This movie is a true classic. John Wayne as Rooster Cogburn won an
Oscar. Glen Campbell stars as Texas Ranger La Boeuf and also sings the
theme song. And Kim Darbie as Mattie Ross, whose father has been
murdered, round out the team. You have to admire the grit of all three
of the characters going after the murderer Tom Chaney. Chaney is hooked
with a bunch of other bad men, lead by Ned Pepper (Robert Duvall).
Cogburn and Mattie Ross are not a match made in heaven, but find each
other paired together on a dangerous journey into Indian Territory.
Cogburn is a rough man, and drinks too much. Mattie too is a stubborn
person. La Boeuf is interested in Chaney for a previous murder in
Texas, and for reward money. Wayne's vinegar and sauce won him the
Oscar, but Darbie could just have easily been nominated. Her character
is very strong. This is Wayne at his best, and a great movie. In the
end it is La Boeuf who saves everyone after Mattie falls into a rattle snake pit. Oh I hate rattle snakes.
