Black Spurs is a 1965 film directed by R.G. Springsteen and produced by the famous western producer A.C. Lyles. The movie tells the tale of Santee (Rory Calhoun), a ranch hand turned bounty hunter, and follows his downward spiral from a hard-working cowboy into a life of blackmail and violence. For ten months prior to getting married to his fianc''e, Santee attempts to track down a famous bounty by the name of "El Pescador" (Robert Carricart) to earn enough money to give her a new life. He returns to town, wearing the black spurs of the outlaw, only to find that Anna has run off with another man. Heartbroken, Santee joins up with the local town boss, who intends on destroying a neighboring town to increase the chances of a railroad line being built in his territory. However, in the nearby town, Santee runs into his old flame Anna (Linda Darnell) and her new husband, Sheriff Ralph Elkins (James Best). Things go from bad to worse when, despite the pleas of the sheriff and Anna, Santee begins to tear the town apart. Only a secret between he and Anna can mend his broken heart and help bring the tale to a happy conclusion. Although not directed by an Italian director, Black Spurs borrows heavily from the Spaghetti or continental western genres, highlighting simple emotions and motivating factors for the characters. This creates a well-paced, easy to follow plot that culminates in a feel-good ending that everyone can enjoy.moreless
