Watch Behold a Pale Horse

Behold a Pale Horse is a 1964 film directed by Fred Zinnemann, starring Gregory Peck, Anthony Quinn, Omar Sharif, and Paolo Stoppa. The movie is set in Spain, years after the end of the Spanish Civil War. It tells the story of a former rebel named Manuel Artiguez (Quinn), who has been hiding in France for years to avoid being captured by the authorities. However, when he learns that his mother is dying, he decides to return to his village to see her one last time. But, with his return comes the risk of being caught by the Franco regime, who are still hunting him. Meanwhile, a police officer named Vinolas (Sharif) has been given the task of finding and capturing Artiguez. Vinolas is haunted by his own past and is searching for redemption. He believes that capturing Artiguez will be a way to prove his loyalty to the Franco regime and erase his own past mistakes. However, as Vinolas gets closer to Artiguez, he begins to question the righteousness of his mission. The third main character in the movie is Father Francisco (Peck), a priest who is a friend of Artiguez. Francisco has been trying to negotiate with the government to allow Artiguez to return home without fear of persecution, and he also hopes to convince the rebel to surrender and seek amnesty. Father Francisco is portrayed as a complex character who struggles with his pacifist beliefs and his loyalty to the Church. The film's plot is driven by the tension between these three characters, their conflicting beliefs, and the historical context of post-war Spain. The Franco regime is presented as a brutal and authoritarian government that uses violence and intimidation to maintain control. The rebels, on the other hand, are portrayed as heroes who fought for freedom and democracy. The movie raises questions about justice, forgiveness, and the consequences of violence. Behold a Pale Horse was a critical success when it was released, and it is still considered an important political thriller. The performances of the three main actors are particularly noteworthy. Quinn's portrayal of Artiguez is intense and emotional, while Sharif brings a touch of humanity to his character's inner struggle. Peck's Father Francisco is the moral center of the film, providing a counterpoint to the violence and cynicism of the other characters. The film's cinematography is also noteworthy, with beautiful shots of the Spanish countryside and the villages where the story takes place. The score by Maurice Jarre adds to the film's dramatic tension and emotional impact. Overall, Behold a Pale Horse is a gripping and thought-provoking movie that explores complex themes of ideology and personal morality. It is a must-see for fans of political thrillers and historical dramas.