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This was not one of John Wayne's best movies. After a while the story line gets a bit tedious and you're wondering when the movie is finally going to end. The climax is when Montgomery Cliff's character finally stands up to John Wayne's character, but the buildup is left wanting. This is apparently Montgomery Cliff's first role and he is good playing the part of Wayne's adopted (or acquired) son. In my opinion many of the supporting characters are not developed well enough or made more diffinitive. John Ireland's character is confusing. You are never sure if he is a good guy or bad. Near the beginning of the movie it seems there may be a showdown between him and Cliff, both pistoleers, but it never happens. It's hard to give a John Wayne movie a less than good rating, but I'll say this one is just okay.Read full review
Montgomery Clift made his movie debut in this 1948 western as the adopted son Matthew Garth of Tom Dunson (John Wayne). The two found each other as Dunson was beginning to establish a cattle ranch in Texas; Garth was an orphan from an Indian uprising whose only possession was a cow. With Garth's cow and Dunson's bull, quite a cattle ranch was developed with a brand in the shape of two parallel banks of the Red River. But then came the Civil War in which Garth fought. When he returned, the ranch was seeing hard times. So Dunson decides to run the cattle north to Missouri, where it was known there was a shortage of meat. As Dunson's assistant, Garth is the more sympathetic of the two. He intervenes several times as Dunson is too hard on the men. They face all kinds of troubles--stampede, conflict over the route to take, Indian attacks, mutiny of some of the men. Finally, Garth confronts his father and takes over the herd. Dunson is left standing in the trail as the cattle move forward to Abilene, Kansas. Dunson promises to kill the very son he raised. From here you are on your own. Some comic relief is provided by Walter Brennan as Groot, Tom Dunson's companion and best friend. For example, he bets his false teeth in a card game to an Indian and loses. The Indian wants the false teeth to Groot's consternation. Joanne Dru as Tess is basically the only female character in the movie. She becomes Garth's love interest when the two meet after Garth's separation from his father. She eventually meets Dunson too and provides a key part to the climax of the movie. This movie was nominated in the Best story category at the Academy Awards but did not win. It is, however, one of John Wayne's best movies, and one in which he plays a somewhat mean character. If you like Westerns, you will enjoy this movie very much. However, it is more Montgomery Clift's movie than Wayne's.Read full review
This is the Duke at his best! A different role for him. Showing his versatility by going from the young good natured, hard working man to the rough, driven, and cruel older one. The ending is a bit wonky but because I love JW and the rest of the film is so good I give it a pass! Worth the watch!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
bought this movie because its an old classic and getting hard to find.dont care for the small screen prefere full screen but i like this movie and others played by john wayne.this movie will stand the test of time compared to others because its a great family film that represents the old west and how things use to be.honest clean and has values. it shows hard work and persistance can make any dream come true and that family is important also and pride in ones self can make you strong. cant say enough about this movie.5 stars
I've seen this movie when I was a younger. But still I think its the best movie of John Wayne. Because thee acting in this movie is really great. The close ups are great and action are stupendous. The way John walks hos way through the cattle before he strikes a blow to the face of the other cowboy. And tords thee end he John writes on the ground what he wants on the branding Iron, and says: you've earned it. That really gets me.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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