Hannie Caulder (1971)

Raquel Welch plays the titular Hannie, a woman on a mission to exact revenge upon a trio of men who stormed into her life and left it in ruins.
There's a scene early in the film that's harrowing to watch, given additional wallop by a powerful musical accompaniment. It's the reason the story goes in the direction it does, but a subsequent turn of events weakens the set-up. It's as if the makers feared they'd gone too far and attempted to alleviate the criticism they might receive. I feel that was a mistake, and is likely the reason the film is remembered more for its beginning than for its entirety.
Welch's character works best when silent. Thankfully, Robert Culp is on hand to pick up the slack there, doubling as tutor and mentor in both practicalities and the more meaningful soul-searching aspects of the story.

3 cold nights out of 5

Return of the Magnificent Seven (1966)

RotMS again features a village threatened by an outside force, but the men's reasons for giving aid are different. For some of them it’s personal.
Most of the seven are different, too. Some are less noble but no less capable with a gun, which is just as well because the enemy numbers are higher.
Brynner’s the focal point of the group conscience and an experienced tactician, extending influence only to those that he knows want and need it.
It’s a step down in quality. The story isn't as good and the characters aren't as memorable. Nevertheless, it's still a decent Western for the most part and despite a few missteps that damage the film at a time when it should be at its peak the last half hour brings the score up.

3 little talks out of 5