True Grit (1969)

The murder of her father sends a teenage tomboy, Mattie Ross (Kim Darby), on a mission of "justice", which involves avenging her father's death. She recruits a tough old marshal, "Rooster" Cogburn (John Wayne), because he has "grit", and a reputation of getting the job done. The two are joined by a Texas Ranger, La Boeuf (Glen Campbell), who is looking for the same man (Jeff Corey) for a separate murder in Texas. Their odyssey takes them from Fort Smith, Arkansas, deep into the Indian Territory (present day Oklahoma) to find their man.





This is one of the best Westerns ever made. The script makes it so enjoyably watchable, over and over again. There's plenty of low-key humor too. The characters are well-drawn and unique. Who could ever forget the showdown between Ned Pepper and Rooster Cogburn? "Fill yer hand" (with this movie) and see how good a Western can and should be!