Starblack (Giovanni Grimaldi, 1966)

MABUSECAST · May 11, 2024, 9:58pm

I finally tracked this one down today! I gave it a spin and ended up really loving it!
This spaghetti western hidden gem feels as if a masked western hero like the lone ranger walked into a more violent Italian western from the 1960s!

Its a great way to spend an little over 90 minutes with just how it plays with the trappings of its genre and turns them on its head while still being a pretty fun example of the genre!

Mickey13 · November 19, 2024, 4:00pm

Copied from the Spagvemberfest 2024 thread:

Spagvemberfest 2024 - 30 coffins won’t be enough

In spite of some emblematically Italian violence and Grimaldi’s stylish execution, the tout ensemble does not exactly pan out in virtue of its underwhelming script. The story essentially combines elements of a Zorro yarn and a revenge arc, ultimately proving interesting in neither regard. The issue consists in that the Zorro whodunit component, for want of a better phrase, is quite tenuous and it is easy to see how the mystery is going to unfold in the long term. The vengeance subplot, on the other hand, does not figure prominently in the proceedings until right before the climax, so what constitutes narrative’s main pillar for all intents and purposes enters the equation belatedly for the most part. As a consequence, the storyline boils down to a ceaseless back and forth between Starblack and the local bad guy, the former assisting the poor townsfolk in repelling the assailants sent by the primary antagonist and then the latter throwing a tantrum, after which all goes back to square one. Needless to say, this makes for a rather repetitive watch, however, Grimaldi’s vigorous execution, film’s bounteous dispensation of violence and a number of memorable scenes, e.g. Starblack’s poker game, ensure that the project stays fresh despite its various failings. Hence, its defects notwithstanding, this one is pure spaghetti and for that, well worth a view.

Rachou1977 · January 2, 2025, 9:06am

Bubz · December 17, 2025, 10:32pm

Prior to starting this review, I’m not entirely sure I saw a complete or correct cut of the film, as some of the pacing felt off, certain scenes seemed to chop and change, and the soundtrack felt more at home in a quiz show than a spaghetti western… Edit - I’ve just found a different (and much better quality version on YouTube) and can confirm that the one I watched must have stripped out the original soundtrack. Ok, a little rattled but here goes…

To me, Starblack came across as extremely cheesy and goofy, containing some very questionable and bland filming locations, with below average acting and well below average production value… The story, as most have highlighted, was extremely basic, borderline boring (although I do love a straight forward spag western).

But… My goodness, this was fun… I’m not an expert in this genre but I just feel like you know what you’re going to get when it comes to a Robert Woods flick, even though this was one of the earlier ones… That insane laughter at random moments as a key example. He had/has a great amount of presence, range and believability. Those goofy, fun westerns were perfect for him, but then at the same time he could handle the more serious stuff too.

I liked some parts of the action, there was one particular action sequence around an hour through, when Woods’ character got surrounded by the bandits (6 or 7 of them) and that came across really nice.

Also really like the support cast, thought “Curry” (Franco Lantieri) was great, as were Elga Andersen and Howard Ross.

Little surprised that this doesn’t get more love. Overall, it’s going to get…. 7/10 from me. The Robert Woods factor prevented it from being a 5 I think.

Gritz · December 18, 2025, 2:31am

I have never watched Starblack…something I will have to rectify soon! Nice review

Bill_Willer · December 29, 2025, 3:01pm

I like it a fair bit too.

It’s definitely worth a try although some hate it.

Perdono · December 30, 2025, 9:41pm

The story is a bit far-fetched, but I really like the film. It’s entertaining and you don’t feel like you’ve wasted your time watching it. 8/10.

The actors seemed to enjoy themselves too…

Bill_Willer · December 31, 2025, 4:34pm

I think it was trying to be to an extent. I think it was trying to be a like a comic in film form…even more so than some of Corbucci’s stuff and I think it worked.

I didn’t either. I can see why it’s a bit marmite though…it is a bit of an odd one (but a likeable odd one I think).

Perdono · December 31, 2025, 5:39pm

The soundtrack is a big part of why I like the movie so much. Here’s a small example:

And the German Colosseo Blu-ray is truly a fantastic release!

Bill_Willer · January 1, 2026, 4:58pm

I haven’t actually watched mine yet…I need to. I agree with you on the music as well.

Perdono · January 1, 2026, 8:12pm

Why do You hessitate?

Bill_Carson · January 8, 2026, 6:07pm

I second that. The Colosseo release ist really fantastic ! Bad enough that we will never get new releases…

runner · January 13, 2026, 6:42pm

Hmm, 5 minutes was enough for me. Woods looked and sounded more like Gemma and I am not in the mood for that kind of rubbish