Hannie Caulder (1971)

After a failed attempt to rob a bank, three brothers (Ernest Borgnine, Jack Elam, Strother Martin) on the run kill a station master and then rape his wife (Raquel Welch). She is determined to avenge her husband's murder and the rape. To this end, she is assisted by a bounty hunter (Robert Culp) who teaches her how to become a gunfighter. Written (under the pseudonym Z.X. Jones) and directed by Burt Kennedy (SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHERIFF). MS. 45 (1981) is generally regarded at the film that began the "rape revenge" subgenre. But ten years before, this western ventured into that territory. In spite of its American cast, this is a British film but it plays out like a spaghetti western as the genre's influence is clearly evident. It's a crude film but highly effective. Welch is surprisingly good in the title role but I wish the screenplay didn't make the brutish villains so comical. It leaves an unpleasant aftertaste. They're cold blood killers and rapists, what's so funny about that? A favorite of Quentin Tarantino and its influence on his KILL BILL films is obvious. With Stephen Boyd, Christopher Lee and Diana Dors.