Sleight of Film

Today’s quick review: Fighting Caravans. To avoid jail time, Clint Belmet (Gary Cooper) poses as the husband of Felice (Lili Damita), a young woman in a wagon train to California. Against the urgings of Bill Jackson (Ernest Torrence) and Jim Bridger (Tully Marshall), the grizzled old scouts who raised him, Clint considers making the relationship real. But while Clint and Felice get to know each other, the wagon train faces attack by a band of Kiowas.

Fighting Caravans is a Western romantic comedy starring Gary Cooper. The story follows one of the last cross-country wagon trains delivering freight to California before the completion of the railroad. Clint, a wild young man, finds himself torn between the freewheeling influence of Bill and Jim and the growing love he feels for Felice. Fighting Caravans aims to be a light tale of opposites falling in love, but its execution falls short of the mark.

Fighting Caravans’ chief problem is its characters, who are nowhere near as charming as they should be. Bill and Jim are meant to be lovable rascals, but their drunken antics only cause trouble. Clint is meant to be an untamable hero with a mischievous streak, but instead he comes across as selfish and crude. Felice fares the best of the main cast, but she is a neutral figure at best, only there to argue with Clint and gradually fall in love.

Fighting Caravans also has subtler issues with its storytelling and delivery. The acting is lackluster, with lines of dialogue that come across as wooden pronouncements. The camerawork exacerbates the problem, cutting after almost every line and giving the movie an artificial quality. The romance is clumsy, with little chemistry between the leads and plenty of artificial drama. And while the plot is serviceable, it does not do anything special.

The end result is a Western that is outclassed by many later entries into the genre. Fighting Caravans has the makings of a light love story on the Great Plains, but it has neither the tact nor the playful spirit to pull it off. The comedy misses the mark, the romance is weak, and the presentation is flawed. Fighting Caravans does tell a complete story with a few viable ideas, but there is little to recommend it over its peers.

For a more charming Western romantic comedy, try The Fighting Kentuckian. For a better Western romance in the same vein starring Gary Cooper, try Along Came Jones.

[5.7 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0021861/). I give it a 5.0 for weak characters and clunky storytelling.

Today’s quick review: Along Came Jones. Melody Jones (Gary Cooper), a traveling cowboy, wanders into the wrong town and gets mistaken for Monte Jarrad (Dan Duryea), a murderous outlaw who robbed a stagecoach nearby. Realizing that everyone in town either fears him or wants him dead, Melody agrees to use the confusion to help Cherry de Longpre (Loretta Young), the real Monte’s girlfriend, throw the posse off the injured outlaw’s trail.

Along Came Jones is a Western comedy about a case of mistaken identity. Gary Cooper stars as Melody Jones, a simple cowhand who happens to look like a fearsome criminal. The story follows Melody and his friend George (William Demarest) as they risk themselves to get Cherry out of trouble. Along Came Jones has a plot full of bluffs, betrayals, and romance. However, its strength stems from Melody’s good intentions and his relationship with Cherry.

Along Came Jones is not the most sophisticated comedy. Its plot has plenty of twists and turns, particularly as more people get involved in the hunt for Melody, but the core of it is fairly simple. The script is not especially sharp, and neither Melody nor George is a standout comedic figure. But for all that, the two have their charms. Slow to catch on but smarter than they look, they throw everyone’s plans off-kilter just by sticking around.

The movie also features a modest but rewarding romance between Melody and Cherry. Devoted to Monte but sick of his misdeeds, Cherry initially tries to use Melody as a patsy. But when it becomes clear that he intends to help her even though he knows the truth, she begins to second-guess herself. The combination of Melody’s bravery—backed up by no gunmanship whatsoever—and Cherry’s shifting motives makes for a fine love story.

Along Came Jones will appeal to fans of the classics. It is not an outstanding movie, but it tells an amusing story with a certain amount of charm. Audiences who enjoy old-fashioned heroes and classic cases of mistaken identity will enjoy Along Came Jones. Skip it if you’re looking for sharper comedy or real thrills.

For a similar case of mistaken identity with a bit more spirit, try Support Your Local Gunfighter. For a serious Western drama starring Gary Cooper, try Man of the West. For one with more intrigue, try Vera Cruz.

[6.5 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037508/). I give it the same for honest charm.

Today’s quick review: Man of the West. Link Jones (Gary Cooper), a former bank robber trying to turn over a new leaf, gets an unwelcome taste of his old life when Dock Tobin (Lee J. Cobb), his one-time mentor, robs the train Link is riding in. Left stranded with a singer (Julie London) and a gambler (Arthur O’Connell) as the train gets away, Link bluffs that he has returned to help Dock with his latest score.

