See it for the actors

gee-15

This is one of a few movies that I can watch over and over again and still enjoy.  That said, it's also my favourite Western. (And I'm not a big fan of the genre.)

The story is simple.  Cogburn (Wayne) is tracking down a load of nitro stolen by Hawk (Jordan)and his gang.  As the gang of outlaws bid a hasty retreat, they stumble upon Eula (Hepburn), her minister father, and several Indians including a teen-aged boy named Wolf.

The plot is simple and had their characters been played by any other actors besides Wayne and Hepburn, the film would have been mediocre at best.  Their performances make the film shine.  Every scene they have together crackles with chemistry. When Wayne says to Hepburn, "being with you pleases me", I got the feeling he meant it and that Hepburn received the compliment with genuine pleasure.  Well, maybe it's just good acting.

In any event, the film is a nice way to pass some time for those unfamiliar with Wayne or Westerns and a must-see for all Wayne and Hepburn fans.

score /10

gee-15 15 February 2000

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw0143982/