Preface:

    Whenever Eli Wallach rode into town in the form of one unsavory character of another, the once-peaceful community soon became disorderly --- not because the townspeople joined him in becoming lawless, but because they went ballistic, being unsettled by his mere presence!  The Jewish method actor from New York portrayed a Mexican bandito on more than one occasion in the Old West, and with utmost efficiency.  Furthermore, Mr. Wallach created some of the most vivid characterizations of outlaw villainy, particularly in three of the most famous and popular Westerns in the history of cinema --- The Magnificent Seven (1960),  How the West Was Won (1965), and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966).  For an actor who has but a handful of Westerns listed on his impressive resume, it is ironic how closely the name of Eli Wallach is associated with the genre.  Indeed, Eli Wallach has proven that quality is more important than.................................................