Max’s Drive-In Movie – The Shootist

When I watch this movie I marvel at the talent on the screen. John Wayne, Ron Howard, Jimmy Stewart, Lauren Bacall, Scatman Crothers, John Carradine, and more. I watched it as a teenager in the 1980s at some point. The movie was released in 1976.

I really, really like this movie a lot and have liked it from the first time I saw it. Along with Wayne, it is fun seeing Ron Howard in his role here. No, it’s not the Clint Eastwood trilogy or John Wayne’s own The Searchers but a really good film.

This film has John Wayne at the end of his long career and Ron Howard at the beginning of his adult career. This was John Wayne’s final role before he died later. Wayne was battling cancer in real life during the film’s production, adding a poignant parallel to real life.

It was directed by Don Siegel and is based on the 1975 novel by Glendon Swarthout. The movie is set in 1901 and follows the story of J.B. Books (played by Wayne), an aging and ailing gunfighter who learns he has terminal cancer. Determined to face his final days with dignity, Books seeks peace but becomes embroiled in conflicts that challenge his desire for a quiet end.

James Stewart had not made a film for five years. He agreed to play the doctor as a favor to John Wayne and his hearing was getting bad by then.

Don Siegel was a very successful director. Some of Siegel’s huge movies came with Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956),  Coogan’s Bluff (1968), Two Mules for Sister Sara (1970), Dirty Harry (1971),  and Escape from Alcatraz (1979). Siegel was known for his direct no-nonsense directing and ability to draw performances from his actors. Clint Eastwood said he was one of his mentors.

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Author: Badfinger (Max)

Power Pop fan, Baseball, Beatles, Alternative music, old movies, and tv show fan. Also anything to do with pop culture in the 60s and 70s... I'm also a songwriter, bass and guitar player. Not the slightest bit interested in politics at all.

32 thoughts on “Max’s Drive-In Movie – The Shootist”

  3. Pingback: Max’s Drive-In Movie – The Shootist – MobsterTiger

    1. It’s a more mainstream type of western and I like it a lot. NOT a speghetti western at all…but like I said…even non western fans would like it. It was odd because he had terminal cancer in real life and on screen which is sad.

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  6. There sure is some talent from the golden years of Hollywood in this one.

    I’m old enough to remember the days when smoking was acceptable. Ma’s doctors waiting room was lit up like a scrub fire, and as smoky. Ironical or what? ‘Well see Doc, I got this persistent cough, damned if I know why? Hey Doc, want a Lucky while we’re sitting chatting?’

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      1. Yep, me too. Hated my folks smoking back then, me stuck in the back of the rattling old Austin, breathing in their second hand-to-mouth smoke. Absolutely loath the smelly butt stinking habit now.

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      2. I’ll have to check them out CB…got them on my list now. I remember Boone mostly for Have Gun Will Travel…which was really good.

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  12. I was never a John Wayne fan. Politically it just wasn’t an option. I am glad to say that my opinion has changed. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance and The Shootist are my top two favorites. I mean, when they are on I stop and watch. I never did understand or appreciate The Searchers. The El Dorado/Rio Bravo movie (same movie, shot twice, only those accompanying Wayne changed) are pretty good.

    But there is something about The Shootist. Fabulous. Ron Howard. Scatman Crothers. Henry Morgan. YES!!!!!

    I have also always been impressed by Ron Howard, except as Opie which, well, not my cuppa.

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