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Once Upon a Time in the West
19688166 min
DramaWestern
Released
Dec 21, 1968
Countries
Italy, United States of America
Productions
Paramount PicturesRafran CinematograficaSan Marco
As the railroad builders advance unstoppably through the Arizona desert on their way to the sea, Jill arrives in the small town of Flagstone with the intention of starting a new life.
FAQ
49 Q&A
Why does Frank force Jill to auction the land?
Frank forces Jill to sell her land to get it for himself. He wants the land because the railroad needs to go through it.
What is the meaning of the ending of Once Upon a Time in the West?
The ending shows that Harmonica got his revenge on Frank. It also shows Jill will be okay and can live her life.
What does Morton want with the land?
Morton wants the land because it is where the railroad will end. He wants to make a lot of money from it.
What is Frank's role in the story?
Frank is the bad guy. He is a hired killer who works for Morton. He kills people to get land for the railroad.
Who is Cheyenne and what is his connection to the other characters?
Cheyenne is a wanted outlaw. He is blamed for the murder of Jill's family, but he didn't do it. Harmonica and Frank are his enemies.
Was Henry Fonda always going to play Frank?
Yes, Henry Fonda was chosen to play Frank. He was known for playing good guys, so it was a surprise to see him as a villain.
What is the symbolism of the railroad in the film?
The railroad represents change and progress. It is taking over the West, pushing out the old ways and people.
What role does Ennio Morricone's music play in the film?
Morricone's music is very important. It sets the mood and tells the story. Each character has their own music.
Who is Jill McBain and why did she come west?
Jill McBain is a former prostitute from New Orleans. She comes west to marry Brett McBain and live on his land.
Who are the main characters in Once Upon a Time in the West?
The main characters are Harmonica, Jill McBain, Frank, Cheyenne, and Morton.
What does Brett McBain have on his land that is so valuable?
Brett McBain's land is valuable because it is the only place the railroad can reach in that area. It is also where a natural spring is.
What is the significance of the harmonica in the movie?
The harmonica is important because it is Harmonica's signature. He plays it when he is thinking or when he is about to confront someone.
Why did Sergio Leone decide to make Once Upon a Time in the West?
Sergio Leone wanted to make a different kind of Western. He wanted to tell a story about the end of the Wild West and the coming of the railroad.
What happens to Cheyenne at the end of the movie?
Cheyenne is shot by Frank. He dies in Harmonica's arms, and Harmonica lets him go.
Why does Harmonica want revenge on Frank?
Harmonica wants revenge because Frank forced him to watch his brother die as a child. Frank put a harmonica in his brother's mouth as he died.
What was the first draft of the script like?
The first script was about a woman trying to build a railroad. It was changed a lot before the final movie was made.
What is the significance of the fly in the opening scene?
The fly buzzing around Frank shows he is evil and annoying. It also signals the arrival of violence.
Does Jill love Brett McBain?
Yes, Jill loves Brett McBain. She came west to marry him and start a new life.
Why was the McBain family murdered?
The McBain family was murdered by Frank and his men because they wanted Brett McBain's land for the railroad.
What is the meaning of Frank's quote about trusting a man with a belt and suspenders?
Frank's quote means that a person who is overly prepared is often hiding something or is very cautious because they are untrustworthy. He says it about himself.
What is the main plot of Once Upon a Time in the West?
The main plot is about a mysterious harmonica player seeking revenge on a ruthless killer who works for a railroad tycoon. It also follows a woman who comes west to start a new life.
What is the relationship between Harmonica and Jill?
Harmonica protects Jill. He helps her get revenge for her family and ensures she can keep her land.
What is the significance of the name 'Sweetwater'?
Sweetwater is the name of Jill's land and the train station. It is a place of hope and a new beginning for Jill.
Who are the three gunmen at the beginning of the movie?
The three gunmen are working for Frank. They are waiting to kill Brett McBain and his family.
How does Harmonica get his name?
The movie doesn't explicitly state how he got his name. He is known by the harmonica he plays.
What is the difference between the Italian and American versions of the film?
The Italian version of the film is longer, about 25 minutes more than the American version. It includes more scenes and character development. The American version was cut shorter for distribution.
Why did the film flop in America but become a blockbuster in Europe?
The film was cut too much for American audiences, making it confusing. European audiences, especially in Italy, appreciated the longer, more complex story and Leone's style.