Man of the West is a Western crime drama starring Gary Cooper. The story follows Link Jones as he walks a careful line, cooperating with his old gang enough to keep himself and his friends alive while looking for a way out of Dock’s next bank robbery. Man of the West features a tight plot with few extraneous pieces, several solid performances, and a naturally tense premise. The result is a well-scoped movie that accomplishes what it sets out to do.

Man of the West does a good job of managing its tension. Link and his companions are outmatched and outmaneuvered for most of the movie, and he has to rely on Dock’s lingering affection for him to stay alive. Gary Cooper delivers a serious performance that contrasts nicely with the unhinged behavior of Dock and the cold malice of Claude (John Dehner), Dock’s right-hand man. Meanwhile, the plot is a focused series of tests for Link and the others.

Give Man of the West a shot when you are in the mood for a serious Western with hard decisions for its characters. Link Jones is a different kind of Western hero, a quiet man who relies more on cunning than skill to survive. Fans of the crime genre will find the dynamics of the movie familiar, but it retains the down-to-earth quality of the more serious Westerns. Viewers looking for lighter action should steer clear.

For a classic Western with a protagonist who gets by on his wits, try A Fistful of Dollars. For a modern action movie about a reformed criminal blackmailed into returning to the game, try Gone in Sixty Seconds.

[7.1 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051899/). I give it a 7.0 for a tightly written and suitably tense story.

Today’s quick review: True Grit. To avenge her father, Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), a strong-willed teenager, recruits the help of Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), a washed-up marshal with a reputation for killing his targets. Accompanied by La Boeuf (Matt Damon), a dubious Texas ranger, Mattie and Rooster head into Choctaw territory in search of the killer Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin) and Lucky Ned Pepper (Barry Pepper), the outlaw protecting him.

True Grit is a Western drama from the Coen Brothers. The story follows Mattie Ross as she sets out to bring her father’s killer to justice with the help of two lawmen of questionable skill. True Grit tells an unusual story for a Western, trading in the classic cowboy hero for a precocious girl and a brutal mess of a marshal. The interplay between the characters, the journey itself, and artful direction make True Grit a rewarding watch.

True Grit has a few wry touches that mark it as a Coen Brothers film. The characters are all a little strange. Mattie is a willful girl with peculiar notions of how the world works. Rooster has a salty personality and a keen tactical mind that only works when he’s sober. La Boeuf butts heads with Rooster constantly and brags about more than he accomplishes. The trio’s odd dynamic gives the film a very particular flavor.

Unlike other Coen Brothers films, True Grit is largely serious. There are a few lighter moments, and the script has hints of irony, but there is not much outright comedy. The journey is protrayed as perilous every step of the way, and Mattie is never coddled or treated as an action heroine. True Grit is a glimpse at a particularly harsh side of the Old West, where its heroes will need luck and skill to achieve their goals.

True Grit is a solid pick for fans of the modern side of the Western genre. Although its story is almost unchanged from the original John Wayne version of the film, the Coen Brothers is a little more violent, a little more quirky, and has a greater focus on camerawork and direction. The result may come across as odd to some viewers, but the strength of the story, acting, and presentation make it worth checking out.

For a more even-keeled rendition of the same story, check out the John Wayne version of True Grit. For a stranger Western anthology from the Coen Brothers, try The Ballad of Buster Scruggs. For a bleak, Western-style crime drama from the Coen Brothers, try No Country For Old Men. For another skillful modern wester, try 3:10 to Yuma.

[7.6 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1403865/). I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for a compelling story and capable direction.

“If I smelled as bad as you, I wouldn’t live near people.” —Mattie

Today’s quick review: True Grit. After her father is murdered by Tom Chaney (Jeff Corey), Mattie Ross (Kim Darby) hires Rooster Cogburn (John Wayne), a grizzled and trigger-happy marshal, to hunt Chaney down. The duo join up with La Boeuf (Glen Campbell), a Texas ranger hunting Chaney for other crimes, and set out after their quarry. But their mission becomes more dangerous when Chaney takes up with Ned Pepper (Robert Duvall) and his gang.

True Grit is a classic Western drama about a teenage girl trying to bring her father’s killer to justice. Kim Darby stars as Mattie Ross, a prim and capable young woman who ropes two dangerous lawmen into her hunt for Chaney. John Wayne plays opposite her as Rooster Cogburn, whose tendency to shoot outlaws has earned him a bad reputation. True Grit’s well-scoped story and interesting character dynamics help it carve out a niche in a crowded genre.

The highlight of the film is Mattie Ross herself. Young and unimposing, she makes up for these deficiencies with pride and determination. In a world of liars and criminals, she never lets anyone cheat her, never gets the bad end of a deal, and never gives up until she gets her way. The way she gets Cogburn and La Boeuf on her side, as well as her courage in the face of danger, gives True Grit a unique and rewarding angle.

