A Talent for Loving
A Talent for Loving

Movie spotlight

A Talent for Loving

1969
Movie
110 min
English

This Western spoof stars Richard Widmark as an American gambler who wins the deed to a Mexican ranch from a cunning outlaw. At the ranch, the gambler discovers that his new lands have entangled him in an ancient Aztec curse. The ranch's patriarch tries to persuade the newcomer to marry his daughter and explains that the family's women are doomed to be especially fierce and prolific in their romantic encounters.

Insights

IMDb5.4/10
Director: Richard ThorpeGenres: Western, Comedy, Romance

Plot Summary

In 1880s Arizona, a wealthy rancher, Josh Holden, is known for his inability to make decisions, which has cost him many opportunities, including two fiancées. His luck changes when he meets the beautiful Gladys, who is captivated by his indecisiveness, seeing it as a sign of gentle nature. However, his continued indecisiveness leads to further complications, especially when the villainous Bandolero attempts to steal Gladys's inheritance.

Critical Reception

A Talent for Loving received a largely negative reception from critics and audiences alike. It was often criticized for its weak plot, inconsistent tone, and dated humor, failing to live up to the expectations of a classic Western-comedy.

What Reviewers Say

  • Panned for its nonsensical plot and weak comedy.

  • Considered a poorly executed attempt at a Western-comedy.

  • Criticized for its lack of charm and overall dullness.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce, but the film is generally regarded as a forgettable and poorly made Western-comedy.

Fun Fact

Dolly Read, who plays Gladys, was a former Playboy Playmate of the Year and this was one of her few film roles.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review