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John Wayne, Kim Darby, Robert Duvall

An aging marshal helps a young girl find her father's killer. When a Texas Ranger joins in the pursuit for the reward, conflicts ensue between the two men until the girl brings them together.

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15 critics

G, 2 hrs. 8 min.

Directed by: Henry Hathaway

Release Date: June 11, 1969

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DVD Release Date: March 21, 2000

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Flixster Reviews (881)

  • PvtCaboose91
    October 13, 2008
    PvtCaboose91
    "Fill your hands, you son of a bitch!"


    Is there another American actor more iconic and legendary than John Wayne?

    True Grit is one of the most quintessential Westerns in filmic history. It features memorable quotes, beautiful open vistas, classic shootouts

    ...( read more)and of course one of the greatest stars of all time. Whenever The Duke's commanding figure wandered into the frame, he simply oozed authority and a strong star presence. Perhaps his range may have been a tad restricted but when the encyclopaedia of Westerns is composed, John Wayne will forever rank high in the lexicon. He's a performer who secured colossal popularity: throughout his career, masses of adoring fans flocked to their local cinema to watch their favourite hero don his hat, carry a pistol and ride a horse. Be that as it may, it's widely known that John Wayne wasn't a great actor. Very rarely did The Duke step out of his comfort zone and attempt something new.

    True Grit is a Western that brings together a congregation of genre clichés. It's a fun film that kids would generally watch of a Saturday afternoon. Not only is True Grit a lot of fun, but it also changed my opinion of John Wayne. This was the film that earned the actor the honour of an Oscar statuette. The Duke certainly deserved that honour, even if it was probably more out of sympathy as opposed to a scintillating performance. Mind you, I would probably argue that True Grit encompasses John Wayne's finest moments captured on the medium of film. His performance as Rooster Cogburn showed the toughness and fortitude of the legendary actor as he rode horseback and endured physical pains with a body ravaged by cancer at the age of 62. By no means is this his greatest film (that honour goes to The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance or Rio Bravo), but this production is cut above the usual standard of Westerns.

    Like many other entries in the profitable Western genre, the plot of True Grit is thin and simple. The plot is also quite trite, and it mixes most of the obligatory genre clichés. Yet if one throws interesting names into the cast (including Robert Duvall and Dennis Hopper in early performances) in addition to captivating locations and slick shootouts...suddenly things are far more interesting. Certainly, the film is loads of fun. Under intimate filmic analysis the results aren't flattering, though. There's some occasional meandering and a few overly excessive scenes, but at least it's very watchable with the authoritative John Wayne commanding the frame.

    True Grit finds John Wayne as U.S. Marshall Rooster Cogburn. He's a drunken and surly has-been who's passed his golden years. Enter Mattie Ross (Darby) who's on a mission of justice following the tragic death of her father (Pickard). Mattie's father was killed by one of his own ranch hands named Tom Chaney (Corey). Despite Mattie hearing unsavoury stories about Marshall Rooster Cogburn, she's also heard that Cogburn possesses the rare quality of "true grit". There's reluctance on Cogburn's part of venturing into Indian territory, but he eventually agrees to Mattie's proposal. It turns out that Tom Chaney isn't only being pursued by Mattie - a Texas Ranger named LaBoeuf (Campbell) is also tracking the man.
    The reward dollars for capturing Chaney appear to be going higher. Rooster is therefore all the more determined to find Chaney. This determination is made far sweeter when it's discovered Chaney is apparently running with a gang led by a nemesis of Rooster's: Lucky Ned Pepper (Duvall). Rewards from all corners partnered with an opportunity to finally nail Ned Pepper and his men? This is simply too much attraction for Rooster to ignore.

    Naturally, the film climaxes with the customary fantastic shootout as Wayne's Rooster Cogburn exchanges bullets with Duvall's Ned Pepper. This exhilarating action scene ranks among the best of John Wayne's career. Unfortunately, the film feels a bit long in the teeth during the lead-up to this final showdown. It must be said that on occasion the film gets lost in the magnificent scenery. Also the dialogue in the first 40 minutes sorely needed a major trim. We all know Rooster will end up journeying with Mattie, so his frequent reluctance is conventional and, at times, just a waste of space. It's only during the final half hour that the film picks up pace, and provides a truly invigorating piece of cinematic entertainment.

    True Grit wouldn't have worked without The Duke in the cast. John Wayne's performance as the crabby old fat drunk is remarkable. Prior to watching this movie, The Duke's speech mannerisms and unmistakable walk that are frequently lampooned were hard to overlook. He was continually doing more of the same. However, he shows his true acting range in True Grit. After learning of the physical condition he was in during production, and watching this ailing old man still commanding the screen, I realised the powerful personal of Wayne was due to his talent and determination. Even after losing a lung and several ribs (and, for that matter, was only capable of walking a few steps before being hopelessly out of breath), Wayne donned the spurs and hat with confidence. The subtle humour of his performance is also enjoyable. There are some very witty lines. His environment also adds something to the character: he lives in the back room of a Chinaman's store, in the company of the Chinaman and a lovely tabby cat known as General Sterling Price.

