Rio Bravo

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Rio Bravo

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Rio Bravo

John Wayne, Dean Martin, Angie Dickinson, Ricky Nelson, Walter Brennan

A texas border town is in the clutches of an evil cattle baron and his band of thugs. When the former is arrested for murder, he vows to the sheriff that his gang will enact revenge. The sheriff is co...( read more  read more... )nfronted with mustering up any strong men he can get--including his drunken deputy--to fight a fight that the odds won't tip in his favor.

Id: 10897929

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Rio Bravo Recent Reviews
  • stopitgoaway
    January 10, 2009
    stopitgoaway
    In terms of structure and character development, this is a fascinating movie. The first wordless sequences that introduce the story to the viewer are a textbook on how to establish time and place in an economical manner. The story takes place in a small town in Texas, and directo...( read more)r Hawks works hard to create his own universe. For the most part, the movie is filmed indoors, giving the story a strong sense of isolationism. This technique forces the viewer to concentrate on characters and situations. It is interesting that such a character-driven movie doesn't utilize close-ups, which made me think that Hawks was very interested in showing how characters interact with the environment. Even more interesting is the fact that our hero is not all that good. The main character played by John Wayne is a bit morally problematic because he is willing to operate outside the law. It reflects the sensibilities of Hawks and Wayne. They simply dare people not to agree with their point of view, and that makes the film fascinating to watch. Wayne is such a charismatic movie star that it is almost impossible not to agree with his most questionable choices. The script is excellent and the supporting cast is memorable (Walter Brennan steals many scenes as an old timer). I could go on and on about the film's great attributes, but I'm just going to say that I believe this movie is one of the great American films. If you love westerns or you just want to see a near perfect film I recommend you to watch this masterwork. It's a classic.
  • PvtCaboose91
    December 2, 2008
    PvtCaboose91
    Nathan Burdette: "I don't like that kinda talk. Now you're practically accusing me..."
    John T. Chance: "Let's get this straight: You don't like? I don't like a lot of things. I don't like your men sittin' on the road bottling up this town. I don't like your men    ...( read more) watching us, trying to catch us with our backs turned. And I don't like it when a friend of mine offers to help and twenty minutes later he's dead! And I don't like you, Burdette, because you set it up."


    Rio Bravo is the quintessential Howard Hawks Western. Although patronised by reviewers at the time of its release, Rio Bravo is now regarded as an American classic and one of the greatest cinematic Westerns in history. The film is primarily recognised for its slick shootouts, masterful atmosphere and a congregation of characters as warm as toast. Not since 1952's High Noon had a Western been so influential. In fact, contemporary cinema still draws blatant inspiration from this timeless classic. John Carpenter's remarkable 1976 actioner Assault on Precinct 13 was a fundamental remake, transplanting the story into a cold, isolated urban location. The 2005 remake of Assault on Precinct 13 was likewise influenced by this timeless 1959 masterpiece. Even Hawks himself helmed two variations of his film with El Dorado and Rio Lobo.

    However, Rio Bravo is the furthest thing from your customary clichéd Western. Gone are the extensive vistas, scenes that involve roaming the countryside on horseback, and not once did John Wayne utter the word "pilgrim". Additionally, the "damsel in distress" cliché is far removed. Also, the archetypal invulnerable protagonist is replaced with a character that gets scared, bleeds and makes mistakes. The atmosphere of pure tension is also lightened by humour. The wonderful screenplay encompasses witticisms as sharp as a dagger, and a group of characters that are well-written and acted wonderfully. This is utterly classic stuff. Although long, the film is undeniably fun.

    John Wayne is in top form as the rugged, tough man's man known as Sheriff John T. Chance. Chance is faced with a dilemma: he has to hold murderer Joe Burdette (Akins) in his gaol until the U.S. Marshall can pick him up in roughly six days. The trouble is that Joe's brother Nathan (Russell) plans to spring Joe from prison by any means possible. Nathan is a local cattle baron who commands an army of paid professionals numbering in the 40s. Sheriff Chance needs to hold out until the Marshall arrives, but he only has two deputies by his side: a disgraced drunk known as Dude (Martin) and a cantankerous, albeit extremely spirited old cripple named Stumpy (Brennan).

    Pat Wheeler: "A game-legged old man and a drunk. That's all you got?"
    John T. Chance: "That's WHAT I got."

    Howard Hawks was reportedly quite dissatisfied with the highly acclaimed 1952 Western High Noon. Hawks was quite disturbed due to how unrealistic the film was. In High Noon, Marshall Will Kane (played by Gary Cooper) was so afraid of his impending adversaries (a mere four men) that he spent most of the film's duration looking for help...only to be rejected by his supposed allies. Hawks decided to make a movie which would depict a more accurate response to the dilemma faced by Kane. In this case, Wayne as Sheriff John T. Chance has an abundance of men willing to help him. The trouble is that he prefers to only have the best men fighting for him. High Noon is a decent flick, but Rio Bravo is far superior due to its more realistic handling of the scenario and its higher entertainment value.

