Behind the Scenes of Barquero (1970): Lee Van Cleef’s Rugged River Western

 

By the time Barquero reached theaters in 1970, Lee Van Cleef had already reinvented himself as a cult Western icon thanks to his Italian productions. Barquero stands as an interesting bridge between his European superstardom and his return to American-made Westerns—gritty, morally shaded, and quietly intense.

A Western Built Around a River

Unlike many Westerns that rely on wide-open plains or dusty frontier towns, Barquero is centered on a river crossing, with Van Cleef’s character, Travis, operating a ferry that becomes the story’s symbolic and literal battleground. This unusual setting shaped much of the film’s production.

Filming took place primarily in Colorado, where crews had to contend with fluctuating water levels, weather changes, and the practical challenges of staging action on boats. Scenes involving crossings, shootouts near the water, and nighttime sequences required careful coordination to keep equipment—and actors—safe.

The river itself becomes a character in the film, reinforcing themes of control, neutrality, and survival.

Lee Van Cleef: The Reluctant Hero

Behind the scenes, Van Cleef was known for his professionalism and quiet intensity. Unlike the flamboyant villains and antiheroes he played in spaghetti Westerns, Barquero gave him a more restrained role—one that relied on presence rather than flash.

Van Cleef reportedly appreciated the script’s moral ambiguity. Travis is not a traditional white-hat hero; he’s a man trying to stay neutral in a violent conflict, only to be pushed into action. This restraint aligned well with Van Cleef’s acting style at the time—minimal dialogue, expressive eyes, and controlled physicality.

His calm demeanor on set contrasted with the tension of the story, earning him respect from cast and crew alike.

Director Gordon Douglas and a No-Nonsense Approach

Veteran director Gordon Douglas brought efficiency and experience to the production. Known for working quickly and economically, Douglas focused on clear storytelling rather than stylistic excess. This approach suited Barquero, giving it a grounded, almost fatalistic tone.

Douglas emphasized practical effects and real locations, avoiding over-stylization. Gunfights were staged to feel sudden and brutal, rather than operatic, which gives the film its distinctive edge compared to contemporary Westerns.

Supporting Cast and Character Dynamics

The cast included Forrest Tucker and Warren Oates, both seasoned actors who brought depth to their antagonistic roles. Off camera, Oates in particular was known for his dedication to character work, often discussing motivations and backstory even when it wasn’t explicitly written into the script.

These conversations helped create the simmering tension that defines the film, especially in scenes where violence feels inevitable but delayed.

A Transitional Western

Behind the scenes, Barquero was very much a product of a changing era. By 1970, Westerns were evolving—becoming darker, more cynical, and less romanticized. The film reflects this shift, both in tone and production choices.

While not as stylized as Van Cleef’s Italian films, Barquero carries their influence: morally gray characters, measured pacing, and a sense that violence has lasting consequences.

Legacy and Cult Appreciation

Though Barquero didn’t make a major splash upon release, it has since gained appreciation among Western fans—especially those following Lee Van Cleef’s career arc. Behind the scenes, it represents a moment where Hollywood Westerns quietly absorbed the lessons of spaghetti Westerns without fully abandoning their roots.

Today, Barquero is remembered as a thoughtful, rugged entry in Van Cleef’s filmography—a film where setting, character, and restraint come together to create something enduring.