    Some feel that Wayne's A-List performance is somewhat blemished by the cast surrounding him. I feel that the actors surrounding Wayne just aren't up to his standard. Kim Darby is too whiney, too straight-up, doesn't look the character's alleged age (she looks like she's in her 20s when she's in fact playing a 14-year-old) and is unable to carry the emotional needs of the role. John Wayne reportedly wasn't fond of Kim during filming because she was too unprofessional.
    Glen Campbell's performance is mediocre. He looks a bit too handsome, with not enough depth or ruggedness for a Texas Ranger. Elvis Presley was in the running for the role apparently. It would've been fairly interesting to see what he'd have done with the character.
    Robert Duvall is a tad underused, but his performance is solid enough. Same goes for the other additions to the supporting cast.

    Overall, True Grit is a classic Western featuring a classic iconic star. John Wayne's determination as a performer thoroughly shows during every scene of the movie. The Duke's performance alone makes the film worth viewing. There's also breathtaking scenery and some exciting shootouts added to the mix. It's a very flawed movie; however it's a classic Western that today's audiences simply must view. John Wayne may have been aging at the time and looking it...when he pulls out his gun, though, it doesn't matter how fat or old he is: he's still The Duke. He makes True Grit the unforgettable western that it is. It's just the flick to watch on a lazy Saturday afternoon. Followed by a sequel: Rooster Cogburn.
  • bradwest
    October 7, 2008
    bradwest
    The Glen Campbell bits feel a little too forced, but otherwise enjoyable.
  • sononothing
    June 19, 2008
    sononothing
    John Wayne finally got an Oscar for his performance as Rooster Cogburn in this film and he deserved it.
    True Grit is about a young girl who seeks revenge on the man that killed and robbed her father. She bribes Federal Marshall Cogburn to go after the man with Glen "Bad Mugshot"...( read more) Campbell in tow as a Texas Ranger hunting the same man.
    Wayne seems to be playing a crustier version of himself at this point in his life. Rooster's demeanor appears to be that life had ridden him hard and put him away wet. Overused seems to come to mind and Wayne gives probably one of the best performances of his life.
    Featuring a young Dennis Hopper and a young Robert Duvall True Grit was Wayne' swan song, mainly because most of his output after this film (excluding the Shootist) just wasn't up to snuff. It also rang the last call bell on the great American western (as opposed to the Italian influenced westerns) mainly with the deaths of Howard Hawks, John Ford, and eventually John Wayne himself.
    This film was going to be a four start affair, but I had to bump up a half a star because of the appearance of screen legend and personal guru Strother Martin.
  • clooneyfan
    August 19, 2007
    clooneyfan
    Classic John Wayne western.
  • garyX
    July 14, 2007
    garyX
    This movie sums up John Wayne's career perfectly. His acting ability was always questionable but his charisma and collaborations with masters of the genre always bore fruit.
  • ringoestrella258
    October 29, 2009
    ringoestrella258
    John Wayne in one of his most famous roles as Rooster Cogburn - a sort of Dirty Harry of the old west.
  • SageSlowdive
    August 25, 2009
    SageSlowdive
    Absolutly dreadful.

    Wayne DID NOT deserve the Oscar.
  • JATbobDYLAN93
    August 14, 2009
    JATbobDYLAN93
    John Wayne really kicks ass as the fat drunken marshall we all want to be like! one of the best western film ever made.
  • jackgiantkillr
    July 30, 2009
    jackgiantkillr
    Sure Wayne won the Oscar for this performance, and he gives a good one. The movie just doesn't do it for me. Maybe cuz you have to put w/Glen Campbell.
  • missathebrat
    July 29, 2009
    missathebrat
    An awesome performance by The Duke. Not only witty, but enjoyable to watch.

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  • AsianNorthOfThailandGeneration
    April 6, 2009
    AsianNorthOfThailandGeneration
    href="http://www.glittergraphicsnow.com/" title="Orkut and MySpace Glitter Graphics">glittering rock


    " My friend " Rayman0071 " . He has invitation me to watch it this filmed . So that too bad ! it's rite now on DVD to difficultly for me to watch it . Have you watch it? "
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True Grit Trivia

  • The only film for which John Wayne ever won an Oscar.  Answer »
  • What John Wayne movie is the following quote from....Robert Duval states...."Thats pretty bold talk for a one-eyed fat man" and john Wayne answers with......"Well fill your hands you son of a bitch"  Answer »
  • Who is the young woman that play in true grit?  Answer »
  • TOM "Everything happens to me. Now I'm shot by a child." Which movie?  Answer »
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