Rio Bravo (1959)

“You want that gun, pick it up. I wish you would” – John T. Chance

Number of Times Seen –  More than 5 (DVD, 20 Jun 2013)

Brief Synopsis – A sheriff and his deputies must fend off outlaws attempted to free a prisoner from the local jail before he is hanged

My Take on it – This is one of John Wayne’s best westerns. He plays the sheriff with so much confidence that you don’t for a second believe that he wasn’t the “real deal”.

This movie is almost 2 and half hours and all the action takes place in one small western town in the 1880’s.  Four men against an army of outlaws help make this taunt thriller a great movie to watch.

Great supporting acting by Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, Walter Brennan, Ward Bond, Angie Dickinson and John Russell.

It is rumored that Quentin Tarantino watches this movie with every potential new girlfriend and if she doesn’t like it, he dumps her.

Howard Hawks directed this movie superbly and there is a great balance between all aspects; tense drama, western shootouts, wise cracks, romance and of all things, singing.  The songs that Dean Martin and Ricky Nelson sing happen to be done really well and seem to actually fit in nicely.

One of my favorite westerns

Bottom Line – Great Western. Wayne at his best. Highly Recommended!

Rating – Oscar Worthy