Long ago, John Wayne used to embody everything America aspired to be. Nowadays, John Wayne is often seen as representing values America should move away from. However, some of his films, reflecting his ideologies and values, still resonate with contemporary leftists and liberals. This could be attributed to Hollywood's past ability, now somewhat lost, to convey simple ideas and truths convincingly. A prime example can be seen in The Cowboys, a 1972 western directed by Mark Rydell.
In this film, John Wayne portrays William Andersen, an elderly rancher facing a sudden loss of his workforce due to a gold rush, just before a crucial cattle drive to settle his debts. His friend Anse Petersen (played by Slim Pickens) proposes hiring local teenagers as cowboys, to which he reluctantly agrees, despite his reservations about training and leading a group of boys aged 9 to 15. Alongside the boys is the black cook Jedediah Nightlinger (played by Roscoe Lee Browne), and together they encounter various challenges on their journey, including a group of rustlers led by the menacing Asa Watts (played by Bruce Dern). Through hardships like hunger, hard work, and danger, the boys learn valuable lessons shaping them into responsible individuals.
Despite these shortcomings and a pacing that may challenge younger viewers, The Cowboys remains a film that can engage audiences even today. John Wayne delivers a stellar performance in one of his iconic roles, supported by a cast featuring notable names. Bruce Dern shines in his brief yet chilling portrayal of the psychopathic villain. Adolph Martinez, later known for his role in Santa Barbara, impresses as a boy confronting racial stereotypes. Rydell's adept direction makes excellent use of the American Southwest locations, complemented by John Williams' exceptional score that enhances the film's epic feel. Overall, The Cowboys exemplifies how old Hollywood adeptly promoted conservative ideals, a feat modern-day liberals and leftists can only aspire to achieve.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
(Note: Original version of the review is available here.)
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