Don Siegel directed this western, which stars John Wayne in his final performance, playing aging Gunfighter J.B. Books, who learns that he is dying of cancer, and comes to stay in the home of Bond Rogers(played by Lauren Bacall) and her son Gillom(played by Ron Howard). He hopes to die peacefully and painlessly, but his past catches up with him, first with a visit by an elated sheriff(played by Harry Morgan) then by an old enemy named Sweeney(played by Richard Boone). Gillom idolizes Books, much to the chagrin of his disapproving mother. When it becomes obvious that Books will not be left to die in peace, he comes up with a plan to take care of the villains, and go out fighting, though with a warning for the boy to heed... Jimmy Stewart costars as a doctor who confirms the grim diagnosis.
A most fitting end for John Wayne, since the character and he tragically shared the same terminal diagnosis, and the western was the most common role Wayne played in. Good film with fine direction and performances, and a poignant story.
A most fitting end for John Wayne, since the character and he tragically shared the same terminal diagnosis, and the western was the most common role Wayne played in. Good film with fine direction and performances, and a poignant story.