The main pitfall of the film is its characters, in spite of its talented leads. Neither Rooster Cogburn nor La Boeuf is a classic hero, and nearly all of the character interactions are combative, whether it’s the lawmen insulting one another or Mattie trying to keep them in line. The net effect does work in the film’s favor and helps True Grit with the story it’s trying to tell, but it does make the characters harder to get used to.

Overall, True Grit accomplishes what it sets out to do. The backbone of the story is a well-constructed hunt for a fugitive, while the film’s unique lead gives it a very specific identity. Fans of the Western genre will do well to give it a shot. Those looking for a more conventional hero or a film with more warmth and humor may want to look elsewhere. For a more harrowing John Wayne Western about the hunt for justice, try The Searchers.

[7.4 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065126/). I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for a plucky lead and strong fundamentals.

“A cow’s nothing but a lot of trouble tied up in a leather bag.” —Wil Andersen

Today’s quick review: The Cowboys. Left with no cowhands to take his herd to market, Wil Andersen (John Wayne), an aging rancher, reluctantly recruits a group of schoolboys to help him drive his cattle 400 miles to Belle Fourche. Accompanied by Jebediah Nightlinger (Roscoe Lee Browne), a wise cook, Andersen and the boys set out on a perilous journey that will test their mettle and force the teenagers to become men.

The Cowboys is a Western drama starring John Wayne. The movie follows a rancher and close to a dozen boys as they brave a long path through uncertain territory. The Cowboys is a coming-of-age story that bridges the gap between Andersen, a hard and unforgiving man, and the boys put in his charge. The movie benefits from a novel premise and some touching character work, but its storytelling style will not be to every viewer’s taste.

The Cowboys has the makings of a compelling watch. The journey is long and unpredictable, with dangers ranging from rustlers to the cows themselves. The movie does a good job of conveying the grudging respect Andersen develops for the boys, and several of the incidents along the way are suitably gut-wrenching. Meanwhile, Roscoe Lee Browne delivers a charismatic perforamnce as Nightlinger, and the script serves up a few poetic lines of dialogue.

However, The Cowboys is on shakier ground with its plot structure and its emotional arc. The story consists of a series of episodes on the trail to Belle Fourche. These work well enough on their own, but they are not tied together very tightly. The movie also spends little time with the individual boys, instead showing the development as a group. As a result, the movie’s strongest emotional moments do not always have the scaffolding they need.

How much you get out of The Cowboys will come down to taste. The movie has plenty to offer in terms of character development and the logistics of a cattle drive. But it lacks the rigid structure that many viewers will be used to, meaning that it’s up to the viewer to bond with the characters. Give it a shot if you are interested in a coming-of-age story with more bite than usual. Skip it if you are looking for a more conventional Western.

For another John Wayne Western about a dangerous cattle drive, try Red River. For an emotionally potent John Wayne Western about an aging gunfighter, try The Shootist. For a more fanciful kids’ adventure with an ensemble cast, try The Goonies.

[7.4 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068421/). I give it a 7.0 for polished pieces assembled into a loose whole.

“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.

“Every man should have a little taste of power before he’s through.” —Nathan Burdette

Today’s quick review: Rio Bravo. When Sheriff John T. Chance (John Wayne) arrests Joe Burdette (Claude Akins) for murder, he earns the wrath of Nathan (John Russell), Joe’s powerful brother. Now Chance must prevent Nathan’s hired guns from breaking Joe out of jail, with only his deputies Dude (Dean Martin) and Stumpy (Walter Brennan) for help. Meanwhile, Feathers (Angie Dickinson), a troublesome gambler, arrives in town and butts heads with Chance.

Rio Bravo is a classic Western drama starring John Wayne. Outnumbered and outgunned, the sheriff and deputies of a remote Texas town have to guard a well-connected prisoner until the marshal arrives. Rio Bravo does a skillful job of setting up its characters and its conflicts. From the cold-blooded murder that kicks off the plot to the explosive shootout that ends it, Rio Bravo is a carefully orchestrated story with plenty to offer.

Much of Rio Bravo’s depth comes from the way its characters interact. Although Chance and his deputies are nominally on the same side, they have their own failings that cause them trouble throughout the film. Chance is a proud and protective man who refuses offers of help. Dude is a recoverng drunk who still doesn’t trust his gun hand. And while Stumpy mainly serves as comic relief, he provides Chance and Dude with some much-needed support.

The way the plot unfolds has everything to do with its characters and their choices. Chance’s refusal to let Joe go puts him in the crosshairs, while Dude’s ongoing battle with the bottle puts him in danger on more than one occasion. Meanwhile, Colorado Ryan (Ricky Nelson), an outsider with a quick trigger finger, weights the risks of getting involved. Rio Bravo’s setup is fairly generic, but the complicated way it plays out sets the film apart.

