Watch Four of Apocalypse

Four of the Apocalypse is a 1975 spaghetti western film that tells the story of four strangers who, after being betrayed by a corrupt sheriff, team up in their quest for survival and vengeance. The movie is directed by Italian director Lucio Fulci and stars Fabio Testi, Lynne Frederick, Michael J. Pollard, and Harry Baird. The film has been praised for its atmospheric cinematography and effective use of music.

The film opens with a sequence showing a group of travelers riding a stagecoach through the wilderness. The passengers include a saloon girl named Bunny (played by Lynne Frederick), a notorious gambler named Stubby (played by Michael J. Pollard), a black ex-slave named Bud (played by Harry Baird), and a gunslinger named Clem (played by Fabio Testi). They are all brought together when they are wrongfully accused of a crime and arrested by a corrupt sheriff.

After being tied up in a church, the four strangers are able to break free and escape into the wilderness. They soon find themselves battling nature and each other in their struggle to survive. Along the way, they encounter a strange old man who leads them to a deserted town where they discover the horrors of a smallpox outbreak.

As they journey on, they encounter a young boy named Thomas who has been left alone after his mother died of smallpox. Together with the boy, they continue their dangerous journey through the wilderness, constantly pursued by the corrupt lawman who is determined to bring them to justice.

The movie's plot revolves around the relationships and dynamics between the four main characters. Clem, the gunslinger, is initially the most standoffish and untrustworthy of the group. Bunny, the saloon girl, serves as the emotional center, struggling to maintain her dignity and morality in the face of constant danger. Bud, the black ex-slave, is a man who has already experienced much suffering and is the most wise and reserved of the group. Stubby, the notorious gambler, is the most humorous and carefree, often serving as a comic relief.

The film's strength lies in its cinematography, which is rich in detail and atmosphere. Lucio Fulci makes effective use of close-ups and slow-motion to heighten tension and suspense. The camera captures the beauty of the wilderness and the harshness of the environment in which the characters must survive. The film's score by Fabio Frizzi enhances the overall mood and complements the visuals perfectly.

The film's themes revolve around justice, survival, and the bond between the four main characters. As they journey together, they form a strong bond that rivals that of any blood family. They must rely on each other to survive in a harsh and unforgiving world where law and order are corrupted and life is cheap.

Four of the Apocalypse is a must-see for fans of the western genre. It offers a unique and gritty perspective on the traditional spaghetti western, borrowing elements from horror and drama to create a movie that is atmospheric, tense, and emotionally impactful. The performances by the main cast are strong, particularly that of Michael J. Pollard in a standout role as the humorous gambler Stubby. Fulci's direction is confident and effective, making Four of the Apocalypse a classic that still holds up today.