True Grit (Special Collector's Edition)
by Henry Hathaway
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Actor: Glen Campbell, Jeremy Slate, John Wayne, Kim Darby, Robert DuvallDirector: Henry Hathaway
Brand: Paramount
Cinematographer: Lucien Ballard
Producer: Joseph H. Hazen
Writer: Charles Portis
Writer: Marguerite Roberts
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono; English (Subtitled); English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono; French (Dubbed), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono
Format: Collector's Edition, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD, Extra tracks, NTSC, Special Edition, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 2.35:1
Running Time: 128 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2007-05-22
Audience Rating: G (General Audience)
Studio: Paramount Pictures
DVD Reviews of True Grit (Special Collector's Edition)
DVD Review: The fateful magic of "True Grit"
Summary: 4 Stars
When discussing fondly remembered films, the 1969 western "True Grit" certainly ranks somewhere near the top-10. This is not to say "True Grit" is one of the greatest westerns ever made - it's not - nor one of John Wayne's greatest films - it's not. But let's not get lost just yet. A sanitized though faithful adaptation of Charles Portis's brilliantly succinct and humorous novel (True Grit), it is perhaps best known as the film that gave the Duke a glorious opportunity to finally win the Oscar. He does not disappoint. As Rooster Cogburn, the cantankerous one-eyed Marshall who loves to "pull a cork," Wayne chews the scenery and rings every bell. It would have been difficult for him to miss the mark. Wayne not only hits the target, but every year of his vast experience is utilized, a skilled iconic professional with just enough salt to slam the home run.
Wayne went on record to say his finest moment of acting was the famous campfire scene when Rooster discusses his past, most notably as owner of a restaurant "The Green Frog." It's an incredible passage, sparked by the howling of nearby wolves, that resonates as a memorable snapshot. So much of my personal memory of this film is intertwined with viewing it with my family at the drive-in. To this day I recall the adult laughter, applause and intense enjoyment. And who doesn't feel goosebumps when Wayne - err Rooster - rides into the clearing and faces down Ned Pepper (Robert Duvall)?
Like Wayne, director Henry Hathaway was rapidly approaching the end of a robust career often spent in the sticks filming oaters. And like the Duke, Henry still had just enough muscle to bring this film home (he had previously directed the excellent western Nevada Smith in 1966). He knew what he had and how to film it, taking full advantage of a glorious Colorado landscape (that's supposed to be Oklahoma, but it's obviously not). Every scene glistens, and he knew exactly where to place his performers for full affect. Ultimately, he paints an old-fashioned Hollywood canvas, expensively accented with the extraordinary musical score of Elmer Bernstein (True Grit [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]) and artistic cinematography of Lucien Ballard, the end result an antique genre scrapbook colored gold with lantern light. "True Grit" trots through the land of myth rather than revisionism popular at the time.
After the murder of her father by the evil Tom Chaney (Jeff Corey), young teenager Mattie Ross (Kim Darby) hires U.S. Marshall Cogburn to track him down in the wilds of the Indian territories. They are joined on their adventure by Texas Ranger La Boeuf (Glen Campbell) and ride dramatically through breath-taking vistas hoping to stumble upon Chaney and his colorful comrades. There are a handful of wonderful performances here, including Wayne, Darby, a young Duvall and even Strother Martin as a frustrated horse trader. Campbell, a likably talented songwriter, is sadly not up to the task. With all of the storied character actors available at this time - James Caan, Gene Hackman, George Kennedy, Warren Oates - filmmakers decided upon Campbell?! His stiff portrayal in a crucial role substantially weakens the film. Wayne had a peculiar habit of insisting upon popular singers to play supporting roles (Ricky Nelson, Frankie Avalon, Bobby Vinton). Blame him when uncovering one of the reasons "True Grit" does not achieve true greatness.
I revisit "True Grit" often when in a sentimental mood, enjoying it's nostalgic allure. Wayne had made three terrible films in a row ("The War Wagon," The Green Berets, Hellfighters) and the unique magnificence of "True Grit" re-energized a fruitful twilight career for this famous American emblem. Some of those final films were good (The Train Robbers, The Shootist), some not (Big Jake, McQ), and there was even enough time for the mediocre sequel Rooster Cogburn (...and the Lady). But the fateful magic of "True Grit" was rarely equaled during Wayne's final years, and we return to this moment with passionate memory. Here he rode high in the saddle, and tree branches broke against those mighty shoulders. "True Grit" is a tribute, vitalized by the firm foundation of Portis's novel, an enduring example of the gifts of Wayne's dedicated artistry.
Description of True Grit (Special Collector's Edition)
Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 02/05/2008 Run time: 127 minutes Rating: GBestsellers in DVD
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