Rio Bravo [1959]

John Wayne, Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson. What more is there to say

It doesn't get any better than this! The Duke and Dean Martin (in one of his last roles where he actually tried to be a serious actor). Ricky Nelson was thrown into the deep end of movie making surrounded by those two and three-time Academy Award winner (AND scene-stealer) Walter Brennan and he still had the moxie to hang on for the ride. It didn't hurt to have Angie Dickenson on board as well but unlike other western female leads, she WASN'T inconsequential to the story! She moved fluidly through the movie to create thunderous and tender moments for the Duke and humorous ones for Dean. Her contribution (with Nelson) was that of exposition and they did so without bogging down the film. The sing-a-long in the jail was the cherry on the top and the moments of REAL friendship that showed through made this the ultimate "buddy film". With not one contrived scene, Howard Hawks produced and directed a "shoot 'em up" western film so good it spawned at least three remakes I know of (Rio Lobo, El Dorado, and Assault on Precinct 13!). The question below asks if I would recommend this to a friend... I GOT IT FOR A FRIEND!

I have seen most John Wayne films but had never seen this one from the beginning as I was unfamiliar with the terrific, dialogue-less opening. A great, extended tracking-shot that introduces the plot without needless exposition. The film is typical Hawkes, showing the strength of friendship and the integrity and strength of individuals. Dean Martin has done the drunk character throughout his career, but this is the one to see with the guy who has fallen far and is struggling to rise again. John Wayne plays exactly the sort of supportive friend you'd want if you'd ruined your own life but needed a second chance. All set to a classic western story framework that Hawks would visit again with El Dorado, but not with the warmth that draws you in of this picture. The action is certainly not fast-paced for viewers who like to watch things explode all the time. But when things do happen, who care about the characters it happens to. Blu-Ray transfer is top notch, excellent remastering to capture the richness of the color and tones of the master camera-men at their craft. A very safe buy for fans of older films.

When the only help you give John Wayne, as the sheriff with a tough assignment, is an alcohol soaked ex-lawman, a crotchety old man, an inexperienced and very young gunslinger plus an old love-interest, played by the beautiful and very convincing Angie Dickinson. How does the Duke overcome the chaos? Easily, because he is...'the Duke'! Watch the fun...and it is true John Wayne fun, as every one does his job and the good guys overcome the bad guys. Great fun....enjoy a great movie "the way they used to make 'em."

Another classic John Wayne western. I watched this one more than once with my dad growing up.

It's a classic John Wayne western - and also includes Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, and Walter Brennan. Humor, sadness, nasty villains . . . all the ingredients of a traditional horse opera. (And if you've never heard the term "horse opera" applied to a western . . . you must be a youngster!) This Blu-Ray disc was in the bargain bin, making it a good buy. Video quality is very watchable, but don't expect REAL Blu-Ray quality, as the video isn't up to modern Blu-Ray standards; maybe they just did the best they could with the video transfer from a 10th generation copy and couldn't use the original film from 1959 as their source. The video quality knocks 1 star off the rating.

John Wayne is typically great. Dean Martin is exceptional. One of his better roles. Great acting, superior direction with a well executed screenplay. Wayne remade this movie several years later called El Dorado. Good movie but this is definitely the superior of the 2. If you like classic westerns, well you probably have already seen it. Now go buy it for this low price. If you haven't seen it, shame on you. Get it & watch it.

Rio Bravo is a true classic of the genre. I was first turned on to it by a friend who told me that it was John Carpenters inspiration for Assault on Precinct 13. While it is vastly different than that film, they share some similar themes. This is John Wayne and Dean Martin at their best. Howard Hawks did a fantastic job directing this.