Charro!

by Harry Whittington

Book by Whittington, Harry

Genres: Westerns

160 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1969

About the author

He also wrote under the names Ashley Carter, Harriet Kathryn Myers, and Blaine Stevens, Curt Colman, John Dexter, Tabor Evans, Whit Harrison, Kel Holland, Suzanne Stephens, Clay Stuart, Hondo Wells, Harry White, Hallam Whitney, Henri Whittier, J.X. Williams.

Harry Whittington (February 4, 1915–June 11, 1989) was an American mystery novelist and one of the original founders of the paperback novel. Born in Ocala, Florida, he worked in government jobs before becoming a writer.

His reputation as a prolific writer of pulp fiction novels is supported by his writing of 85 novels in a span of twelve years (as many as seven in a single month) mostly in the crime, suspense, and noir fiction genres. In total, he published over 200 novels. Seven of his writings were produced for the screen, including the television series Lawman. His reputation for being known as 'The King of the Pulps' is shared with author H. Bedford-Jones. Only a handful of Whittington's novels are in print today.
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Reviews

[Benjamin Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A group of desperados led by brothers Vince and Billy Roy Hackett, have managed to steal a gold-plated Mexican cannon belonging to Emperor Maximilian. The Mexican army, some Mexican thugs and bounty hunter Jess Wade are after the $2,000 reward money. Matters come to a head when Billy Roy nonchalantly kills an old man as well as the sheriff of the town from where the cannon was stolen. Wade is persuaded to take on the role of sheriff and proceeds to arrest and try Billy Roy before the local judge. Found guilty and sentenced to hang, his brother Vince decides to hold the town hostage by threatening to use the cannon to blow the town to smithereens unless his brother is released and the town buys the cannon back for the $2,000.

Many will recognize this plot from the movie of the same name staring Elvis Presley. That’s because prolific author Harry Whittington was hired to write this novel from the original screenplay. I say “original” because the final version of the movie was toned down quite a bit for fear of being too offensive. Elvis himself, was reportedly miffed at the changes, having been excited to finally play a more serious role. Whittington held nothing back in the novel, however, including several spicy scenes (including a fairly graphic attempted rape), as well as lots of high-stakes gunplay.

Whittington wrote in every genre imaginable. Known as the “King of the Pulps”, he is probably best known for his mystery and crime novels, but he was no stranger to westerns either. He developed a vibrant setting here with colorful characters who build the tension so thick you could set fire to it. The dialog is wonderful as well and reminded me somewhat of his crime novels. In fact, this novel could be considered “Western Noir”.

Recommended, especially for Whittington readers or Western fans in general.

[Edwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whittington provides a solid novelization of the film of the same name. A stolen Mexican cannon of great value is pursued by the Mexican Army, a gang of ruthless outlaws, and bounty hunter Wade - who takes the job of sheriff in an old west town that becomes held desperate hostage. The short novel is fast paced with exploding cannonballs, insane thugs, a sexy saloon keeper, and a reluctant sheriff, which all adds up to a fun and exciting read.

Update: I just watched the movie and it seems like Whittington went his own direction and wrote a novelization that is far superior to the movie that it's supposedly based on.

[Kurt Reichenbaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A stolen cannon, a bounty-hunter turned sherriff, a feisty female saloon owner, and a pair of psychotic brothers all come to a showdown in a border town in the middle of the ass-end of nowhere.

[Paxton Holley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel was based on the earlier screenplay of the novel before the director re-wrote it. The story is similar, but there are some major differences. And it's better for it. I really liked this book.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

A spicy western.
I am used to reading Louis L'Amour, Ralph Compton, and Jonstone westerns. this is the PG of the genre. Harry Whittington isnt afraid to use words a reader may not see everyday, but the action is still fierce. I found the story in the vein of main character on a mission but has to fight bad guy that needs a lesson taught to him story.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really strong book. Great writing, great plot, great characters. Well done setting. Quite a bit different from the movie and much better.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tad rushed at the end. Nevertheless a good read, especially considering the source material of an Elvis movie.