Even his regular director John Ford was shocked at how good John Wayne was in Red River aka Panic on the Red River played up. “I didn’t know the bastard could act”, Ford reportedly said about his friend. You can now stream the western classic with an Amazon Prime subscription. The American Film Institute even named it one of the five best Westerns of all time (more on that below).
In the western, John Wayne undertakes a 1,000 mile journey
The film was directed by film legend Howard Hawks, who later filmed Rio Bravo with Wayne.
Panic on the Red River However, it tells a much darker story. John Wayne plays Thomas Dunson, who dreams of a life as a cattle rancher in the 1850s. On the way he picks up the young Matthew Garth (later: Montgomery Clift), who lost his parents in an attack by natives. Years later, Thomas actually owns his own ranch, but due to economic circumstances he has to drive his herd north. During the 1,000-mile journey, Thomas abuses his crew, which Matthew can’t watch for much longer.
MGM
John Wayne and Montgomery Clift in Red River
Red River or Panic on the Red River offers fewer duels than other genre representatives, but impresses with elaborate herd scenes that were implemented with immersive camera tricks. When the cattle break loose, you as a spectator are right in the middle of them or even under their hooves.
The film became a classic thanks to its story. John Wayne’s cattle rancher begins the story as a charismatic Westerner of the old ilk, but his personality hardens in the face of years of work and sacrifice. In contrast, Montgomery Clift’s Matthew develops into a sympathetic figure. Clift comes from a new generation of actors who brought method acting to Hollywood. He easily stands up to Wayne. The epic range of images is also reflected in the timeless generational conflictwhich is reminiscent of stories like Mutiny on the Bounty.
More about John Wayne:
Panic on the Red River is one of the best westerns ever
Howard Hawk’s cattle epic can be found on numerous best lists. This also includes the American Film Institute’s list of the best westerns, on which Panic on the Red River ranks fifth.
At number 1 is The Black Falcon, another film with John Wayne. It was directed by John Ford, who appreciated his friend’s talent after Panic on the Red River at the latest.
*. If you purchase through these links or take out a subscription, we receive a commission. .