If you were to ask a casual moviegoer to name a Spaghetti Western, they’d probably start whistling that iconic Ennio Morricone theme from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. They might mention Clint Eastwood’s squint or a poncho. But there’s this whole other side to the genre that actually beat the "Serious" Westerns at their own game back in the seventies. I’m talking about the 1971 classic Trinity Is Still My Name.
It’s the sequel to They Call Me Trinity, and honestly, it’s one of those rare cases where the follow-up might actually be better than the original. In Italy, this movie was a monster. It became the highest-grossing Italian film of its time, even sliding past some of the Sergio Leone masterpieces in terms of sheer ticket sales. Why? Because it’s hilarious. It basically took the grit and violence of the 1960s Western and replaced the blood with baked beans and slapstick.
The Slap that Echoed Through Cinema
When you watch Trinity Is Still My Name, you’re seeing the peak of the partnership between Terence Hill and Bud Spencer. Hill plays Trinity, the "Right Hand of the Devil," who is essentially the world’s fastest and laziest gunslinger. Spencer plays his brother Bambino, the "Left Hand of the Devil," a grumpy, mountain-sized horse thief who just wants to be left alone to do crimes.
The plot is sorta thin, but that’s the point.
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The brothers make a promise to their "dying" father (who is actually fine) to become successful outlaws. The problem? They are fundamentally too nice—or maybe just too chaotic—to actually pull off a robbery. Every time they try to be "bad," they accidentally save a family of pioneers or bust a gun-running ring.
There is this one scene in a saloon that is arguably the most famous moment in their entire 18-movie career. Trinity is playing cards with a professional cheat named Wild Card Hendricks. He deals the cards so fast the human eye can barely track it, but the real kicker is the "slapping" duel. Trinity stands there, looking bored, and slaps the villain across the face multiple times before the guy can even draw his gun.
It’s not just a stunt; it’s a masterclass in physical comedy. Terence Hill actually performed those slaps with lightning speed, and it’s one of those moments that makes you realize why these guys were the Italian version of Laurel and Hardy with six-shooters.
It’s Actually a "Anti-Western"
By 1971, the world was a little tired of the super-serious, nihilistic Westerns where everyone dies in a dusty street. Trinity Is Still My Name was the antidote. It’s technically a parody, but it’s played with so much heart that it works as a standalone adventure.
- The Beans: You can’t talk about this movie without the food. The sight of Trinity inhaling a pan of beans is legendary.
- The Violence: There is plenty of fighting, but almost nobody dies. It’s all about the "thwack" sounds and Bud Spencer using his fist like a literal hammer to bop people on the head.
- The Look: It’s filthy. Trinity is arguably the dirtiest protagonist in cinema history. His shirt is more gray than white, and he spends half the movie being dragged around on a travois because walking is too much effort.
Director Enzo Barboni (credited as E.B. Clucher) knew exactly what he was doing. He leaned into the chemistry. Bud Spencer (born Carlo Pedersoli) was an Olympic swimmer before he was an actor, and Terence Hill (Mario Girotti) was a classically trained performer. Together, they had this "big brother, little brother" energy that felt real.
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Where Can You Watch It Today?
In 2026, tracking down these old Italian gems is surprisingly easy if you know where to look. While the licensing hops around, you can usually watch Trinity Is Still My Name on several major platforms.
- Tubi and Freevee: These are the gold mines for Spaghetti Westerns. They almost always have the Trinity movies available for free with ads.
- Amazon Prime: Usually carries the remastered versions, which you definitely want. The colors in the Italian landscapes (mostly shot in the Campo Imperatore) look stunning in HD.
- YouTube: Several "Classic Movie" channels have the full film legally licensed, though the quality can be hit or miss.
A quick warning for the uninitiated: the dubbing is part of the charm. These movies were shot without sound, with actors often speaking different languages on set. The English dub for Trinity Is Still My Name is iconic, especially the voice used for Bud Spencer’s growling, frustrated Bambino.
Why It Still Matters
Most modern action-comedies owe a debt to this film. If you like The Rundown or even some of the buddy-cop tropes in the MCU, you’re seeing DNA from Hill and Spencer. They proved that you could have a "cool" hero who was also a total goofball.
The movie doesn’t take itself seriously, and in a world where every franchise is trying to be "dark and gritty," there’s something incredibly refreshing about a guy who just wants a good meal and a nap. It’s comfort food in cinematic form.
Get the Most Out of Your Viewing
If you're planning a movie night, don't just jump in blind. Here is how to actually enjoy the Trinity experience the right way:
- Watch the Prequel First: While you can watch this as a standalone, They Call Me Trinity (1970) sets up the family dynamic. It makes the "federal agents" bit in the second movie way funnier.
- Check the Runtime: The original cut is around 117 minutes. Some TV edits chop out the "boring" parts, but those slow-burn moments are where the best character humor happens.
- Prepare Snacks: I'm not saying you have to eat a giant pan of beans while watching, but it definitely helps the immersion.
Trinity Is Still My Name remains a high-water mark for European cinema. It’s a film that managed to be a massive commercial success without losing its soul. Whether you’re a die-hard Western fan or just someone who wants to see a giant man punch people in the head in the most hilarious way possible, this is a must-watch.
To get started, check the current listings on Tubi or Pluto TV, as they frequently cycle the Terence Hill and Bud Spencer collection into their "Western" categories. If you're a collector, look for the Henstooth Video Blu-ray release—it’s widely considered the best transfer available for home media.