    Howard Hawks is no stranger to the Western genre. Prior to Rio Bravo, Hawks had helmed Red River. His direction here is utterly perfect. Each frame shines with impressive attention to every conceivable detail. Like most Westerns, the period depiction is wonderful. Costumes and props are difficult to fault. Most of the interior scenes were filmed in studio sets; however Hawks' transcendent direction creates an ideal atmosphere. The script, as well, is superlative. Dean Martin even sings a melancholy tune at one stage. It's this variety that makes the film anything but an ordinary Western. There's catchy music mixed with hysterical dialogue, great shootouts and plenty of moments that'll make you smile.
    However, there are a few excessive red herrings that could have been removed. Even with these unnecessary additions, the film provides solid entertainment. Many have criticised Rio Bravo for being too long and with too many uneventful scenes. To me, the film isn't long enough. I adored being in the company of these characters. If anything I was disappointed when the credits started to roll. The filmmakers have definitely performed their duties appropriately if one of my only criticisms is that the movie had to end!

    The acting is first-class right down the line. John Wayne delivers one of the best performances in his career. When it came to making Westerns during the 1950s and a few decades beyond, Wayne was the essential go-to guy. After all, this is John Wayne doing what he does best. As Sheriff John T. Chance, he's right at home with the material. The 6'4" actor was a physical presence that dominated the screen, and was the definitive incarnation of a cowboy. Throughout the entire movie, Wayne is extraordinarily convincing and very watchable. Quintessentially, John Wayne is John Wayne in spades.
    Dean Martin also proves an accomplished actor. At the time Martin was known for hard living and hard drinking, and his experience pays off as he is a credible drunk in this film. When his character of Dude is convalescing and trying to make amends for the various years of drowning in alcohol, the sincerity of Martin's performance is readily apparent.
    However, while Wayne and Martin are both fantastic, it's Walter Brennan as Stumpy that steals the show. He provides delightful comic relief; lightening the somewhat dreary disposition of a number of scenes.
    Ricky Nelson as the young gunslinger Colorado is yet another welcome addition to the cast. Just one week into shooting, Nelson celebrated his 18th birthday!
    Angie Dickinson is the love interest for John Wayne. Interestingly, Wayne was slightly nervous about the love scenes due to the age gap: Wayne was 51 and Dickinson was 26.
    On top of these five great protagonists, there are several other fantastic characters. Suffice to say, it'd be easier to just mention those who aren't good.

    Overall, Rio Bravo quickly emerged as one of my all-time favourite cinematic Westerns. There are only very minor shortcomings, such as a few clichés and a bit of predictability, but for fun Western material it's almost impossible to do better. Rio Bravo is still considered one of Howard Hawks' finest and most influential films. It's a classic John Wayne escapade that has been remade and rehashed numerous times (twice by Hawks himself). This isn't the typical Western that finds tough-guy Cowboys battling violent Indians...this is a surprisingly original production that succumbs to only a few clichés. There's never a dull moment in this highly enjoyable romp that continues to provide sublime entertainment many decades following its initial release.
  • sanjurosamurai
    October 28, 2008
    sanjurosamurai
    everything in me wants to rate this perfectly except the small voice holding me back until i get a second viewing. probably the second best western ive ever seen, and better for me than many of the western gold standards like high noon and the searchers. this is the most ive en...( read more)joyed john wayne whom i normally dont care too much for, and every cast member was chosen perfectly for their role. the story was epic although typical, and the film had an epic feel because of the grand and detailed stoytelling. truly one of the great westerns of all time.
  • bradwest
    October 7, 2008
    bradwest
    Enjoyable. Can you believe how hot Angie used to be?
  • garystev
    April 2, 2008
    garystev
    One of the greatest westerns ever made. Howard Hawks has taken a fairly simple story and made it thoroughly engrossing thanks to a dynamic cast and some incredibly cinematic moments. The cast are amazing throughout, but it's the range of mood that really shines. Plenty of action,...( read more) thrills, comedy and romance are spread throughout and are accentuated by a powerful musical score. The brief musical numbers from Martin and Nelson are great and Angie Dickinson..... WOW! A classic masterpiece, not to be missed!!
  • 21rclemente
    November 28, 2009
    21rclemente
    Wayne definetly has better story lines than this. Fun but its not "Who Shot...."
  • ancestry80
    November 24, 2009
    ancestry80
    Rio Bravo is a great movie. First of all, John Wayne and Dean Martin together is a great combo! My only complaint is the film drags just a bit. Call me crazy, but I prefer the semi-remake "El Dorado."
  • Yelverton
    November 8, 2009
    Yelverton
    The epitome of John Wayne!
  • youthagainstfascism1
    November 2, 2009
    youthagainstfascism1
    a worthwhile, but somewhat immature response to the better High Noon.
  • KojiKabuto
    October 12, 2009
    KojiKabuto
    Alejado del western epico de espectaculares exteriores Rio Bravo es una leccion de cine con personajes y situaciones copiados ad infinitum (9-)
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