The ’70s Spaghetti Western Called ‘a Failure Upon Release’ Is Finally Getting a Second Chance

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By the early 1970s, American movies were changing, and audiences were losing interest in older styles and stories. This happened because the film industry wanted to stay current and relevant. The Godfather was a massive hit, especially in Italy, where it significantly impacted filmmaking. Around this time, the popular Spaghetti Western genre was starting to decline after a long period of success.

Spaghetti Westerns made in the early 1970s weren’t initially as highly regarded as those from the 1960s that truly established the genre. But recently, fans have revisited these later films and now see them as important parts of the Spaghetti Western collection. This reevaluation includes films by directors like Sergio Leone, such as Duck, You Sucker!, and Sergio Corbucci, like Compañeros. In fact, one of Corbucci’s most acclaimed films is now receiving greater recognition.

Sonny and Jed Is Sergio Corbucci’s Most Underrated Spaghetti Western

Dedicated Western fans are familiar with Sonny and Jed as it marked the conclusion of Sergio Corbucci’s impressive career making Spaghetti Westerns. While Sergio Leone’s Dollars trilogy heavily influenced the genre, Corbucci’s 1966 film Django was also incredibly impactful. Like many Italian directors at the time, Corbucci built upon Leone’s success, having directed several Westerns in the early and mid-1960s, culminating in what is considered his best work: Django.

As much as I love his earlier work, I don’t think Sergio Corbucci really hit his stride until a few years later. 1968 was definitely his peak, giving us the wildly fun The Mercenary and, in my opinion, his absolute masterpiece, The Great Silence. Even as the Spaghetti Western boom started to fade in the early 70s, he kept delivering great films like Compañeros and Sonny and Jed. Speaking of which, Sonny and Jed is seriously underrated – the acting in that one is fantastic, and it deserves way more attention!

As a Western fan, I always appreciate when a film feels both familiar and fresh, and 1972’s Sonny and Jed really delivers. It definitely nods to those classic Italian Westerns of the ’60s – you get all the tropes and themes you’d expect. But what’s interesting is how it breaks the mold a little. Instead of relying on American stars for everything, they cast Telly Savalas as the villain, which was a smart move. More importantly, the heroes, Sonny and Jed Trigado – brilliantly played by Tomas Milian and Susan George – aren’t your typical Hollywood leads, giving the film a really unique feel. It’s a great example of how taking a slightly different approach can really make a movie stand out.

Sonny and Jed is a visually striking and energetic Western that holds its own against other classics from the 1970s. The film is also surprisingly well-structured, giving both lead characters satisfying conclusions and neatly tying up the story. Its fast-paced, ‘Bonnie and Clyde’-style approach, with the two outlaws constantly on the move and dominating each town they visit, is what truly sets it apart.

Though Tomas Milian plays a flawed and often unlikeable criminal named Jed, the film truly revolves around Susan George’s character, Sonny. She steals the show in Sonny and Jed with a powerful, funny, and captivating performance that greatly enhances the movie’s enjoyment. Director Sergio Corbucci once again showcases his talent for action with exciting robberies and gunfights, all set to a fantastic score by Ennio Morricone. Sonny and Jed is another excellent Spaghetti Western and arguably Corbucci’s most overlooked masterpiece.

Sonny and Jed Is Quietly A Perfect Romantic Comedy In the Middle Of A Western

Viewers will likely notice that Sonny and Jed feels dated. The film also contains troubling themes and moments. While Jed starts out as an unpleasant character, Sonny’s arrival begins to change him. Their initial encounter isn’t very romantic, and the film inadvertently highlights patterns of harmful masculinity and unhealthy relationships. Though Sonny and Jed’s relationship is clearly toxic, the film’s setting provides a fitting backdrop for it.

After finding its rhythm, Sonny and Jed is both an exciting action movie and a genuinely funny comedy. The way the film shifts tones and blends genres actually strengthens its central themes and character development. The biggest impact comes from Sonny’s transformation – she starts the movie as someone who follows orders, but by the end, she’s leading the way. A key moment showcases their dynamic: Jed initially treats Sonny as a subordinate, always keeping her at a distance. But as Sonny gains confidence, discovers who she is, and becomes stronger, the tables turn, and Jed is left trailing behind her.

“Sonny and Jed” is a story about people facing hardship and trying to survive difficult times. The film delves into Jed’s past, particularly his family life, to explain his motivations. Sonny is also struggling, shown as someone constantly on the move, searching for a better life. Initially, she’s drawn to the outlaw lifestyle as a way to escape poverty and worry, and she seeks guidance from Jed, a well-known outlaw of his time. As they work together, a romantic connection develops, becoming a central part of the narrative.

Sonny and Jed Trigado have a deeply flawed, even harmful, relationship, but their chaotic energy and witty back-and-forth make them a funny pair throughout the movie. This is especially true during their robberies, which also show how Sonny evolves as an outlaw. The scene in the barn is particularly humorous, as Sonny’s drunken behavior attracts the police and leads to a comical chase through a cornfield. Despite their issues, audiences find themselves supporting Sonny and Jed, largely due to the development of their unique bond.

Like many famous on-screen crime couples or dysfunctional romantic comedies, Sonny and Jed unexpectedly blends romance and humor into the Western genre – something audiences have enjoyed since at least 1972. Its unique style is reminiscent of Italian genre films, particularly the quirky comedies that gained popularity after the Spaghetti Western boom. Sonny and Jed offers a truly special Western experience, and it’s gaining the recognition it deserves.

Quentin Tarantino Has Most Recently Championed Sonny and Jed

Released in 1972, Sonny and Jed arrived after a hugely successful period of Spaghetti Westerns directed by Sergio Corbucci, but as the genre’s popularity was already declining in Italy. As a result, many fans considered it a step down from Corbucci’s best films, and general audiences were simply losing interest in Westerns. It wasn’t that viewers disliked Sonny and Jed specifically; they were just ready for something different. Because of this, the film was initially seen as unsuccessful.

Since its original release, Sonny and Jed has gained a growing following, particularly as the Spaghetti Western genre has found new fans over the years. Many films from this period that were once overlooked are now considered beloved cult classics. Filmmakers have often cited Sonny and Jed as an influence, and recently, Quentin Tarantino has become a vocal champion of the movie, even featuring it on his The Video Archives Podcast. Decades after its release, fans continue to advocate for greater recognition of this film.

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2025-12-29 02:14