MacKenna’s Gold (Columbia Pictures, 1969), directed by J. Lee Thompson, is a sprawling, star-studded Western that attempts to blend action, adventure, and a touch of mysticism. While the film boasts an impressive cast and some visually stunning sequences, it ultimately falls short of its ambitions, bogged down by a convoluted plot and uneven pacing. Despite its shortcomings, it remains an interesting, if flawed, example of the epic Westerns that were popular at the time.
The story revolves around Marshal Sam MacKenna (Gregory Peck), a lawman who has spent his life patrolling the Arizona Territory. When he stumbles upon a dying old Indian chief, he finds that the chief had in his possession a map to the legendary Canyon del Oro, a place rich in gold that has been the source of countless myths and legends. This map soon makes him the target of a ruthless gang of outlaws, led by the notorious Colorado (Omar Sharif), who are determined to find the gold at any cost. As they all make their way across the desert, other characters get drawn into the search, each with their own reasons for seeking the legendary canyon.
What MacKenna’s Gold does well is its visual spectacle. The film was shot on location in some stunning desert landscapes, and the cinematography by Joseph MacDonald and Harold Wellman makes the most of the scenery. The sweeping vistas and dramatic sunsets, along with the often impressive camera work, are a highlight of the movie. The film also boasts an impressive cast, with Gregory Peck, Omar Sharif, Telly Savalas, Julie Newmar, Ted Cassidy, Edward G. Robinson and Eli Wallach, among many other recognisable faces, giving some strong performances. However, even with its strong acting talent, the movie does feel somewhat underdeveloped, with many of the characters being underserved by the rather complicated plot.
However, the story itself becomes increasingly convoluted, with multiple characters and plot threads that are not always easily followed. The film tries to blend elements of the Western genre with a more mystical and spiritual tone, but this often feels jarring and lacks focus. The numerous action sequences are well-staged, but they are often overlong, and they often feel like they are there to pad out the runtime, rather than to further the narrative. The film’s message about greed and corruption feels rather predictable.
J. Lee Thompson‘s direction is competent, but it lacks the vision and style that would have elevated the film from a standard Western to something more memorable. The film often feels like a collection of impressive set pieces, rather than a cohesive whole, and the characters never truly come to life in a way that makes the viewer care about them.
While the film does have its moments of excitement and visual splendour, it is ultimately let down by its uneven pacing, its convoluted story, and its lack of a strong central narrative thread. The film seems to be constantly trying to juggle a variety of different subplots, and it struggles to find a balance between them all.