Big Jake (1971)

Director: George Sherman
Starring: John Wayne, Richard Boone, Mareen O'Hara

Synopsis:
Big Jake McCandles and his estranged sons work together to rescue his grandson from a ruthless band of kidnappers.

Impressions:
This is probably one of my favorite "twilight of the Old West" movies. Yes, there are some anachronisms to it, but I really like the juxtaposition of a classic Western story and emerging 20th Century technology. The Duke goes without saying, but I want to make note of Patrick Wayne and Christopher Mitchum as Jim and Michael McCandles. It has to be hard eking out a career overshadowed by fathers like theirs, but they can hold their own and this is one of the best outings to showcase their respective talents. I also liked Bruce Cabot as Jake's partner Sam and Richard Boone as the head of the gang. If you're a John Wayne fan, I don't even need to say it, but do give this one a watch.

Rating:
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