John Wayne Western Still Among the Best

By August Tales

Embroidering the Western Legend: A Look at John Wayne’s ‘The Cowboys’

In Western film history, John Wayne stands tall. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance raises an intriguing point: “When the legend becomes fact, print the legend.” A sentiment that feels precariously linked to Wayne’s distinctive screen presence in countless Westerns. Yes, Wayne symbolizes quintessential American patriotism. Still, his straightforward approach to shaping morally complex cowboys strikes some as clichéd.

The Making of an Icon in a Wild West Fantasy

Wayne’s films, particularly when partnered with John Ford and Howard Hawks, were often thought-provoking and unconventional. Yet Wayne’s outspoken nationalist political views meant he remained rooted in an idealized vision of the West. An exception is The Cowboys, one of Wayne’s Westerns, considered an accurate representation of the Wild West.

Reimagining the Duke as a Father Figure in ‘The Cowboys’

John Wayne was standing his ground while New Hollywood was shaking up the industry. He found continued success with war epics and Westerns like The Green Berets, True Grit, and Big Jake. In the expansive history of the Western genre, The Cowboys holds a special place as being one of Wayne’s significant late-period pictures. The film unfolds with rancher Wil Andersen (Wayne) hiring local schoolboys to drive his cattle to market despite the trail’s dangers. A plot strikingly similar to classic Wayne films like Red River.

Basking in the Undying Glow of ‘The Cowboys’

The Cowboys, based on William Dale Jennings’s novel stirred mixed feelings upon its release in 1972. Critics like Vincent Canby found the film clichéd, while others like Roger Ebert saw a good Western despite its somber ending. Today, it is often seen as Wayne’s nod to the genre, his Western swan song having given an unprecedented performance.

Historical Accuracy of ‘The Cowboys’ Under the Lens

Challenging Canby’s critique, Michael Grauer, an Old West historian, praises The Cowboys for its authentic portrayal. Grauer asserts the film realistically illustrated how youngsters would often assist cowboys’ work, something that no other Western classics achieved quite as eloquently.

Establishing a Lasting Legacy with ‘The Cowboys’

While The Cowboys hasn’t gained the legacy of The Searchers or Stagecoach, it’s an essential tile in the Duke’s film mosaic. Wayne considered filming the movie “the greatest experience” of his life, underscoring its significance. In it, he transparently passes wisdom to younger characters, embodying a seasoned and less sensational figure. This fatherly role adds a touch of authenticity to the film, reinforcing the belief that it genuinely depicted life in the Old West.

Eager to catch The Cowboys? Rent or buy it on Prime Video in the U.S. today.