Savage Pampas (1966 film)

Produced byStarringCinematographyManuel BerenguerEdited byJuan SerraMusic byWaldo de los RíosDistributed byComet Pictures (US)112 minutesCountriesLanguageEnglish

Savage Pampas is a 1966 American Western film directed by Hugo Fregonese and starring Robert Taylor, Ron Randell and Marc Lawrence.^[1] The film was a co-production between Argentina, Spain and the United States, and was a remake of the 1945 Argentine film of the same title which Fregonese had co-directed.^[2][3] The film's location shooting took place in Spain, a popular location for westerns during the era. The film's action is set in the Argentine Pampas around the time of the Conquest of the Desert.^{[citation needed]}

Set during the 1870s, life is hard for soldiers on the outskirts of Argentine control. The pragmatic Captain Martin struggles to retain control over a ragtag Argentine Army, made up of largely conscripted criminals. Joined by Lt. Del Río, who just graduated from the newly created Military Institute of Buenos Aires, Cpt. Martin faces mass desertions due to soldiers refusing to serve without women at the garrisons.^{[citation needed]}

These desperate men slip off in the night to join the ranks of Padrón, a charismatic bandit who leads an army made up of indigenous fighters and army deserters. Padrón has a standing offer of a woman to every soldier who changes sides, and many men have taken notice. Loyalties are divided, until Cpt. Martin looks to turn the tables: by bringing women to his own men.^{[citation needed]}

In 1958 it was announced Stephen Barclay would produce 12 films in Argentina with Mendoza Films and Guaranteed Pictures. They were to include Savage Pampas which was to be produced and directed by Hugo Fregonese.^[4] Pampas was based on a true story about an encounter between white settlers and Indians in 1830 Argentina.^[5]

The film was not made for another decade.^[6]

• List of American films of 1966

• Pitts, Michael R. Western Movies: A Guide to 5,105 Feature Films. McFarland, 2012.

• Savage Pampas at IMDb
• Savage Pampas at Letterbox DVD