Man of the East is a 1972 Italian Spaghetti Western comedy film directed by Enzo Barboni and starring Terence Hill and Gregory Walcott. The film tells the story of Joe Thanks (Terence Hill), a young man who is sent to the Wild West by his dying father's last wish to become a real man and master the ways of the West. Joe is a dreamy young man who dislikes guns and fights and has a preference for poems and bicycles.
Upon arriving in the Wild West, Joe meets three footpad instructors who are supposed to teach him the ways of the West. However, their methods are less than effective, and Joe struggles to learn how to ride horses, shoot guns and fight like a real man. He spends much of his time writing letters to his girlfriend in Italy and dreaming of a better life.
Meanwhile, Joe falls in love with the beautiful daughter of a local rancher named Ohlsen, which causes trouble with a notorious gunman named Morton, who is jealous of his relationship with her. Morton challenges Joe to a duel, but Joe refuses to fight until he is forced to defend himself against Morton, using the skills he has learned from his instructors.
The film is a classic Spaghetti Western comedy, famous for its hilarious scenes and witty one-liners. It showcases the talents of Terence Hill as a comic actor and marks one of his most beloved performances. Man of the East is a must-see for fans of Italian Westerns and a great introduction to the genre for those who are new to it.