Sonny and Jed

 

Sonny and Jed (1972)

A Wild, Gleefully Flawed Exploitation Ride

★★★☆☆

Watched 15 Jan 2025 — A frenetic, comedic Spaghetti Western that swaps Corbucci's usual nihilism for unpolished, chaotic charm.

Directed by Sergio Corbucci, Sonny and Jed (La banda J. & S. - Cronaca criminale del Far West) is a wild departure from his bloodier, nihilistic roots. Starring Tomas Milian as the uncouth Jed and Susan George as the affable Sonny, the film functions as a tale of two halves: part unorthodox bickering love story, part Bonnie and Clyde-style crime spree. While it lacks the narrative sheen of a Leone epic, its frenetic exploitation energy and improvisational feel make it a standout for fans of the genre's rougher edges.

"Tomas Milan's Jed stumbles around creating chaos like a wild bull... Meanwhile Telly Savalas turns in a menacing, but surprisingly sympathetic performance of a straight laced sheriff having to deal with these two feral-like town disrupters."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Sergio Corbucci
• Starring: Tomas Milian, Susan George,Telly Savalas
• Music: Ennio Morricone
• Cinematography: Luis Cuadrado

The Vision

Corbucci embraces a collaborative, almost spontaneous vision here, utilizing abrupt cuts and set pieces that feel thought of "right on the spot." By leaning into the comedic and sexist banter of the period, he creates a "popcorn entertainment" vibe that relies heavily on the magnetic performance of Susan George. The film uses its obviously low budget as a strength, fostering a creative energy that asks the audience to forgive its unpolished transitions in exchange for a fun, different experience that has earned it fans like Quentin Tarantino.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Morricone Magic: Despite the film's gritty, low-budget feel, it features a score by the legendary [Ennio Morricone](https://www.imdb.com), including the famous whistling theme "Sonny."
• Tarantino's Approval: Quentin Tarantino famously referenced Corbucci's work in *Django Unchained* and has frequently cited [Sonny and Jed](https://tarantino.info) as a personal favorite of the genre.
• International Appeal: Susan George was at the height of her fame following [Straw Dogs (1971)](https://www.imdb.com), and her presence helped the film find significant success in international markets.

✅ Pros

• Magnetic and beautiful performance by Susan George.
• Frenetic, high-energy exploitation feel.
• Telly Savalas adds weight as a sympathetic antagonist.

❌ Cons

• Unpolished narrative structure and abrupt transitions.
• Dialogue and humor can feel very dated/inappropriate.
• Lacks the artistic "sheen" of Corbucci's masterpieces like *Django*.

🏆 Final Verdict

Far from a classic, but a gleefully flawed ride nonetheless. If you're in the mood for something different that showcases what talented actors can do with a low budget and a desire to entertain, give this a spin.

View on Letterboxd