Rio Bravo is a strong pick for fans of the Western genre. It blends familiar plot threads and character types with careful presentation and a story that take on a life of its own. The result is one of the better iterations on a particular type of Western story: that of justice enduring against long odds. Steer clear if you are looking for grey morality or prefer a more modern style of storytelling and action.

For a somewhat more comedic John Wayne Western with a similar story, try El Dorado. For another Western drama about law enforcement in a dangerous town, try Tombstone, Hour of the Gun, or Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

[8.0 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053221/). I give it a 7.5 for solid character work and effective tension throughout.

Today’s quick review: Fort Apache. Ordered to take command of Fort Apache from Captain Kirby York (John Wayne), Lieutenant Colonel Owen Thursday (Henry Fonda) seeks to revive his flagging career by rounding up a band of Apaches that have escaped their reservation. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Michael O’Rourke (John Agar), a young officer, pursues a relationship with Thursday’s daughter Philadelphia (Shirley Temple).

Fort Apache is a classic Western war drama starring Henry Fonda and John Wayne. The film revolves around the question of what to do with Chief Cochise (Miguel Inclan) and his Apaches, who escaped across the Rio Grande after their shabby treatment at the hands of the government. Where York urges fair treatment and caution, Thursday orders a decisive show of force. The clash between the two helps focus the film’s broader look at life in the cavalry.

Fort Apache manages to keep track of several rewarding plot threads without letting any of them get lost in the shuffle. The youthful romance between Michael and Philadelphia, the mundane task of training the new troopers, and the social lives of the officers and their wives all contribute to a multifaceted story. Fort Apache mixes the clean storytelling of fiction with an insight into human nature that gives it the right amount of reality.

The result is a film with a lot to offer. Fort Apache highlights the nuances of command, the moral dilemmas of war, and both the noble and the inhuman sides of life in the military. Fans of the classics will find that Fort Apache is a rare treat: a film whose plot and themes complement each other to form a satisfying whole. Viewers who are just looking for raw action or a Western romp will find Fort Apache too thoughtful for their tastes.

For a loose sequel starring John Wayne, check out Rio Grande. For another war drama that explores questions of honor and command, try The Bridge on the River Kwai or A Bridge Too Far. For another John Wayne cavalry movie, check out The Horse Soldiers.

[7.5 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040369/). I give it the same for rich drama and a broadly talented cast.

Today’s quick review: McLintock!. After a lifetime of enterprise, George Washington McLintock (John Wayne) runs a thriving business, owns a sizable portion of a town, and has earned the respect of his friends and neighbors. The only wrinkle is his estranged wife Katie (Maureen O’Hara), who has come home from the East to convince G.W. to let their daughter Becky (Stefanie Powers) move away with her.

McLintock! is a Western romantic comedy starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. Two years after their last fight, G.W. and Katie butt heads again over whether their daughter should live in the rowdy, unpredictable West or the high society of the East. McLintock! is a comedy with high spirits, a dash of romance, and plenty of good-natured brawling. Its lively characters and optimism make it a fun watch, but its virtues will not appeal to everyone.

McLintock! builds on a rather unique foundation: G.W. and his relationship with the town. He is a man of many talents: a drinker, a brawler, an honest businessman, and a loyal ally. His wisdom keeps the wilder side of the town in check, while his good humor keeps any conflict from spiraling out of control. The only person who can match him is Katie, a proud and stubborn woman who is every bit as forceful as he is.

McLintock! spins these character dynamics into an enjoyable story. G.W. and Katie play out their argument over the course of several days, coming closer to the point where they will either have to patch things up or split for good. Their relationship is complemented by a more youthful romance between Becky and Devlin Warren (Patrick Wayne), G.W.’s latest hire. The result is an unabashedly cheerful comedy in the classic mold.

Still, McLintock! has a few points of friction. Chief among these is audience buy-in. Very little of the story works without the viewer liking G.W. and rooting for him at least most of the time. Anyone who finds him too fanciful a character or simply dislikes his personality will have a rough go of it. Likewise, McLintock! is a little too exaggerated in places. The story works when the audience is invested but shows holes when they are not.

How much you get out of McLintock! will depend on your taste in comedy. Fans of the exuberant style of the classics and tongue-in-cheek domestic strife will have plenty of fun. Viewers looking for something a little more grounded or story-focused will find that the movie comes on too strong. Check out McLintock! if you are interested in what it has to offer. Otherwise, approach with caution.

For a subtler take on a similar romantic conflict starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, check out The Quiet Man. For a more action-oriented Western with the same stars, try Big Jake or Rio Grande.

[7.2 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057298/). I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for spirit and charm.