A memorable opening scene followed by a solid screenplay. It has one of the better western directors/ leading men teaming up again, plus a very respected writer. Lee Marvin also gives a helping hand.
Gives the spy people a well–deserved poke in the eye with Alec Guinness carrying the sharp stick. There is a terrific cast to abet him and the location shooting is impressive.
Although the screenplay doesn't run smoothly at times, maybe because it is shorter than the original version, it is nevertheless an interesting story performed by an interesting cast.