How did Tuco know Angel Eyes at the POW camp??

[pbt140]

When Tuco and Blondie get put in the POW camp they both comment after seeing' Angel Eyes'.
I watched it twice and having trouble as to when the three met -or  know each earlier in the film.
I know that Tuco was going to be hanged and 'Angel Eyes was getting on a stage wagon and comment about a gardian angel- but did I miss why all three knew each other.

[The Firecracker]

When Tuco and Blondie get put in the POW camp they both comment after seeing' Angel Eyes'.
I watched it twice and having trouble as to when the three met are were know earlier in the film.
I know that Tuco was going to be hanged and 'Angel Eyes was getting on a stage wagon and comment about a gardian angel- but did I miss why all three knew each other.

It's pretty clear that their is an unseen movie before GBU.
Tuco and AE have had criminal meetings before the events of GBU.
Blondie and AE have had the same meetings before GBU.

The movie chronicles the first time Blondie and Tuco meet.

[Tucumcari Bound]

Good question pbt! Leone could have definitely made a film with the characters of Tuco and Angel eyes before the events in TGTBATU. That would have been interesting. You could have explored Tuco's character a lot more.

[dave jenkins]

http://www.fistful-of-leone.com/forums/index.php?topic=1100.0

[pauldupont]

One possible explanation is that they were all part of a gang or criminal organization before going their separate ways. Another possibility is that they crossed paths while working as mercenaries or bounty hunters. bluey game
Ultimately, the reason for their familiarity with each other is left up to interpretation, and the audience is left to piece together their past based on hints and clues throughout the film.

[drinkanddestroy]

The second scene where Blondie shoots Tuco off the rope, Angel Eyes says to a woman in the stagecoach that ?golden-haired angel? (Blondie) watches over Tuco. It?s a brief moment that I believe was cut from some of the shorter versions (UK and/or US) but it?s a crucial moment, because it (is the only place that) lets you know that AE knows (of) Blondie and Tuco.

Without that scene, you are just left to surmise that all crooks know each other. But the movie is definitely better with that scene.

[kelseyradley]

Very good query, pbt! Before the events in TGTBATU, Leone might have filmed a movie with the characters Tuco and Angel eyes. If true, that would have been intriguing. Much more might have been done to delve into Tuco's personality.