The Americano is a 1955 American Western film directed by William Castle and starring Glenn Ford.
Contents
Plot
Texas rancher Sam Dent takes a small herd of three Brahman bulls to Brazil, where he sells them for a small fortune. There, he finds himself in the middle of a range war, as well as in love. Following this, he must find out who are his friends and who are his enemies.
Cast
Glenn Ford as Sam Dent
Frank Lovejoy as Bento Hermany
Cesar Romero as Manuel Silvera / "El Gato" / Etc.
Ursula Thiess as Marianna
Abbe Lane as Teresa
Rodolfo Hoyos Jr. as Cristino
Salvador Baguez as Captain Gonzalez
Tom Powers as Jim Rogers
Dan White as Barney Dent
Frank Marlowe as Captain of Ship
George Navarro as Tuba Masero
Nyra Monsour as Tuba's Sister
Production
The Americano began filming in July 1953 in São Paulo, Brazil. Budd Boetticher was initially the director and Clifford Stine the cinematographer. Due to bad weather in Brazil, production stopped in September 1953. Ford refused to return to film and was sued for $1.75 million for breach of contract. Filming recommenced in June 1954 with Boetticher replaced by William Castle and Stine replaced by William Snyder. Abbe Lane's musical number was supervised by her husband, Xavier Cugat.
Reception
The New York Times found the film interesting but leisurely and predictable, with a heavy Hollywood Western feel despite the exotic setting.