Yul Brynner is one of the main cowboys in the iconic Western film (Image: Silver Screen Collection, Getty Images)

A timeless Western celebrated by enthusiasts as an “absolute benchmark of a movie” returns to TV screens tonight on BBC Four. The 1960 masterpiece The Magnificent Seven follows impoverished farmers in a Mexican village who enlist seven American gunfighters, headed by Chris Adams (Yul Brynner), to protect them against Calvera’s (Eli Wallach) marauding bandits.

The hired guns, featuring Steve McQueen and Charles Bronson amongst their ranks, prepare the villagers for battle before delivering a thrilling climactic confrontation. Despite being more than 60 years old, this Western remains a landmark achievement in cinema, with devotees hailing it as “a beacon of film” and “a classic”. Over on Rotten Tomatoes, the picture boasts an outstanding 93 per cent approval rating from audiences.

One glowing five-star assessment observed: “A classic and highly influential Western that’s very likeable and entertaining. It’s actually a remake of Seven Samurai. The titular seven are all very likeable with distinct personalities, backstories, and skillsets.

“The film’s soundtrack is iconic and very uplifting. The Bandit leader, Calvera, is very memorable and charismatic. I appreciate that the villagers are less cartoonishly pathetic in this version compared to the villagers in Seven Samurai.”

As reported by The Mirror, the reviewer elaborated: “I liked the slick Cajun leader of the hired guns, Chris. It’s cool to have a French-accented cowboy as the lead. It’s fun to watch the cowboys teach the farmers how to shoot rifles.

“The final showdown is very exciting, as the cowboys and farmers defeat the bandits while losing four of their own in the process. It’s a mildly bittersweet, but ultimately happy ending that’s more uplifting than the original Seven Samurai. It’s a solid remake that does its own thing while still understanding the core appeal of the original story.”

Another viewer remarked: “This stands as a beacon in good old-fashioned Western themed filmmaking. Those were the days when men were of steel and ships of wood, hey? John Sturgis [the film director] ushered in a new era with this movie.

Eli Wallach is on horseback in the foreground at the head of a long line of Mexican bandits (Image: Silver Screen Collection, Getty Images)

“Great story, amazing ensemble of a cast who all excels in character. Great cinematography, amazing locations. Absolute benchmark of a movie.

“My favorite movie of all time. Classic Western – good versus evil and helping the weak. Great character actors, unbelievable ensemble and some terrific lines. Calvera: ‘Tell me why, why did you take the job in the first place?’

“Vin: ‘I once knew a man down in El Paso who took off all his clothes and jumped in a mess of cactus. I asked him the same thing, why? He said, it seemed to be a good idea at the time.’”

A third commented: “I first watched this movie as a young teen and have been smitten ever since.” Another film enthusiast added: “Classic western features a fantastic ensemble of legendary actors, an unforgettable musical score, beautiful cinematography and even a fair amount of humour. It all leads to an exciting climactic shoot out. Brynner and McQueen are standouts.”