Unter Geiern (1964)

The first of the Old Surhand Karl May Westerns, with Stewart Granger and Terence Hill. UFA German R0 boxset disc.

 

Ranchers Martin Baumann and his dad, along with Apache Indian Winnetou head off to hunt the bear that has been terrorising their flock. On their return the ranch is ablaze and Martin finds his mother and sister dead. There are arrows all around and Baumann Sr. immediately blames the Indians, but Winnetou suspects that all is not as it seems. Meanwhile, Old Surehand(Stewart Granger) arrives on the scene with young  Annie Dillman (Elke Sommer) who is carrying a belt full of gold. Surehand and Winnetou, along with Martin, discover that there is a group of bandits called the Vulture Gang near-by who they think are involved in the killings, but soon find themselves having to rescue Annie from them, and save a group of settlers who the Vultures plan to rob...

The fourth of Rialto Studio's Karl May Westerns, Under Vultures is the first of three films starring Old Surehand instead of Old Shatterhand. Although their earlier FSK-6 (similar to a PG rating) rated films had proven popular, the studio decided to add some diversity with this parallel series of more mature films rated FSK-12 (similar to a UK 12 or US PG-13 rating). Accordingly, Under Vultures is more western than adventure film, and darker on tone than its predecessors - the opening murder of Baumann's wife and young daughter is quite shocking (although not shown onscreen) - although the later films in the series would be darker still and there are still some elements of the youthful adventure stories in here (at one point Surehand is set a classic life or death challenge by the Indian tribe). The film builds up to a suitably interesting and dramatic climax, although there are a few unanswered questions and a few continuity problems - an interesting sequence in "The Valley of Death" is rushed through far too quickly, and there are a few lighter comic scenes that distract from the tone of the film.

Direction from Alfred Vohrer, who also directed Old Surehand (1965) and the later Old Firehand (1966), is strong - emphasising the action scenes, while keeping the dialogue sequences interesting and keeping the plot moving with some impressive special effects set-pieces, although there are several scenes let down by obvious day-for-night effects and the background music is rather unoriginal for this series.

Pierre Brice plays Winnetou again, and this time he is joined by Stewart Granger - a relatively major Hollywood player in the early 1960s, he was forced out by the influence of his ex-wife and came to Europe. Although hardly the Old Surehand of the books (a big, long brown haired man) he gives the role a good shot and comes off well - notably he seems much more fallible and human than Lex Barker's often larger-than-life portrayal of Old Shatterhand, fitting, considering the more realistic tone of this film. The attractive Elke Sommer looks very good in her role as Annie, while series regular Götz George looks good as Martin, once more saving his woman from kidnappers. Occasional American Western actor Walter Barnes plays Baumann Sr. with some good authority, while future Spaghetti Western star Terence Hill (credited as Mario Girotti) gets a small role as a settler later on in the film.

Under Vultures is an interesting attempt to do something new with the Karl May series, and it should appeal to fans of the Classic Westerns, although it lacks most of the adventure elements that make the Winnetou series so fun, or the grit of the later entries. Still, it comes recommended, especially to fans of the series.

All text in this review written by Timothy Young - 23rd November. 2006.
Text from this review not to be used without authorization.

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