SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 1 Hour, 38 Min.
Released to widescreen DVD by Paramount Pictures in 2005, Don Siegel directed this 1976 film. The film’s script is adapted from Glendon Swarthout’s same-named 1975 novel. Starring John Wayne in his final movie, the ensemble includes several actors that Wayne himself chose, including Lauren Bacall, Jimmy Stewart, & John Carradine.
The film’s prologue is a brief black-and-white montage of Wayne’s legacy of big-screen Western exploits (now attributed to his character: legendary Old West gunman and ex-law enforcement officer John Bernard “J.B.” Books). Ron Howard’s voiceover narrates this sequence.
Set in Carson City, Nevada, in late January 1901, “The Shootist” depicts the last week in the life of world-weary gunman J.B. Books. Upon confirming a diagnosis of terminal cancer with his former physician (Stewart), the 58-year old Books is content to spend his remaining days quietly lodging with widower Bond Rogers (Bacall) and her impressionable son (Howard).
Still, word of Books’ imminent demise spreads throughout town. Among others, the sheriff, the undertaker, the local press, glory-seeking assassins, and even a former flame selfishly wish to take advantage of the publicity, as Books is scornfully aware of.
Left with the prospect of an excruciating, drawn-out death or resorting to suicide, Books opts for an alternate means of making peace with his legacy. Leaving word for three of the town’s worst hardcases where to find him the following Monday, Books celebrates his last birthday the only way the outside world insists on remembering him. Yet, Books’ destiny is intertwined with the future of a young man, who sees him as a surrogate father figure.
John Bernard “J.B.” Books: John Wayne
Bond Rogers: Lauren Bacall
Gillom Rogers: Ron Howard
Dr. E.W. Hostetler: Jimmy Stewart
Moses: Scatman Crothers
Dobkins: Richard Lenz
Marshal Thibido: Harry Morgan
Beckum: John Carradine
Cobb: Bill McKinney
Jack Pulford: Hugh O’Brian
Sweeney: Richard Boone
Serepta: Sheree North
REVIEW:
Unsurprisingly, the film can’t meet its trailer’s exaggeration hyping it as possibly the “greatest” Western ever. Still, “The Shootist” earns its reputation among Wayne’s best-ever and most poignant roles. Impressively, his dignified portrayal of Books exudes a master class in accepting mortality with the same grace and courage one should face the risks of everyday life with.
Along with wonderful efforts from Bacall, Stewart, and Howard, Wayne receives reliable support from TV Western veterans O’Brian, Boone, and Morgan in small roles impacting the tragically violent finale. The film also boasts an excellent score from composer Elmer Bernstein, as well as Bruce Surtees’ high-caliber on-location cinematography. Not wasting its efficient running time, “The Shootist” delivers John Wayne at the top of his game in a worthy curtain call.
BONUS FEATURES:
The DVD can be viewed in either English or French, with English subtitles. Aside from the theatrical trailer, there is the 2001 documentary featurette: “The Shootist: The Legend Live On.” Its participants include O’Brian, producer William Self, and Swarthout’s son, Miles Hood Swarthout.
PACKAGING:
The DVD is solidly encased. Its contents are mostly accurate, though there aren’t cast and crew interviews outside of the featurette.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
