Colorful and thrilling movie based on facts , set in rural South of Spain in the 19th century about Andalucian bandits , plenty of thrills , action and strong drama. This motion picture is a Spanish/Italian co-production compellingly realized by José Maria Forqué . It packs gorgeous outdoors, adequate cinematography , a sad soundtrack and luxurious costumes ; all meld together under José Maria Forqué's enjoyable direction . It is set during the 19th century , it tells the story of group of outlaws , from very different origins, attempting to survive , hiding from the law enforcement officers and their fighting against the evil mining company that exploits the unfortunate people of their home village . Set in Andalucia where had been proliferating ruthless bandits, who alone or in bands , engulfing the region with merciless assaults and ominous murders . For ironies of history, many bandits were good benefactors of the humble and poor people, giving rise to the glamorous as well as romantic legends of the generous Andalucian Bandidos . In fact, almost all of them were selfish and ambitious men , who could not be expected no sense humanitarian . These gangs were cruel and savage outlaws that infested the area from Sierra Morena and surroundings . These Bandoleros seem to have a whole praise by singing "Coplas of blind" sung in couplets and romances of blind singers which dedicated to bandits as "Lucero" , ¨Luis Candelas¨ , or ¨7 Niños de Écija¨ . It begins with Andrés (Luis Peña) killing a foreman , being helped by Pedro (Alberto Farnese) who accidentally kills a warden ; then , both of whom flee and trying to embark towards America . Along with their women Rosario (Isabel de Pomes) and Maria (Luisella Boni) fleeing from justice , take refuge in caves in a hilly area , in Sierra Morena , Andalucia and they join forces with a band led by ¨Juan Cuenca " (Francisco Rabal) . As the gang is commanded by "Juán Cuenca", whose name runs throughout the mountains and villages , being relentlessly frightened and hated by townsfolk .
This interesting film contains a parable of freedom and justice and dealing with the "good thief" from the Christian tradition , where one of the condemned is pardoned by "Jesus¨ El Rico . Nice acting by Francisco Rabal in the role a nineteenth century Andalusian bandit , a character similar to ¨Llanto para un Bandido¨by Carlos Saura. It has magnificent scenarios masterfully photographed by the great cameraman Cecilio Paniagua and including gorgeous landscapes predominating throughout the story . It was one of the first color films produced in the country . Being shot on various locations in Burgos, Castilla y León, Marbella, Málaga, Serranía de Ronda, Ronda, Málaga, Andalucía , Spain. Adding atmospheric Andalusian guitar-based music by the then prestigious guitarist Regino Sáinz de la Maza. The movie achieved a deserved award in Berlin as Silver Berlin Bear and Nominated Golden Berlin Bear . Besides , it won Cinema Writers Circle Awards, Spain 1958, CEC Award Best Actor Francisco Rabal . And National Syndicate of Spectacle, Spain 1957 Won Prize of the National Syndicate of Spectacle Best Film , Best Actor Francisco Rabal and Best Supporting Actor Luis Peña .
The motion picture was well directed by prolific filmmaker José Maria Forqué and shot with great flair. Here Forqué carries out a decent , nimble and professional direction , though including some flaws and gaps. José María Forqué was born in Zaragoza , being father of actress Verónica Forqué and director Álvaro Forqué . He was a director and writer, known for filming some classic Spanish films , such as : ¨Un Millon En La Basura¨ (1967) , ¨Accidente 703¨ (1962) , ¨Amanecer en Puerta Oscura¨ (1957) , ¨Embajadores En Infierno¨ (1956) and especially ¨Atraco a Las Tres¨ (1962) . And shot successful TV series : ¨Miguel Servet¨ and ¨Ramon Y Cajal¨ . He also filmed some international co-productions such as ¨Tarot¨ with Gloria Grahame , Sue Lyon , Fernando Rey , ¨Mujer De Tierra Caliente¨ with Stuart Whitman , Laura Gemser , Paola Senatore , "It's Nothing Bad, Mama, It's Only a Game" with David Hemmings , Alda Valli , ¨A Devil Under the Pillow¨ with Ingrid Thulin, Gabriele Ferzetti , Maurice Ronet and ¨El Ojo Del Huracan¨ or ¨In the eye of hurricane¨ with Tony Kendall , Jean Sorel , among others . Forqué also made the succesful musical: ¨Dame Un Poco De Amooor¨ or ¨Bring a Little Loving" full of video-clips realized in Richard Lester's ¨Help¨ and ¨A hard day's night¨ style . Rating
Amanecer en Puerta Oscura(1957): 6.5/10 . The film will appeal to enthusiasts of Spanish classics, as well as fans of Francisco Rabal.
