We look back at the action-packed sequel from 1969, with a cast led by George Kennedy.
Editor's Note: Throughout the month of October, C&I is celebrating the golden westerns of 1969, a year that changed the game for the beloved film genre. Check the Entertainment tab each day to see a different film recommendation by C&I senior writer Joe Leydon. And be on the lookout for the upcoming November/December 2019 print edition, which prominently features one of the 25 greatest films of 1969 on its cover.
George Kennedy enjoyed a brief run as a top-billed movie lead after earning an Oscar as Best Supporting Actor for Cool Hand Luke (1967). Indeed, he possessed sufficient star power to take over Yul Brynner’s role as gunslinger Chris Adams in this second sequel (after 1966’s Return of the Seven) to The Magnificent Seven (1960).
Kennedy rides tall as the straight-shooting hero, and he’s capably backed by co-stars Monte Markham, James Whitmore, Joe Don Baker, Bernie Casey, Reni Santoni and Scott Thomas. Better still, composer Elmer Bernstein repeatedly reprises his original Magnificent Seven theme on the soundtrack.