Some critics thought the film was not as good as the other Westerns being made in Europe, in particular, the Italian westerns (known as "spaghetti Westerns") by which Sergio Leone, Lee Van Cleef, and Clint Eastwood were building their reputations.
Certain critics thought the movie fell short of the caliber of other Westerns being made in Europe, especially those produced by Italians, dubbed "spaghetti Westerns," which were helping to build the careers of directors like Sergio Leone, actors like Lee Van Cleef, and stars such as Clint Eastwood.