Logo What's After the Movie
They Call Me Trinity

They Call Me Trinity 1970

Directed by

Enzo Barboni

Enzo Barboni

Made by

West Film

West Film

Test your knowledge of They Call Me Trinity with our quiz!

They Call Me Trinity Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for They Call Me Trinity (1970). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


Trinity, a lazy, ne’er-do-well gunfighter with an uncanny talent for drawing and aim, starts the story dragged on a travois by his own horse to a dusty way station and restaurant. There, a tense scene unfolds: two bounty hunters wheel in with an injured Mexican prisoner while Trinity calmly intervenes, whisking the prisoner away and ending the threat before the men can take a cheap shot at him. The encounter sets up a rhythm of impulsive, unconventional justice that will define the rest of the tale.

The pair pushes on to a small town where the locals are already wary of trouble. They witness the town’s sheriff—an imposing, quick-drawing lawman—do quick, brutal justice to three men who harassed him. From this moment, it becomes clear that Trinity and Bambino, his brother, share a complicated bond. Bambino is impersonating the town’s new sheriff while he waits for his gang to arrive from a penitentiary break, a scheme born of past run-ins with the law that left him more cunning than committed to the honest path. The real sheriff and Bambino collide in a tense, comic edge that hints at the uneasy alliance about to form.

Bambino is not thrilled to see his trouble-making brother again, and the reunion is rocky. Yet necessity forges a pact: the brothers team up to confront Major Harriman, a ruthless figure who wants to run a flock of pacifist Mormon farmers off their land so he can graze his own prized horses on it. The conflict is about land and power, but it’s complicated by affection, loyalty, and a shared smell of reckless luck. Trinity—driven by a sense of justice and a growing care for the settlers—persuades Bambino and his henchmen to help train the pacifist Mormons to defend themselves, threading a path from hunter and target to unlikely allies.

As training begins, Trinity’s involvement deepens his ties to the Mormon settlers, and his feelings extend to Judith, one of the two Mormon sisters he grows fond of during their shared ordeal. The unlikely instructors bring fresh grit to the peaceful fields, and the Mormons begin to fight back with resourceful, improvised tactics. The clash escalates into a climactic confrontation where strategy, courage, and a willingness to learn new ways to defend one’s home tilt the balance away from brute force and toward organized resistance.

In the heat of the combat, the Mormon leader discovers a line from the Book of Ecclesiastes that underscores the momentous shift: > there is a time for fighting. This realization helps the farmers unleash a ferocity and a dirty, effective fighting style that catches Major Harriman’s goons off guard, turning the tide and forcing a retreat. The revelation reframes the settlers’ struggle and highlights the theme that even the most peaceful communities can adapt when pressed to defend themselves.

Bambino’s reaction to Trinity’s resourcefulness is a mix of astonishment and indignation. He’s not prepared for the idea that Trinity might actually have a plan that benefits the group more than it benefits him personally, especially after Trinity has given the Major’s horses to the Mormons. The dynamic between the brothers shifts from rival guerrillas to a begrudging respect, even as their relationship remains fissured by past misdeeds and different visions of what counts as honor.

The wedding plans present a comic, if bittersweet, turn in the story. Trinity is on the verge of marrying Judith and her sister, a pairing that would bind him to the Mormon community in a lasting way. But he soon learns that “marrying a Mormon” also means accepting the responsibilities that come with it—work, discipline, and a daily effort that contrasts sharply with his laid-back, wandering nature. The revelation prompts him to rethink the path ahead and to rejoin his ally and brother in their next steps.

As events unfold, the real sheriff arrives on the scene, and Trinity points him toward Bambino, signaling a resolution that restores a measure of order to the town and clarifies who wields real authority. The fast-talking, reckless pair doesn’t disappear, but their alliance shapes a new balance of power: one where the sheriff has a clearer job to do, and Trinity can finally consider a future that includes belonging—whether that means a home with Judith, the other sister, or simply a place where he can ride with purpose rather than drift.

The film closes with Trinity settling into a quiet, almost contemplative victory. He reclines in the travois, a symbol of his unconventional journey, and follows the others as they move forward together. It’s a story that blends swagger and warmth, humor and grit, showing that even a famously lazy gunfighter can become a steadfast ally to a community fighting for its place in the world. The ending leaves a sense of WASP-like certainty: families, alliances, and the land themselves are worth fighting for when pursued with a blend of courage, wit, and a touch of mercy.

They Call Me Trinity Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of They Call Me Trinity (1970) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


Arrival at the way station

Trinity, a lazy but deadly gunfighter, is dragged on a travois into a roadside way station. A pair of bounty hunters arrive with an injured Mexican prisoner, and Trinity moves to separate the prisoner from danger. In a swift, decisive display of his speed and marksmanship, he kills the bounty hunters before they can shoot the Mexican in the back.

