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I am a John Wayne/cowboy fan and I think any fan of John Wayne would like this movie. I thought this was a very well done movie. It is engaging and entertaining, but in all fairness, I think a person has to like a certain type of movie to enjoy it as much as me. Loved that Patrick Wayne and his younger brother Ethan was in it. Many of these movies are produced by John Wayne's sons and John always had control of some of the directing. If you like John Wayne films, you'll like this one as well.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
It is 1904 and automobiles are popping up where only horses were previously. The Wright Brothers had flown and old cowboys were desperately trying to hold on to the old west. Large cattle ranches were being broken up and people were spilling in from the east. Times were changing. The McCandles Ranch is still one of the remaining "Big Spreads". An old, long time cattle ranch owned by Jacob McCandles. He hasn't been home in years, he is one of those old time cowboys living in the place that is still open, where modern times haven't yet arrived. He lived by a creed of not starting trouble, but once it started, he would finish it. They came to the McCandles ranch to kill and kidnap somebody for ransom; for one million dollars! Mrs. McCandles (Maureen O'Hara)sends out the word. . ."Go find him, and tell him we need him". Big Jake, Jacob McCandles (John Wayne) gets the message and soon arrives. His wife tells him that his eight year old grandson has been kidnapped, and that one of his sons has been shot and seriously wounded. In addition, many of the people and help were killed. Her message was to carry out a big red box, supposedly with a million dollars cash, to ransom the child. Secretly, they both know that he is going to kill them all and retrieve his grandson. John Fain (Richard Boone) is the leader of the outlaws. Wayne, along with an old Indian friend who is an expert tracker, and two of his sons go after the gang. Eventually they hunt them down and kill all of them. The boy, who he had never seen before, is rescued. His name is Jacob also. The pursuit of the kidnappers is relentless, and there seems to be a different Wayne emerging. This Wayne is older and much more deliberate. He is more violent and much quicker to take action. This is a good movie.Read full review
Of all the John Wayne films I've seen, I have no problem watching this one again and again. Not a critic’s favorite and, yes, there are flaws and there is plenty to criticize, but there is plenty to enjoy, particularly in its pace, gunfights, music score, and my favorite, the characters (and the actors playing them). The movie wastes no time getting the story started, inter-splicing with moments of humor, and continuing with a swift pace till the ultimate climax. In keeping with many of the westerns being released around that time (1971), the gunfights are violent, with plenty of blood, bullet impacts, and carnage, not typical of a Wayne western. John Wayne’s character, Jacob McCandles, is one of his best and has some of the most quotable dialog. Wayne is surrounded by a friendly supporting cast, who have performed with him before, such as Maureen O’Hara, who looks great, John Agar, Bruce Cabot (not the best casting, as an Indian), Richard Boone, who is at his menacing and grumpy best, Patrick Wayne (Wayne’s son), Christopher Mitchum (Robert’s son), and many others. All the actors seem to be enjoying themselves and have great a rapport. I almost forgot, the music score, by Elmer Bernstein, it is reminiscent of some of his earlier works, particularly, "The Magnificent Seven."Read full review
Picture was of excellent quality. I could watch it over and over again. Possible the best movie John Wayne has starred in.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Lots of action great acting and great supporting cast. If you are John Wayne fan, this is a movie 🎥 for you.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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