Rio Bravo
Category
Western
Director
Howard Hawks
Cast
- John Wayne
- Dean Martin
- Ricky Nelson
- Angie Dickinson
- Walter Brennan
Release Date
4 April 1959
Synopsis
Highly acclaimed director, Howard Hawks, seems to be very upfront with his disapproval of Fred Zinnemann’s movie High Noon. As he said, it is not the proper way of promoting Westerners. As a form of protest for the said disgrace in Western movies, Hawks made the movie Rio Bravo.
The story of Rio Bravo revolves around a small-town sheriff named Jack T. Chance’s (played by John Wayne) arrest of Joe Burdette (played by Claude Akins). Burdette happens to be the brother of an infamously wealthy man named Nathan (John Russel). And upon hearing that his brother is in jail, Nathan immediately takes action to get him out, no matter what cost. This caused an alarm for Wayne and his men since the criminal is under their custody, so they decide to take the necessary action. From there the real action begins.
Among all other Western films that John Wayne had been in, Rio Bravo seems to be one of his best. Unlike the ordinary stoic and straightforward gentlemen roles he used to have, his character in this film is vibrant and playful in nature, definitely an interesting change.
Angie Dickinson was also able to show her acting prowess as the aggressive young woman, Feathers, who tries to win over Chance. Although her flirtatious acting is not really that convincing, her scenes with Wayne show great potential. It is definitely a lot more charming than putting a stereotypical Western woman on her position.
Generally, the movie shows a lot of potential. The screenplay was definitely impressive due to the vital social relevance it imparts. The true essence of democracy is very well demonstrated in the totality of the film. Howard Hawks do have an impressive talent, and he definitely knows how to use it.
Although the movie runs for about two hours and twenty minutes, viewers will not find it boring nor dragging. Hawks successfully made an immortal mark in the movie industry with this project, keeping him alive in the hearts of everyone. Until now, it is clearly noticeable that a lot of films had been greatly influenced by this Western classic such as Assault on Precinct 13 by John Carpenter.