Way Station

First town demonstration of gunfighting

The pair reach a small town where they witness the local sheriff, a burly man with a matching fast draw, shoot down three men who harassed him for not releasing a criminal friend. The display underscores the town’s rough justice and foreshadows the brothers' own lethal skills. Trinity’s respect for a capable lawman is tempered by the sheriff’s blunt authority.

Small town

Revelation of brotherhood and fake sheriff

It becomes apparent that Trinity and Bambino are brothers, and that Bambino is posing as the new sheriff while awaiting his gang. The two form a tentative, uneasy alliance to deal with a common foe. This fake frontier order sets the stage for a broader conflict over land and power.

Small town

Threat to Mormon settlers emerges

Major Harriman arrives with the intent to drive pacifist Mormon farmers off their land so he can graze his horses there. The threat shifts the story from personal brawls to a larger conflict over land, resources, and control. Trinity and Bambino decide to confront Harriman together.

Mormon settlers' land

Trinity advocates training for the Mormons

Despite his own flaws, Trinity genuinely cares for the settlers and persuades Bambino and his henchmen to help train the pacifist Mormons to defend themselves. The idea is to transform peaceful farmers into effective fighters when faced with Harriman’s threats. This marks a turning point in Trinity’s approach to the conflict.

Mormon settlement

Preparations for the final stand

Training begins as the Mormons learn unconventional, opportunistic fighting tactics. Trinity oversees the drills while balancing his own priorities and the fragile alliance with Bambino. The settlement braces for an imminent clash with Harriman’s raiders.

Mormon settlement

Trinity falls for the Mormon sisters

Amid the preparations, Trinity falls in love with two Mormon sisters and deeply cares about their welfare. His personal stake in the settlers’ safety deepens his commitment to the training and the eventual defense of the community. The romance adds complexity to the already volatile alliance.

Mormon settlement

Final battle commences

The Mormon leader declares, via the Book of Ecclesiastes, that there is a time for fighting, and the Mormons unleash their new fighting skills on Harriman’s goons. Dirty fighting tricks learned in training surprise Harriman’s men. The battle sways in the settlers’ favor as their resolve hardens.

Battlefield near town

Horses change hands

In the heat of the conflict, Trinity secretly gives Harriman’s horses to the Mormons, undermining Harriman’s ability to pursue or retaliate. The gesture demonstrates Trinity’s practical, if morally ambiguous, approach to winning the fight. The horses become a symbol of the settlers’ newly gained leverage.

Battlefield

Marriage plans collide with reality

With Harriman defeated, Trinity is poised to marry the two Mormon sisters. He soon learns that being a married Mormon would actually require work, a concept he finds deeply inconvenient. This realization drives him to act quickly and leave the settlement to pursue a different path.

Mormon settlement

The real sheriff arrives

Just as the dust settles, the real sheriff finally arrives in town, drawing a line under Bambino’s fake authority. The arrival of legitimate law complicates the brothers’ situation and confirms that some orders cannot be maintained by deception alone. Trinity’s next move becomes crucial.

Town

Trinity points the sheriff toward Bambino

Recognizing the risk of a larger crackdown, Trinity directs the genuine sheriff toward Bambino, effectively cutting him loose from the town’s control. This move marks Trinity’s final act of steering the town toward its own form of justice rather than personal gain. The brothers’ feud reaches a turning point.

Town outskirts

Trinity retreats to the travois

After a long chase, Trinity reclines in his travois and brings up the rear with his horse, choosing a solitary path rather than a definitive finish. The image emphasizes his wanderer’s code and his preference for freedom over settling down. The road ahead remains open and uncertain.

Road

An endless frontier

With the immediate conflicts resolved, Trinity continues to move along the open road with his trusty horse. The film closes on a note of continued improvisation and independence, characteristic of his unorthodox approach to life. The frontier remains wide, and Trinity’s legend persists.

Open road

They Call Me Trinity Characters

Explore all characters from They Call Me Trinity (1970). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


Trinity (Terence Hill)

A lazy, fast-drawing gunfighter who becomes the protector of the Mormon settlers. He rallies the pacifist community by teaching them to defend themselves and uses humor to defuse danger. His love for the Mormon sisters threads through the plot, pushing him toward action despite his laid-back demeanor.

🧭 Quick-draw 🫶 Charming 🛡️ Protector

Bambino (Bud Spencer)

Trinity's brother who poses as the town's sheriff and is wary of his brother's aims. He is hot-tempered and pragmatic, reluctantly teaming up to thwart Major Harriman. His street-smart leadership helps coordinate the settlers' defense while adding comedic friction with Trinity.

