Originally Posted by RAGHAVENDRA
Dear Rakesh,
I too am happy to be amidst this thread, because during mid 60-s, English films meant mostly westerners, occasionally films like Cleopatra and other war and historic films filling the gap. We were mostly be present either at the Shanthi Theatre or Casino. Most memorable films were screened there, being in partner with Paramount Pictures. Once Upon a Time in the West was one among them, which was among the best western films (of course they were based on Mexico or Italy as you said). It impressed that generation very much that Karnan took charge of it to give them in Tamil (though they were on the border of soft porn). His cinematography though jerking at times, were extraordinary for Tamil film audience, particularly the black and white master pieces like Kalam Vellum, Ganga, etc.
There was another westerner that was released at the Pilot, The Ballad of Cable Hogue, which too was publicised for wrong reasons. It had excellent cinematography.
The genre of Western films, definitely owe a lot to Clint Eastwood. But it was Gregory Peck and Omar Shariff starred McKenna's Gold which created a craze for westerners among all sections of Tamil audience.
Thank you for giving an opportunity for a journey down memory lane.
Raghavendran