One of John Landis’s medicore comedies, Three Amigos, co-written by Randy Newman (who also wrote the songs), concerns three heroes (Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, and Martin Short) of the silent era, who are invited to Mexico.
They assume this will be a fun public event, until they find out that the village actually expects them to fight and get rid of its bandit leader (played by Alfono Arau).
As a high-concept comedy, with very limited humor, the picture is better known for its illustrious cast, both lead and supporting. The secondary ensmeble includes Joe Mantegna, Phil Hartman, and Jon Lovitz.
Steve Martin later recalled: “It was going to be me, Chevy Chase and John] Belushi. And then Belushi said no, and we got lucky getting Martin Short. He called himself the cheap amigo.”
Running time: 104 Minutes.
