It is a case of life imitating art, or vice versa. In his final film, Wayne, the great Western star, plays a famous gunfighter dying of cancer. Stewart also has one of his final roles, playing the doctor who treats Wayne. While it is a pleasure to get another look at these screen legends, the film is a rather standard oater, routinely directed by veteran Siegel. The final shootout is somewhat disappointing and the sentiments seem forced. The cast features a number of familiar faces, but Wayne is the whole show and his performance is a worthy curtain call. Bacall is also fine as a widow and she and Wayne have good chemistry.
Review of The Shootist
