Rio Lobo

Great and funny movie

Love John Wayne movies!

GreatMovie

Who doesn’t love John Wayne?

Almost missed this one, which although directed by Howard Hawks incorporates elements/approaches of director John Ford (perhaps because the presence of John Wayne). Don’t miss it. It’s more mesmerizing than good or bad, as it incorporates both the complexity of reconciliation after the Civil War and an assessment of the role of women in defending themselves and their communities. If that reads as though the movie plods, it does not. It moves right along, accompanied by Jerry Goldsmith’s score.One thing the film has in common with all Hawks’ films is the frankness with which the interaction between men and women is treated. From “Only Angels Have Wings” and “Gentleman Prefer Blondes” to “El Dorado”, the candor reveals a director who knew women (and men).

Rio Lobo is a Classic John Wayne film set during the last days of the Civil War and beyond. A group of Confederate Soldiers hyjack a Union Gold Train that the Duke's group of Union Soldiers are guarding. The Duke knows this is an inside job, with information being provided by a Union Traitor. After capturing some of the Confederate Soldiers involved, he learns a small amount of information about the Traitor and upon helping the Soldiers after they are being released from a Union prision, they agree to keep in touch with the Duke after the war, and to notify him if they should happen to come across the Traitor again (they never knew his name only what he looked like). Chris Mitchum's character moves back to his home town or Rio Lobo, Texas and low and behold the Traitor turns up there trying to force everyone off their land and taking it over for his self. Mitchum gets word to the Duke and the fun begins. This movie has a great cast, including Chris Mitchum (Robert Michum's son), Victor French (Little House on the Parrie), and Jack Elam as Chris's crusty old father. It's the Duke at his best and it is well worth the watch. I highly recommend it.

If you are a John Wayne fan... this film is a must for your collection. Like El Dorado this is a classic Howard Hawks western with humor, heart and the Duke.

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