that would not be out of place in a modern Western.
One criticism of the movie is that the pacing is slow at times. The movie takes time to establish the characters and their motivations, which can feel draggy at times. However, the action scenes more than make up for the sluggish pace. The final showdown between Clifford and Murdock's gang is worth the wait.
In conclusion, Apocalypse Joe Clifford is a classic spaghetti Western that will delight fans of the genre. While it may not have the epic scope or the grandeur of movies like The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, it makes up for it with excellent performances and stunning cinematography. If you're in the mood for a Western that will take you back to the days of yore, then Apocalypse Joe Clifford is definitely worth a watch.
