Movielogr

Rating: 7.5 stars

All movies seen on 03/19/2010

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The Shootist (1976)

Directed by Don Siegel

Western | Drama

Overview

Afflicted with a terminal illness John Bernard Books, the last of the legendary gunfighters, quietly returns to Carson City for medical attention from his old friend Dr. Hostetler. Aware that his days are numbered, the troubled man seeks solace and peace in a boarding house run by a widow and her son. However, it is not Books’ fate to die in peace, as he becomes embroiled in one last valiant battle.

Rated PG | Length 100 minutes

Actors

John Wayne | Lauren Bacall | Ron Howard | James Stewart | Richard Boone | Hugh O'Brian | Bill McKinney | Harry Morgan | John Carradine | Sheree North | Rick Lenz | Scatman Crothers | Gregg Palmer | Alfred Dennis | Dick Winslow | Melody Thomas Scott | Kathleen O'Malley | Jack Berle | Johnny Crawford | Chuck Dawson | George Dunn | Duke Fishman | Christopher George | Jonathan Goldsmith | Leo Gordon | Charles G. Martin | Jim Michael | Ernesto Molinari | Darren Patrick Moloney | Ricky Nelson | James Nolan | Nick Raymond | Henry Slate | Bob Steele | Ralph Volkie | John Zimeas

Viewing History (seen 1 time)

Viewing Notes

Another film I haven’t seen since I was a child is John Wayne’s last feature performance in The Shootist (1976). I’m not fully cognizant of the details behind the making of this film so whether intentionally or not it parallels Wayne’s real life struggle with cancer in his final days. Wayne as a gunfighter accepting his inevitable demise is simply exceptional here as are Lauren Bacall, Ron Howard and Jimmy Stewart. Didn’t remember much of story details but the final gunfight has always been unforgettable. Truly a fine, fine film. And a very sad film.

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