A Fistful of Dollars

A Fistful of Dollars

Year: 1967

Runtime: 99 min

Language: Italian

Director: Sergio Leone

Western

A mysterious stranger known only as Joe arrives in the small, impoverished town of San Miguel, where the corrupt and ruthless families of Rojo and Baxter are locked in a bitter feud. Joe, a skilled gunslinger with a hidden past, finds himself caught between the warring factions. He exploits their conflict for his own purposes, playing them against each other while carefully concealing his true intentions. As tensions escalate and violence erupts, Joe must use his cunning and marksmanship to survive and achieve his goals in the lawless frontier.

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Timeline – A Fistful of Dollars (1967)

Trace every key event in A Fistful of Dollars (1967) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Arrival in San Miguel

The Stranger arrives in the small border town of San Miguel, where he immediately encounters Silvanito, the local innkeeper. Their conversation reveals the violent feud that divides the town, setting the stage for the turmoil that will follow.

San Miguel
2

Introduction to the Feud

The Stranger learns about the two feuding smuggler families: the Rojo brothers and the Baxter family. The tension between these factions, marked by bloodshed and power struggles, presents the Stranger with an opportunity for manipulation.

San Miguel
3

Demonstration of Skill

Upon entering the town, the Stranger showcases his lethal abilities by gunning down four men. This violent display immediately gains the attention of both the Rojo brothers and the Baxters, establishing his fearsome reputation.

San Miguel
4

Deception at the Cemetery

After witnessing the massacre of a group of soldiers, the Stranger concocts a scheme by fabricating the survival of two soldiers. He buries their bodies and spreads rumors to incite conflict between the Rojo and Baxter families.

Cemetery
5

Race to the Cemetery

Both factions rush to the cemetery, each aiming to use the supposed survivors for their advantage. This culminates in a deadly confrontation, resulting in Ramón killing the supposed survivors while Esteban captures Antonio Baxter.

Cemetery
6

Hostage Exchange

The Stranger captures a woman named Marisol and negotiates a trade with the Baxters for Antonio. During this exchange, Ramón orders the execution of Marisol's husband, revealing the ruthless nature of the conflict.

Baxter Ranch
7

Rescue Mission

Under the cover of night, the Stranger takes action to free Marisol from her captors. He disrupts the Rojo celebration, eliminates their guards, and gives Marisol money to escape the violent town.

Rojo Hacienda
8

Baxter Home Burning

In retaliation for the Stranger's interference, the Rojos burn down the Baxter home, killing many innocents. This horrific act of violence underscores the brutality of the ongoing feud and the stakes involved.

Baxter Home
9

Escape in a Coffin

With the Rojos hot on his trail, the Stranger devises a clever escape plan by hiding in a coffin, thanks to Piripero, the coffin maker. This daring maneuver allows him to evade capture temporarily.

San Miguel
10

Return to Confront the Rojos

Learning that Silvanito has been tortured for information about him, the Stranger returns to confront the Rojo brothers. He outfits himself with a steel chest plate, preparing for a showdown against Ramón.

Rojo Hacienda
11

Duel with Ramón

In a tense showdown with Ramón, the Stranger reveals his audacity by challenging him to reload faster than he can shoot. This ultimately leads to Ramón's death, cementing the Stranger's dominance.

Rojo Hacienda
12

End of the Rojo Threat

As the Stranger dispatches the remaining Rojo henchmen, he makes his final shot count by freeing Silvanito. This decisive action marks the downfall of the Rojo brothers and their reign of terror.

Rojo Hacienda
13

Farewell to San Miguel

With the dust settling and chaos abated, the Stranger bids farewell to Silvanito and Piripero. He rides off into the distance, leaving behind the blood-soaked town that was rife with violence and revenge.

San Miguel

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 16:32

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Movies where a lone operator plays both sides like in A Fistful of Dollars

A cunning protagonist exploits a bitter conflict between two powerful factions.If you liked the clever manipulation in A Fistful of Dollars, explore more movies where a cunning protagonist plays warring factions against each other. These films feature high-stakes deception, tense power dynamics, and a lone wolf navigating a dangerous game for their own ends.

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The narrative revolves around a strategic protagonist who identifies a weakness in a system of conflict—often a feud or gang war—and expertly turns the opposing forces against one another. The plot is driven by their escalating schemes, close calls, and the ultimate confrontation when their manipulations are revealed.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives unfold in a setting defined by the absence of formal law, where power is held by corrupt individuals or families. The protagonist, often an anti-hero, brings a form of brutal, personal justice that mirrors the violence of the oppressors, resulting in a resolution that is more about survival and punishment than redemption.

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This thread groups movies that share a specific, gritty vibe: a desolate and dangerous setting, a cynical outlook on justice, a morally ambiguous lead, and a resolution that leaves the world scarred but momentarily free from its worst elements.

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A Fistful of Dollars Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in A Fistful of Dollars

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Characters, Settings & Themes in A Fistful of Dollars

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