The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

1966 2 hr 58 min

R

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While the Civil War rages between the Union and the Confederacy, a quiet loner, a ruthless hit man, and a Mexican bandit comb the American Southwest in search of $200,000 in stolen gold. The final film in Sergio Leone’s “Dollars Trilogy” is considered by many to be the preeminent spaghetti western, featuring exhilarating set pieces and an instantly recognizable score from Ennio Morricone. Starring Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach and Lee Van Cleef. Presented in a new restoration. Rated R.

About the Score. The score for Sergio Leone's legendary spaghetti western, crafted by prolific Italian composer Ennio Morricone, is widely regarded by film historians as one of the finest in cinematic history. It features a unique main theme characterized by whistling, yodeling, and guitar riffs, which evoke the film's stark western setting and its intense atmosphere. Notably, the score includes a two-note motif that symbolizes the three principal characters, each represented by a different instrument: the flute signifies "The Good" (Blondie), the ocarina denotes "The Bad" (Angel Eyes), and vocals embody "The Ugly" (Tuco). Throughout Leone's "Dollars Trilogy," Morricone, constrained by budgetary limitations, incorporated sounds such as gunshots, cracking whips, whistling, voices, trumpets, and an electric guitar, rather than relying on the orchestral arrangements typical of Hollywood westerns. With some music composed before the film, Leone would intentionally prolong scenes during production to complement Morricone's extraordinary score. The musical themes from this film have become intrinsically linked to the “sound” of modern day westerns.

Director Sergio Leone

Cast Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, Lee Van Cleef

Country Italy

Language English

Aspect 2.35

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