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Rio Bravo

Play trailer Poster for Rio Bravo Released Mar 18, 1959 2h 21m Western Play Trailer Watchlist
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96% Tomatometer 50 Reviews 90% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
When gunslinger Joe Burdette (Claude Akins) kills a man in a saloon, Sheriff John T. Chance (John Wayne) arrests him with the aid of the town drunk, Dude (Dean Martin). Before long, Burdette's brother, Nathan (John Russell), comes around, indicating that he's prepared to bust his brother out of jail if necessary. Chance decides to make a stand until reinforcements arrive, enlisting Dude, an old cripple named Stumpy (Walter Brennan) and baby-faced cowboy Colorado Ryan (Ricky Nelson) to help.
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Rio Bravo

Rio Bravo

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Critics Consensus

Rio Bravo finds director Howard Hawks -- and his stellar ensemble cast -- working at peak performance, and the end result is a towering classic of the Western genre.

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Critics Reviews

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Richard Brody The New Yorker The movie is simultaneously an apogee of the classic Western style, with its principled violence in defense of just law, and an eccentrically hyperbolic work of modernism, which yokes both bumptious erotic comedy and soul-searing rawness to the mission. Apr 23, 2013 Full Review Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times To watch Rio Bravo is to see a master craftsman at work. The film is seamless. There is not a shot that is wrong. It is uncommonly absorbing, and the 141-minute running time flows past like running water. Rated: 4/4 Apr 23, 2013 Full Review TIME Magazine Wayne, of course, walks off with the show -- not by doing anything in particular, but simply by being what he is: at 51, still one of the most believable he-men in Hollywood. Apr 27, 2009 Full Review Moira Walsh The Catholic World In addition to its excessive length and consequent slow pace the film has other liabilities... Nevertheless the characterizations are unusually solid and get more interesting as they go along. Nov 28, 2023 Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy A marvelous motion picture. Rated: 4/4 Aug 10, 2023 Full Review Noah Gittell Washington City Paper It's pure romantic bliss that feels about as far away from a political statement as you could imagine. Jul 21, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Fred It looked spectacular on the big screen. It's a wonderful film, with a great cast. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/24/24 Full Review steve Great great movie!!! Everyone is wonderful and perfect for their roles.it’s also very funny 🤠🤠🤠 Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/22/23 Full Review Paul D I bought the DVD at Walmart for five dollars after reading the rave reviews. Within a couple of minutes of watching it, I began to wonder if the critics had lost their collective minds. The acting is horrendous. The “stars” look at each other and say their lines as though they were sitting around a table doing an initial read-through. The pacing is cumbersome. I kept waiting for the movie to develop some sense of flow or direction. It never did. It just plodded along. The characters are the dramatic counterparts of stick figures. They are crudely drawn and one-dimensional. I’m a teacher. I have watched middle school kids deliver more believable and engaging performances. This movie came out the year after I was born. I can’t imagine the standards for filmmaking and drama were that much lower then than they are now. I’m tempted to take the DVD back to Walmart and ask for my five dollars back. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 06/15/25 Full Review David C In beautiful Technicolor it holds your attention with very interesting characters but doesn't have the most complex story to go with it. Acting is strong and you get to hear Dean Martin and Ricky Nelson sing together. This is a classic western in the best sense. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/08/25 Full Review jim k Rio Bravo (1959), directed by Howard Hawks, is a masterpiece of the Western genre, a film that combines thrilling action, sharp wit, and a deep exploration of camaraderie and duty. With an unforgettable ensemble cast led by John Wayne, Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, and Angie Dickinson, Rio Bravo is a cinematic triumph that has stood the test of time. John Wayne delivers one of his most iconic performances as Sheriff John T. Chance, a man of unwavering integrity tasked with holding a dangerous prisoner while fending off a powerful gang. Wayne's stoic yet heartfelt portrayal anchors the film, providing a steady counterbalance to Dean Martin's emotionally complex Dude, a former deputy battling alcoholism and redemption. Martin's performance is deeply affecting, showcasing a vulnerability that adds remarkable depth to the film. Angie Dickinson shines as Feathers, a sharp and independent woman whose chemistry with Wayne is electric, bringing a layer of romance and levity to the intense narrative. Ricky Nelson, as the young and talented Colorado, brings charisma and charm, complementing the older cast members perfectly. Walter Brennan’s turn as the cantankerous but loyal Stumpy adds comic relief and heart, completing the rich tapestry of characters. The film's pacing is deliberate, allowing relationships to develop organically while maintaining a simmering tension. Hawks crafts every scene with precision, blending action, drama, and humor seamlessly. The climactic shootout is a masterclass in suspense, and the use of space and sound heightens every moment of danger. Dimitri Tiomkin’s score is another standout element, with the music not only amplifying the emotional stakes but also contributing to the film’s timeless Western atmosphere. The musical interlude where Dean Martin and Ricky Nelson sing “My Rifle, My Pony, and Me” is a charming, iconic moment that underscores the bond between the characters. Rio Bravo is more than just a Western; it's a story of loyalty, resilience, and the power of human connection. Its influence on the genre is undeniable, inspiring filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and John Carpenter. Decades later, its themes remain as resonant as ever, making it an essential watch for fans of classic cinema. This is a film that doesn’t just entertain—it immerses you in its world and leaves you reflecting on its characters long after the credits roll. Simply put, Rio Bravo is a gold standard of Western storytelling. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/08/24 Full Review Audience Member This was the worst movie. Simplistic plot and bad acting. And I am a JW fan. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 11/10/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Rio Bravo

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Movie Info

Synopsis When gunslinger Joe Burdette (Claude Akins) kills a man in a saloon, Sheriff John T. Chance (John Wayne) arrests him with the aid of the town drunk, Dude (Dean Martin). Before long, Burdette's brother, Nathan (John Russell), comes around, indicating that he's prepared to bust his brother out of jail if necessary. Chance decides to make a stand until reinforcements arrive, enlisting Dude, an old cripple named Stumpy (Walter Brennan) and baby-faced cowboy Colorado Ryan (Ricky Nelson) to help.
Director
Howard Hawks
Producer
Howard Hawks
Screenwriter
B.H. McCampbell, Jules Furthman, Leigh Brackett
Distributor
Warner Home Vídeo, Warner Bros.
Production Co
Armada Pictures
Genre
Western
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 18, 1959, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 11, 2015
Runtime
2h 21m
Sound Mix
Mono
Aspect Ratio
35mm, Flat (1.85:1)
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