The Japanese ambassador (Tetsu Nakamura) is travelling through the American west by train on his way to see President Grant in Washington DC when bandits hold up the train to rob a gold shipment.
The bandits also take an ancient Japanese ceremonial sword the ambassador is carrying as a gift for the President from the Emperor of Japan.
The ambassador’s samurai bodyguard Kuroda Jubei (Japan’s reigning screen star Toshiro Mifune), goes after them, aided – in an uneasy alliance – by Link Stuart (Charles Bronson), one of the gang’s leaders who has been betrayed by Gauche (Alain Delon) and his confederates.
Gauche’s girlfriend Cristina (Ursula Andress) is plucked out of a small-town brothel as bait, and the grand finale takes place with a Commanche raid thrown in for good measure.
This French production – made in Spain with a truly international cast – is a violent and swiftly-paced film. Originally released as Soleil Rouge.
Link Stuart
Charles Bronson
Cristina
Ursula Andress
Kuroda Jubei
Toshirô Mifune
Gauche
Alain Delon
Pepita
Capucine
Paco
Barta Barri (as Bart Barry)
Mace
Guido Lollobrigida (as Lee Burton)
Hyatt
Anthony Dawson
Miguel
Gianni Medici (as John Hamilton)
Sheriff Stone
Georges Lycan
Chato
Luc Merenda
Japanese Ambassador
Tetsu Nakamura (as Satoshi Nakamura)
Peppie
Julio Peña
Maria
Mónica Randall
Director
Terence Young