A Minute to Pray, A Second to Die

Italian title: Un minuto per pregare, un istante per morire

Directed by Franco Giraldi, 1968

In Tuscosa, New Mexico, the Governor, Gov. Lem Carter (Robert Ryan), offers amnesty papers to all outlaws but gunfighter Clay McCord's appearance triggers a violent confrontation between the local marshal, McCord, and other outlaws. Also starring Arthur Kennedy as Tuscosa Marshall Roy W. Colby.

"Clay McCord (Alex Cord) is an outlaw with a problem. Pursued by the law wherever he goes he is also beginning to suffer increasing spasmic fits which paralyse his shooting arm. Aware that this will increase his vulnerability to danger and also afraid that it is the onset of epilepsy (a condition which led to the death of his father) McCord sets out, first in search of a doctor, then in search of the amnesty being offered by the Governer (Robert Ryan) for all outlaws in the territory. Meanwhile, the marshall of the town where the amnesty is to be handed out (Arthur Kennedy) is doing his utmost to keep any outlaws from getting in to town to gain their freedom. McCord takes refuge in an outlaw colony called Escondido situated just outside of town, takes up with a beautiful girl named Laurinda (Nicoletta Machiavelli) and awaits his chance to reach his goal while his disability becomes increasingly troublesome. 

A Minute to Pray, A Second to Die is a gritty, unforgiving tale of desperate people taking desperate actions in a world devoid of pity or mercy. McCord is shown to be a product of a tragic childhood, scarred by the cruelty of others and the loss of his father to a debilitating disease. The marshall, Colby, despite being a strong figure of the word of law, is shown to be filled with prejudice and cynicism. And the outlaw chief of Escondido, played by Mario Brega, is just plain mean. So far, so good then. Sounds like a recipe for a satisfyingly bleak spaghetti full of violence and downbeat sensibilities. And in truth this is a pretty good film of its type. The mood is sombre throughout, helped by an almost gothic, Mahleresque score from Carlo Rustichelli unlike any other Italian western I can think of, and there is no shortage of drama and action. What is more, it boasts an excellent cast; all of whom carry their parts very well."

~ Phil H, 10 February 2008.