THE GRITTY TRUTH

A Video Review of "True Grit" (1969)

Copyright 2002 Glenn Walker

John Wayne got an Oscar for this one but it was obviously for body of work and not for this particular performance. True Grit is not the Duke's best but it's not his worst either. Wayne plays a cartoon essentially as U.S. Marshal and bounty hunter Rooster Cogburn. He's the grizzled old gunfighter who knows his stuff and bothered no end by these young 'uns who think they know better.

The guns in each hand and reins in his teeth scene is phenomenal and one of Hollywood's most amazing images. To me it defines the John Wayne tough guy never give up policy. Also amazing is the fact that Wayne against the wishes of the director did his own stunts.

Glen Campbell as the Texas Ranger is saccharine sweet to the end. Dennis Hopper and Robert Duvall as some of the bad guys are good as well but that damned Kim Darby, oh boy. I can't think of how many movies she's ruined for me but her whining here is a triumph of character. If that's her best quality no wonder so many people rooted for the gremlins to kill her in the made for TV Don't be Afraid of the Dark.

This is truly a classic not to be missed.