🔥 Hot-tempered 🧭 Street-smart 🥃 Grudge-bearing

Major Harriman (Farley Granger)

A cold, ambitious land baron who uses force to evict the Mormons and take their land for grazing his horses. He commands a gang of gunmen and moves ruthlessly to install his own order in the town. His actions spark the central conflict that drives Trinity and Bambino to protect the settlers.

🎩 Antagonist ⚖️ Land-grabber 🔫 Ruthless

Sarah (Gisela Hahn)

One of the Mormon sisters who embodies kindness and resilience. She notices Trinity's genuine care and becomes part of the community's morale, helping to organize the settlers' defense. Her presence adds emotional warmth and strength to the group.

👩‍🌾 Sister 💪 Resilient ❤️ Love interest

Judith (Elena Pedemonte)

Another Mormon sister who supports her community and joins the effort to defend the land. She contributes to morale and helps coordinate steps during the defense.

👭 Mormon Sister 🗡️ Courage 💪 Loyal

They Call Me Trinity Settings

Learn where and when They Call Me Trinity (1970) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Location

Small town, Mormon settlement

The action centers around a dusty frontier town with a rough-edged saloon and a busy way station, connected to a nearby Mormon settlement. The town serves as the battleground where Trinity and Bambino confront Major Harriman's schemes to drive out the pacifist farmers. The contrasting communities—lawless outlaws, hardened sheriffs, and peaceful farmers—create a tense Western backdrop steeped in frontier life.

🏜️ Western 🏚️ Frontier town 🧭 Rural community

They Call Me Trinity Themes

Discover the main themes in They Call Me Trinity (1970). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


🤝

Brotherhood

Trinity and Bambino are brothers who must join forces to face a common foe. Their uneasy alliance blends humor with danger, showing that family ties can drive decisive action. The film uses this relationship to mix lighthearted banter with sharp, kinetic violence. The partnership evolves as threats escalate, underscoring loyalty over pride.

⚖️

Justice

A peaceful Mormon community fights to keep their land against Major Harriman's eviction plan. The narrative critiques how power can be used to displace vulnerable settlers, while the frontier spirit resists through improvised tactics. Humor and action alike highlight that justice can be imperfect but still fighters for the right to stay. The Mormons' organized defense demonstrates collective resolve in the face of intimidation.

💘

Love

Trinity's affection for the Mormon sisters adds emotional stakes to the frontier conflict. Romance motivates acts of protection and sometimes playful deception. The coupling of romance with frontier action reinforces that personal bonds can soften violence without undermining courage. Love becomes a rallying force for the settlers' unity.

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

They Call Me Trinity Spoiler-Free Summary

Discover the spoiler-free summary of They Call Me Trinity (1970). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.


In a sun‑bleached valley where a tight‑knit Mormon settlement tends fertile fields, the quiet rhythm of daily life is threatened by a looming hunger for land. A powerful figure, Major Harriman, eyes the meadow for his own purposes, sending men to pressure the peaceful community into leaving their homes. The tension between the settlers’ gentle devotion to the land and the encroaching forces creates a backdrop ripe for an unlikely showdown, blending frontier seriousness with a light‑hearted undercurrent.

Enter Trinity, a drifter whose reputation as a lazy gunfighter is balanced by an uncanny knack for quick drawing and an even quicker wit. He drifts into trouble with the same nonchalance he uses to hitch his horse to a travois, yet he possesses a talent for turning a simple trick into a spectacular diversion. His swagger is tempered by a hidden sense of fairness that surfaces whenever injustice flares, making him both a comic foil and a surprising force for good.

Trailing him, albeit on more strained terms, is Bambino, Trinity’s brother and a man whose past run‑ins with the law have left him both cunning and reluctant to settle down. While his demeanor leans toward the gruffer side of the frontier, his bond with Trinity—filled with rivalry, grudging respect, and a shared love of improvisation—sets the stage for a partnership that feels as chaotic as it is complementary. Their dynamic crackles with banter, each brother’s quirks highlighting the other’s strengths.

The film’s tone walks a line between classic western grit and slap‑stick ingenuity, letting humor dissolve the threat of violence while still honoring the settlers’ resolve. As the duo rides toward the valley, their unconventional methods promise a clever contest of wits over brute force, hinting at a story where wit, loyalty, and a touch of mischief might just tip the balance in favor of the humble community they come to protect.

Can’t find your movie? Request a summary here.

Movies with Similar Twists and Themes

Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.


© 2026 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.