What is the impact of casting Henry Fonda as a villain?
Casting Henry Fonda, known for playing good guys, as the villain Frank was a surprise. It made the villain more chilling because audiences didn't expect him to be evil.
How did the film's score contribute to its operatic feel?
Ennio Morricone's music is a huge part of the film's grand, epic feel. The music swells and changes like in an opera, telling the story and showing emotions.
How was the opening scene filmed?
The opening scene is famous for its slow build-up. It focuses on small details like a windmill creaking and a spider, creating tension before any action happens.
What was the initial idea for introducing Jill's character?
Jill was originally planned to be a more passive character, a saloon singer. The idea evolved to make her a stronger figure, a former prostitute who comes to the West for a new life.
What is the significance of the characters moving on at the end?
The ending shows that life goes on. Harmonica rides away, and Cheyenne also moves on, suggesting the end of a certain era and the personal journeys of the characters.
What is the meaning of Sergio Leone's cameo in the film?
Sergio Leone, the director, has a brief cameo as a man with a whip in one scene. It's a director's signature, like a hidden nod to his work.
What is the meaning of Harmonica carving wood before his final showdown?
Harmonica carving wood shows his patience and focus. It also connects to the harmonica itself, suggesting his inner thoughts and past torment before facing Frank.
How does the film serve as a farewell to the western genre?
The film shows the end of the wild, old West with the arrival of the railroad and civilization. It reflects on the passing of frontier characters and ways of life.
Does Frank know why Harmonica wants to kill him?
No, Frank does not know why Harmonica wants to kill him for most of the movie. Harmonica's revenge is a secret that is revealed later.
What is the visual storytelling style of the opening scene?
The opening scene uses long takes and close-ups on details. This style builds suspense and tells the story through what is seen and heard, rather than just dialogue.
What is the significance of the red dust used in the film?
The red dust symbolizes the harsh, dry environment of the West. It also adds to the visual drama and the feeling of sweat and struggle.
What is the significance of the slow pacing in the film?
The slow pacing allows the audience to soak in the atmosphere and the characters' emotions. It builds tension and makes the moments of action more impactful.
What westerns influenced the making of this film?
The film was influenced by classic Westerns, but it also aimed to deconstruct and rethink the genre. It was a tribute to and a departure from traditional Westerns.
What is the meaning of the title Once Upon a Time in the West?
The title suggests a fairy tale or a legend from the past. It evokes a sense of nostalgia and a romanticized view of the old West.
What is the inspiration behind the name Brett McBain?
The name Brett McBain does not have a widely documented specific inspiration. It is part of the character's identity within the story.
What is the meaning of the final shot of the film?
The final shot shows Harmonica riding away, leaving the newly built railroad and town behind. It signifies the end of his quest and the dawn of a new era.
Did Charles Bronson get famous overnight because of this movie?
Charles Bronson was already a known actor, but this role significantly boosted his international fame. It made him a leading man in Europe.
What is the longest buggy ride in movie history featured in the film?
The film features a long, tense scene where Woody Strode's character waits for a train that is delayed. This scene is often cited for its drawn-out suspense, not necessarily a buggy ride.
Why does Harmonica save Frank's life?
Harmonica does not save Frank's life. He confronts Frank to get revenge for what Frank did to his brother.
How does the film depict the end of the frontier?
The film shows the end of the frontier through the arrival of the railroad and the displacement of characters like McBain. It highlights the shift from a wild land to a more settled, industrialized West.
What is the role of violence in the movie?
Violence in the film is often sudden and brutal. It serves to show the harshness of the West and the motivations of the characters, particularly Frank's cruelty.
Who was originally considered for the role of Morton?
Burt Reynolds was originally considered for the role of Morton. However, he turned it down, and the role went to Gabriele Ferzetti.
Actors
Claudia Cardinale
Jill
Henry Fonda
Frank
Jason Robards
'Cheyenne'
Charles Bronson
'Harmonica'
Gabriele Ferzetti
Morton
Paolo Stoppa
Sam
Woody Strode
Frank's Gunman
Jack Elam
Frank's Gunman
Keenan Wynn
Sheriff
Frank Wolff
Brett McBain
Lionel Stander
Innkeeper
Frank Braña
Frank's Gunman (uncredited)
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