Deaf Smith & Johnny Ears (1973): cast, story & where to watch
1973 · Film · ★ 4.9
Released in 1973, Deaf Smith & Johnny Ears is a western film directed by Paolo Cavara, running about 91 minutes. “The man who hears with his eyes and speaks with his gun...” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. In this unusual spaghetti western departure for exploitation filmmaker Paolo Cavara (La Tarantola dal Ventre Nero), two friends help Sam Houston work for Texas statehood. Johnny Ears (Franco Nero) and his deaf-mute sidekick Erastus "Deaf" Smith (Anthony Quinn) go after a Mexican general (Franco Graziosi) under orders from Germany to agitate the populace. The film looks terrific, thanks to cinematography by Tonino Delli Colli (Once Upon a Time in America), but is often lacking in the story department. Perhaps part of the blame belongs to co-screenwriter Harry Essex, fresh off the dreadful sci-fi flop Octaman (1971). Pamela Tiffin appears as a prostitute, and the film co-stars Tom Felleghy and Renato Romano.
Who’s in it. Deaf Smith & Johnny Ears stars Franco Nero as Johnny Ears, Anthony Quinn as Erastus 'Deaf' Smith, Pamela Tiffin as Susie the hooker and Ira von Fürstenberg as Hester McDonald Morton, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 4.9/10, Deaf Smith & Johnny Ears has proved divisive with audiences.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Deaf Smith & Johnny Ears page.
If you liked it. Fans of Deaf Smith & Johnny Ears tend to enjoy The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Django Unchained, Once Upon a Time in the West and For a Few Dollars More.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Deaf Smith & Johnny Ears (1973)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Deaf Smith & Johnny Ears change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is Deaf Smith & Johnny Ears worth watching?
- Deaf Smith & Johnny Ears holds an audience score of 4.9 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy western. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Deaf Smith & Johnny Ears?
- Deaf Smith & Johnny Ears stars Franco Nero, Anthony Quinn, Pamela Tiffin, Ira von Fürstenberg and Adolfo Lastretti.
- When was Deaf Smith & Johnny Ears released?
- Deaf Smith & Johnny Ears was released in 1973, with a runtime of about 91 minutes.