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Rio Grande

Play trailer Poster for Rio Grande Released Nov 15, 1950 1h 45m Western Play Trailer Watchlist
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75% Tomatometer 16 Reviews 70% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
Lieutenant Colonel Kirby Yorke (John Wayne) heads a cavalry post on the Texas side of the Rio Grande, defending settlers against Apaches launching raids from the Mexican side of the river. When Yorke's 16-year-old son, Jeff (Claude Jarman Jr.) --- who he has not seen since he was a baby -- shows up at the post as one of the new recruits, he treats him more harshly than the others. Things are further complicated when Yorke's estranged wife, Kathleen (Maureen O'Hara), returns to take her son home.
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Rio Grande

Critics Reviews

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Nell Minow Movie Mom Rated: 4/5 Sep 15, 2005 Full Review Yasser Medina Cinefilia It's a forgettable Ford western. [Full review in Spanish] Rated: 6/10 Aug 13, 2021 Full Review James Kendrick Q Network Film Desk despite all that talent behind the camera, Rio Grande still strikes one primarily as a film that Ford just wanted to get done Rated: 2.5/4 Mar 8, 2021 Full Review Michael J. Casey Boulder Weekly Popular entertainment from a complicated time made by strong personalities with contradictory beliefs. Rated: 4/5 Jan 8, 2021 Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy John Wayne is excellent, even if this Kirby Yorke seems different from the one in Fort Apache. Rated: 3/4 Dec 17, 2020 Full Review Kevin Wight The Wee Review While nowhere near an essential showcase for Ford or Wayne, and a complete waste of O'Hara, Rio Grande is still a generally enjoyable conveyor-belt western. Rated: 3 Apr 4, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jelisije J A nice fun light hearted John Wayne film deals where he is a cavalry man and his son enlist in the same regiment as him. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 05/15/25 Full Review Audience Member Not the best Western Ford has ever made, but at least it's a Western by Ford. The plot can't decide what it wants to be: a family story, a story about the cavalry, or an adventure film with evil Indians. Besides, there's a bit too much singing for my taste. On the other hand, maybe that's exactly what it's supposed to be: a colorful bag of wonders with a little bit of everything. Is it worth seeing? Absolutely! Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 10/06/24 Full Review Jeff S If you like boisterous ballads and continuous cacophony, this one's for you. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/22/24 Full Review Alec B It lacks both the visual style and narrative complexity of Ford's best work. Also he clearly wasn't directing most of the actors, oh well its what he had to muddle through in order to get to make "The Quiet Man". Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/20/24 Full Review Steve D Only for the already converted. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 01/04/24 Full Review Harry N This is not a wide scale saga like "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" or "The Searchers." Rather it is a personal portrait of an estranged couple: Wayne and O'Hara. Due to their son enlisting in the Calvary and being assigned to the command of Wayne they are forced to interact and eventually reconcile. The acting between Wayne and O'Hara is subtle, poignant and endearing. Much more believable than the volatile relationship in "The Quiet Man." The film presents the gentlemanly courtesy of those in the military. Also aided by the songs of the Sons of the Pioneers who are present in the film. The film projects a sense of honor among members of the Calvary. Well done. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/11/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Rio Grande

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Cast & Crew

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John Ford

Director

John Wayne

Lt. Col. Kirby York

Maureen O'Hara

Mrs. Kathleen York

Ben Johnson

Trooper Travis Tyree

Harry Carey Jr.

Trooper Daniel "Sandy" Boone

Victor McLaglen

Sgt. Maj. Timothy Quincannon

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Rio Grande

Rio Grande (1950) Rio Grande (1950) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Lieutenant Colonel Kirby Yorke (John Wayne) heads a cavalry post on the Texas side of the Rio Grande, defending settlers against Apaches launching raids from the Mexican side of the river. When Yorke's 16-year-old son, Jeff (Claude Jarman Jr.) --- who he has not seen since he was a baby -- shows up at the post as one of the new recruits, he treats him more harshly than the others. Things are further complicated when Yorke's estranged wife, Kathleen (Maureen O'Hara), returns to take her son home.
Director
John Ford
Producer
Merian C. Cooper, John Ford, Herbert J. Yates
Screenwriter
James Warner Bellah, James Kevin McGuinness
Production Co
Argosy Pictures, Republic Pictures Corporation
Genre
Western
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 15, 1950, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
May 1, 2012
Runtime
1h 45m
Sound Mix
Mono
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.37:1)
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