“Let’s make some music.” —Cole Thornton
Today’s quick review: El Dorado. Cole Thornton (John Wayne), a gun for hire, travels to the town of El Dorado to help his friend, Sheriff J.P. Harrah (Robert Mitchum), settle a land dispute between two ranchers, one of whom has hired Nelse McLeod (Christopher George), a dangerous killer, to threaten his opponent. To even the odds against McLeod and his men, Thornton accepts the help of Mississippi (James Caan), a novice gunfighter.
El Dorado is a classic Western starring John Wayne. The film follows an aging gunfighter as he helps an old friend out of a tight spot. El Dorado has a heavy emphasis on its characters and the relationships between them. Thornton and Harrah behave like genuine buddies, taking shots at each other but supporting one another when the chips are down. Their friendship, as well as a handful of engaging subplots, gives El Dorado a lasting appeal.
El Dorado has a cast that’s easy to like. Thornton is a calm and capable protagonist. Harrah, once his match, has fallen into alcoholism by the time Thornton comes back to town. Mississippi is a newcomer to Thornton’s lifestyle, but he’s an eager ally. Meanwhile, Bull (Arthur Hunnicutt), Harrah’s grizzled deputy, acts as another ally and comic relief. Finally, Maudie (Charlene Holt) supports Thornton and challenges him to overcome his pride.
El Dorado does a skillful job of managing its tension. Thornton has a group of capable allies, but they are badly outnumbered by McLeod’s men. Even moving around the town becomes a dangerous activity, and the heroes are forced to hole up in the jail for their own safety. El Dorado knows just when to ramp up the tension and when to relieve it with a bit of humor, resulting in a story with tangible stakes but an adventurous tone.
El Dorado has a lot to offer fans of the Western genre. The basis of its story is not that different from any other Western, but it quickly settles into its own rhythm. It is rewarding to see the characters lift each other up and use their wits to overcome obstacles. Meanwhile, the unique mixture of levity and tension gives El Dorado an appeal that very few other movies manage. Those interested should give it a shot.
For a John Wayne Western with a similar plot and a shade less humor, try Rio Bravo. For a more personal drama about an ailing gunfighter starring John Wayne, try The Shootist. For a Western of similar scope about a lawman and his allies trying to clean up a frontier town, check out Tombstone. For a Western comedy about an old gunfighter and his peculiar protege, try My Name Is Nobody.
[7.6 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061619/). I give it a 7.5 to 8.0 for excellent characters and an engaging story.