Budd Boetticher: One On One

Noted film historian Tony Thomas is the host and narrator of this engaging portrait of filmmaker Budd Boetticher. Interviewing Boetticher and his wife Mary in their San Diego County home, Thomas queries the director about his early influences (the Baron Von Richtofen was his hero), and his entry into Hollywood. Hired on as a technical advisor (Boetticher was a trained bullfighter) for the 1940 film Blood and Sand, the 24-year-old went on to direct a series of classic westerns during the 50s, starring the legendary Randolph Scott. Boetticher warmly recalls his relationship with Scott, as well as with actor Audie Murphy, and relates the harrowing incidents surrounding the making of his bullfighting epic Arruza. An interesting man, Boetticher today is the subject of renewed interest at film study schools, and is also renowned for his raising and training of beautiful Lusitano horses. The interview closes with Boetticher's trenchant comments about today's Hollywood, a quagmire of mediocrity and special effects which, in the former director's opinion, bears little resemblance to the Hollywood of old. Sprightly dialogue, juicy (yet levelheaded) gossip, and wonderful clips and stills make this an enjoyable retrospective for film buffs and general audiences alike. Highly recommended. (Available from: Sabado Film Productions, Ltd., P. O. Box 27234, San Diego, CA 92128.)