There are plenty ofJohn Wayneflicks out there that give the Duke his due.
If you haven’t seenThe Cowboys, then it’s one you ought to give a try.
What Is ‘The Cowboys’ About?
Image via Warner Bros.
Nevertheless, he hires all the others and sends Cimarron away.
This is only a ploy, though, and Andersen sees right through the deception, rejecting the offer.
Ford’s insult caused The Duke to walk off the set in tears.
Image via Warner Bros.
With their leader wounded, the cowboys allow Watts and his men to take the cattle for themselves.
Seeing their need for vengeance, Nightlinger changes his mind and decides to help the boys.
Their choice to avenge their fallen mentor and father figure is the ultimate cost of their boyhood.
Of course, in the end, they still choose so anyway.
One almost wonders if he was trying to impart his own wisdom to young mindsbeforeClint Eastwoodhad the chance.
Other notable Westerns to do so includeThe Alamoand his final motion picture,The Shootist.
Image via Warner Bros.
Of course, Wayne wasn’t meant to be inThe Cowboysoriginally.
Nevertheless, Wayne’s reaction toThe Cowboysspeaks profoundly to the lasting power of this exquisite drama.
It’s no wonder that he ultimately gets what’s coming to him.
Image via Warner Bros.
BeforeThe Cowboyswas released, John Wayne had some famous words for his co-star.
“They actually gasped.”
That’s how you know you’ve made a compelling motion picture.
“Scribes are always right when they’re good.”
Now that’s good storytelling.
Though John Wayne has starred in plenty of exceptional Westerns,The Cowboysremainsone of the most underappreciatedin the genre.
If you haven’t seen this one yet, now is certainly the time.
