+6
Rio Bravo
This is the typical Ford-Wayne western that was always a crowd pleaser. It’s much the same viewed today, as it must have been upon its first release. It’s got the usual cast of characters that reside in a Ford Western, played by the usual suspects. Ward Bond and Water Brennan for example, in the usual supporting roles.
The story is pretty straight forward, a classic story of good vs evil. And the direction is pretty good, as the tension is drawn out over a period of a few days and nights. There’s no real silliness to interrupt like most Ford westerns. But that’s because it isn’t a Ford Western. I’ve been purposely mentioning Ford, as he has long been considered the father of westerns, but Howard Hawks, who directed Rio Bravo, has always been there as well.
Here he relievers a fine film full of tension, filled with actual characters rather then caricatures. Fords a fine director, but he tends to dot his films with the latter where they become almost distractions. Hawks was the right choice.
Wayne is actually really good here, using his gestures to convey his unease in the beginning after arresting a outlaw for murder. Glancing this way and that, looking for the trouble that will inevitably appear
Dean Martin is also affective as Dude, the drunk.
The only miscast here was Nelson as Colorado. He seemed too wooden while trying to appear serious in his scenes with Wayne. He improves somewhat towards the end.
And Angie Dickinson makes the most of her scenes. More fragile then she’d care to admit to anyone. Even herself. Her vulnerability ever so evident in a few scenes where she lets her guard down.
It’s a good film, with a Climax that doesn’t quite live up to expectations, as there is no final duel between Chance and Burnette.
Instead, there’s a hastily put together ending between Feathers and Chance.
Which is fine. I mean, it’s Angie Dickinson looking ultra sexy in tights. Who’s going to complain about that?
Great film, great scenes, great pair of legs on Dickinson.
I might be obsessed with Dickinson now.
I’m done.
Wait....*hits pause button on Dickinson*
Ok. Now I’m done.