The film heroes are named Hallelujah, Amen, and Spirito Santo. The regular cast includes pastors, priests, and religious figures. The Bible is often quoted and prayers are said. What is this about? Edifying entertainment for devout Christians? Not at all. We are talking about the cynical and violent Italian Western, the most popular and innovative representative of European genre cinema in the 1960s and 70s. Since then, it has not only achieved cult status among many film lovers but continues to exert a significant influence on the possibilities of film-making today. Michael Striss approaches the phenomenon from the perspective of an expert and lover of Italian genre films, as well as from that of a theologian. From this dual perspective, he not only provides a detailed analysis of the genre's motifs but also, for the first time, a comprehensive representation of the diverse religious references.