Duck, You Sucker
Duck, You Sucker

Duck, You Sucker

1971Movie157 minItalian

At the beginning of the 1913 Mexican Revolution, greedy bandit Juan Miranda and idealist John H. Mallory, an Irish Republican Army explosives expert on the lam from the British, fall in with a band of revolutionaries plotting to strike a national bank. When it turns out that the government has been using the bank as a hiding place for illegally detained political prisoners -- who are freed by the blast -- Miranda becomes a revolutionary hero against his will.

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IMDb7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes78%
Google Users84%
Director: Sergio LeoneGenres: Western, Adventure, Action, Drama

Plot Summary

Set during the Mexican Revolution, the film follows Juan Miranda, a bandit and explosives expert, and Sean Mallory, an Irish Republican Army explosives expert and fugitive. The unlikely pair find themselves drawn into the conflict, initially seeking personal gain but ultimately becoming entangled in the revolutionary cause. Their journey is marked by a mix of dark humor, explosive action, and evolving camaraderie.

Critical Reception

Initially met with mixed reviews, 'Duck, You Sucker' has since been re-evaluated as a complex and visually stunning Spaghetti Western. While some critics found its plot convoluted and its tone uneven, many now praise its ambitious scope, Leone's distinctive visual style, and the performances of its lead actors. It is often considered one of Leone's more unconventional but rewarding films, appreciated for its blend of political commentary and explosive set pieces.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its epic scale and Sergio Leone's signature visual flair.
  • Rod Steiger and James Coburn deliver memorable performances as an odd couple caught in revolution.
  • The film's blend of action, dark humor, and political undertones is a hallmark of Leone's style, though sometimes unevenly balanced.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciate the film's unique blend of action and character development, particularly the dynamic between the two leads. Some viewers find the plot complex, but the overall sentiment is positive, highlighting the thrilling sequences and Leone's directorial vision.

Fun Fact

The film's original title in Italy was 'Giù la testa' (Dumb the Head), but it was changed to 'Duck, You Sucker' for its US release to capitalize on the popularity of Leone's previous film, 'A Fistful of Dollars' (which in the US was also retitled from its original Italian title 'Per un pugno di dollari').

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Another wonderfully ground-breaking western from Sergio Leone with a memorable score from Ennio Morricone - this time with Rod Steiger as a bit of a low life bandit who encounters James Coburn - a IRA explosives expert on the run from the B...