Run Man Run a.k.a. Corri uomo corri is a 1968 movie directed by Sergio Sollima.
WHAT HAPPENS?
Several groups of distinct personalities are pursuing stolen Revolutionary gold.
ONE LINE REVIEW
Run Man Run is a fun, adventurous Euro Western that showcases Tomas Milian’s physical and comic skills.
THE ACTORS
Milian revisits Cuchillo, his carefree, knife-throwing thief who originated in The Big Gundown. Too good-hearted to be considered a real anti-hero, Milian’s character is perfectly described by Chelo Alonso’s eternally frustrated Dolores: “Just look what I have to do to marry this tramp.” Milian plays up Cuchillo’s comic nature mainly through his expressive, rubbery face. However, he maintains the dangerous edge of a bandit with his precise and deadly knife attacks.
Alonso is terrific as Dolores, whose mission to marry Cuchillo is heightened when she learns of his connection to the stolen treasure. She is hilariously animated as his long-suffering love. Milian’s Cuchillo can only offer her a bounty of excuses: “If I leave you, it’s only to love you more when I come back.” Linda Veras is equally impressive as the domineering, self-righteous Penny – a Salvation Army “soldier” who schemes with her father to obtain the lost treasure.
Donald O’Brien emerges as a true scene stealer. His Nathaniel Cassidy is a jaded ex-lawman who barely registers any real emotion. O’Brien maintains a steely and at times sinister presence throughout the movie. His cold, empty glares often preface his vicious, efficient killings.
THE DIRECTOR
A constant of Sollima movies are well-choreographed, vibrant actions scenes. Run Man Run continues this trend, as O’Brien’s abrupt shootouts and Milian’s knife fights are tremendous. Sollima manages to add some fun, far-fetched but ironic scenes – including an escape on horseback and a prolonged windmill sight gag.
THE BEST – Cuchillo the Cowboy
One of the best gags occurs later in the movie when Milian’s Cuchillo dons a cowboy outfit and mumbles in deliberately broken Spanglish: “Howdy Partner….Sir.”
THE BEST Part Two – Penny the Manipulator
Veras’ Penny is fun as her morally uptight Salvation Army servant drafts Cuchillo into becoming a “soldier of the Lord.” She dominates him – treating more like a mascot – at least until she learns of the stolen treasure. A later scene where she pretends to seduce him – followed by her eventual frustration is hilarious.
THE BEST Part Three – Sinners
Once Penny is introduced, Sollima sprinkles several tongue-in-cheek religious jokes throughout the movie. As Veras speaks to a hungry crowd on the ills of sinners, Milian’s Cuchillo gulps and erratically beats his Salvation Army drum. His facial expressions as he reacts to her cutting sermons are a highlight.
THE BEST Part Four – The Final Shootout
Without giving away any spoilers, Sollima creates another unique final duel – which is saying something given the volume of finales found in the genre.
THE WORST – The Usual
For what seems like the hundredth time, the light hearted nature of a fun Euro Western is destroyed by a female character getting slapped by a man.
FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 4/5
Run Man Run is an incredibly fun and well made Sollima Euro Western and yet another example of Milian’s incredible skill.
