In the 10 years (or 2 lustrum) of his career as a marshal, Rooster Cogburn (Wayne) has killed many men. So many that Judge Parker (McIntire) asks for his badge. However when a government wagon of nitro glycerine is hijacked, there is only one man for the job, regardless the cost, "you forget judge you hung up my guns. I'm re-tired, re-lieved, and re-joicing!" With his badge returned Rooster sets out after an old enemy, Hawk (Jordan), and an old friend, Breed (Zerbe), who have the wagon. When Hawk's crew kills a pastor, Rooster takes his daughter Eula (Hepburn) and the Native American boy protecting her, Wolf (Romancito) with him. Eula is a head strong woman who frequently butts heads with Rooster. Together they seek justice for the theft and murder.
Honestly, I would rather watch this film than it's predecessor "True Grit." According to many people, this film is sub par in comparison (they are wrong). Below are the reasons this film is better...
1. The leading lady is Katharine Hepburn...who is much more entertaining than Kim Darby
2. The chemistry between Hepburn and Wayne is better...they swap lines, one-upping each other. His relationship with Darby is more fatherly.
3. The characters are not annoying. Darby's Mattie is obnoxious, and one of the reasons I do not enjoy "True Grit"
4. There are some classic lines in this film... "I'll get you a fair trial and a good hanging. Maybe even get you life in the state penitentiary. They'll teach you to read and write...the rest isn't as good..." (among others)
This film ranked #2 for my favorite John Wayne films.
Rent it: it isn't as well known or as popular as "True Grit," but it still worth a look.
Rooster Cogburn (1975) 108 minutes
Director: Stuart Miller
Starring: John Wayne as Rooster Cogburn
Katharine Hepburn as Eula
Anthon Zerbe as Breed
Richard Jordan as Hawk
John McIntire as Judge Parker
Richard Romancito as Wolf
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