The Magnificent Seven facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Magnificent Seven |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | John Sturges |
| Produced by | John Sturges |
| Screenplay by |
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| Starring | |
| Music by | Elmer Bernstein |
| Cinematography | Charles Lang |
| Editing by | Ferris Webster |
| Studio |
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| Distributed by | United Artists |
| Release date(s) | October 12, 1960 |
| Running time | 128 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $2 million |
| Money made | $9.75 million (rentals) |
The Magnificent Seven is a classic 1960 American Western film. It was directed by John Sturges. This movie is a remake of a famous 1954 Japanese film called Seven Samurai. That film was also known as The Magnificent Seven when it first came out in the United States.
The story is about seven skilled gunfighters. They are hired to protect a small village in Mexico. The village is constantly attacked by a group of bandits. The film stars famous actors like Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, and Eli Wallach.
The Magnificent Seven was released on October 12, 1960. It became very popular and is considered one of the best Western films ever made. Its exciting music score was created by Elmer Bernstein. This music was even nominated for an Academy Award. The film has also been chosen to be kept safe in the United States National Film Registry. This means it is important for culture and history.
Contents
Story of the Seven Gunfighters
Bandits Attack the Village
A group of bandits, led by a man named Calvera, often raids a poor Mexican village. They steal food and supplies. After one harsh raid, the village leaders decide they must fight back. They send three villagers to a nearby town. Their goal is to trade their few valuable items for weapons.
Hiring the Heroes
In a town in the United States, the villagers meet Chris. He is a skilled gunslinger. Chris tells them it's better to hire fighters than just buy guns. He says "men are cheaper than guns." Chris agrees to help them find brave men. Soon, he becomes their leader.
Even though the pay is small, Chris finds five more gunfighters. They include Vin, a gambler who is out of money. There's also Harry, who thinks Chris is hiding a bigger reward. Bernardo is an Irish Mexican who is having a tough time. Britt is amazing with both knives and guns. Lee is a stylish gunman, but he is troubled by bad memories.
Chico Joins the Group
On their way to the village, a young, eager gunfighter named Chico follows them. He had tried to join Chris before but was turned away. Chris is impressed by Chico's determination. He finally lets Chico join the group, making them seven.
Preparing for Battle
When they arrive at the village, the seven gunfighters help the villagers. They build strong defenses and teach them how to fight. The gunfighters notice there are no women in the village. Chico soon finds out the women were hidden for safety. The gunfighters start to become friends with the villagers. Petra, one of the hidden women, becomes interested in Chico. The gunfighters even share their good food with the village children.
First Fight with Calvera
Three of Calvera's men come to check on the village. Because of a mistake by Chico, the seven gunfighters have to kill all three. A few days later, Calvera and his bandits arrive in full force. The seven gunfighters and the villagers fight bravely. They kill eleven bandits and make the rest run away. The villagers celebrate, thinking Calvera will not return.
Calvera's Return and a New Plan
However, Chico secretly goes to Calvera's camp. He learns that Calvera will come back because his men are still hungry. Some villagers become scared and want the gunfighters to leave. Even some of the seven wonder if they should go. But Chris insists they must stay and fight.
The seven decide to attack Calvera's camp first. But they find it empty. When they return to the village, Calvera and his men are already there. Some villagers had helped the bandits sneak in. Calvera captures the seven gunfighters. He lets them live, partly because he thinks they are upset about the villagers' betrayal. He also fears what their friends across the border might do.
A Difficult Choice
As they prepare to leave, Chris and Vin realize they care deeply for the village. Bernardo gets angry when the boys he befriended call their parents cowards. Chico says he hates the villagers. Chris reminds him that he grew up as a farmer too. Chico angrily says that men like Calvera and Chris made the villagers weak.
The bandits escort the seven gunfighters out of the village and give them back their weapons. The seven discuss what to do next. All of them agree to go back and fight, except Harry. He thinks it's a hopeless fight.
The Final Battle
The gunfighters sneak back into the village, and a big gunfight begins. Harry, who changed his mind, returns just in time to save Chris's life. But Harry is shot and dies. Chris tells a small lie about hidden gold to make Harry believe he died for a fortune. Harry smiles before he passes away. Lee bravely bursts into a house where villagers are held. He frees them, but he is shot as he leaves. Bernardo is shot while protecting the boys he befriended. He tells them to see how bravely their fathers fought before he dies. Britt dies after fighting many bandits. Chris shoots Calvera, who asks why Chris came back for the village. The remaining bandits run away.
