Saturday, October 20, 2018

The Shootist (1976): John Wayne's Final Film


     Directed by Don Siegel, The Shootist (1976) would prove to be John Wayne's final film role. The casting of Wayne as an aged gunfighter dying of cancer had a tragic irony, when Wayne himself succumbed to stomach cancer three years later. There was some trepidation about casting John Wayne in The Shootist to begin with, due to concerns about his health. Wayne insisted, however, and made it a  stubborn point to not only see the movie through, but take a large role in the decision-making process during production. John Wayne contributed greatly to the finale, and the cast was chosen based on his suggestions, including Lauren Bacall, James Stewart, Ron Howard, Scatman Crothers, John Carradine and Harry Morgan. A powerful film, The Shootist is an amazing Western and a fitting farewell to John Wayne.
     1901: aging gunfighter J.B. Books (John Wayne) arrives in Carson City, Nevada... 

The Shootist. 1976: John Wayne

     Having received some bad news from another doctor, Books goes to see E.W. "Doc" Hostetler (James Stewart) for a second opinion. Hostetler's diagnosis is the same: Books has advanced cancer and a very short time to live... 

The Shootist. 1976: James Stewart

     He finds lodgings with a widow, Bond Rogers (Lauren Bacall) and her son, Gillom (Ron Howard)... 

The Shootist. 1976: John Wayne and Lauren Bacall

The Shootist. 1976: Ron Howard, Lauren Bacall and John Wayne

     Books' reputation precedes him, and interest about his status in town spreads... 

The Shootist. 1976: John Wayne

     Now, Books must decide how he wants to die. Slowly and painfully in a sick bed... or in a quick violent blaze...

The Shootist. 1976: John Wayne

The Shootist. 1976: John Wayne