After the Fight
Chico decides to stay in the village with Petra. Chris and Vin say goodbye to the village elder. The elder tells them that only the villagers have truly won. He says the gunfighters are "like the wind, blowing over the land and passing on." As Chris and Vin pass the graves of their fallen friends, Chris agrees that the elder was right.
Meet the Cast
The Seven Heroes
- Yul Brynner as Chris Adams, the leader of the seven gunfighters.
- Steve McQueen as Vin Tanner, a skilled drifter.
- Horst Buchholz as Chico, the young and passionate shooter.
- Charles Bronson as Bernardo O'Reilly, a professional fighter needing money.
- Robert Vaughn as Lee, a veteran dealing with past trauma.
- Brad Dexter as Harry Luck, who is looking for treasure.
- James Coburn as Britt, an expert with knives.
Other Important Characters
- Eli Wallach as Calvera, the leader of the bandits.
- Vladimir Sokoloff as the wise old man of the village.
- Rosenda Monteros as Petra, a young woman from the village.
- Robert J. Wilke as Wallace, one of Calvera's men.
Making the Movie
How the Idea Started
The idea to remake the Japanese film Seven Samurai came from Lou Morheim. He bought the rights to make a new version in the US. Later, actor Yul Brynner's company got involved. Brynner wanted to star in the film.
Writing the Script
Writing the movie's script was a bit complicated. Several writers worked on it. Walter Newman wrote a version that is mostly what you see in the film. When he couldn't be on set in Mexico, William Roberts was hired. He made changes, partly because of rules from Mexican censors.
Choosing the Actors
Director John Sturges really wanted Steve McQueen for the movie. But McQueen was busy with his TV show, Wanted Dead or Alive. To get out of his TV contract, McQueen, who loved racing cars, pretended to have a car accident. He claimed he had a neck injury and couldn't work on his show. This allowed him to film The Magnificent Seven.
James Coburn was a big fan of the original Seven Samurai film. He had seen it 15 times! He got his role as the knife expert with help from his friend and co-star, Robert Vaughn.
Filming in Mexico
Filming began on March 1, 1960, in Mexico. The movie makers built both the village and the US border town just for the film. They shot scenes in places like Cuernavaca and Tepoztlán.
During filming, there was some tension between Yul Brynner and Steve McQueen. McQueen felt his character didn't have enough lines. To get more attention, McQueen would do things like shield his eyes with his hat or flip a coin during Brynner's speeches. Brynner would sometimes build a small dirt mound to look taller than McQueen, and McQueen would kick it away.
Movie Music
The Famous Score
The exciting music for The Magnificent Seven was composed by Elmer Bernstein. His main theme is very well-known. It helps make the movie feel even more adventurous. The original music album was not released until much later.
The music has been used in many other places. For example, it was used in commercials for Marlboro cigarettes for many years. You might also hear parts of it in the James Bond film Moonraker or in episodes of The Simpsons that have a Western theme. The main theme is also played at Disneyland Paris on the railroad ride.
Awards for the Music
At the 33rd Academy Awards, Elmer Bernstein's music was nominated for Best Score. In 2005, the score for The Magnificent Seven was listed as one of the top 25 American film scores by the American Film Institute.
Movie Release
The film first opened on October 12, 1960. It was shown in many theaters across the southern and southwestern parts of the United States.
Other Versions of the Story
Sequel Movies
Three sequel films were made after the original:
- Return of the Seven (1966)
- Guns of the Magnificent Seven (1969)
- The Magnificent Seven Ride! (1972)
Only Yul Brynner returned as Chris Adams in the first sequel. None of the sequels were as popular as the first movie.
Television Series
The film also inspired a TV show called The Magnificent Seven. It ran from 1998 to 2000. Robert Vaughn, who played Lee in the original movie, appeared as a guest star. He played a judge who hired the seven to protect a town.
Space Remake
The 1980 science fiction film Battle Beyond the Stars was an unofficial remake of The Magnificent Seven. It told a similar story but was set in space! A group of space mercenaries, including one played by Robert Vaughn, defended farmers from space raiders.
Newer Remake
A new remake of The Magnificent Seven was released in 2016. It was directed by Antoine Fuqua. It starred actors like Denzel Washington and Chris Pratt. There are also plans for a new TV show based on the film.
See also
In Spanish: The Magnificent Seven para niños
