Well I finally got to see this flick after having seen the remake (El Dorado) many times and having reviewed it previously. I like this movie for what it is, but those who call it a classic western or put it in the same league as High Noon are sorely mistaken. Rio Bravo is essentially the Rat Pack out west but with the Duke filling in for Frank. The Duke is never really in danger or seriously hurt. Okay, he trips down the stairs. The movie lacks a compelling villain since Claude Akins (pre- Movin On) is in jail most of the time. Ed Asner & Chris George were a great pair in ElD. Rickie Nelson as the youngest Rat gets to sing a few tunes and keep his hair puffed. He looks about old enough to shave. Dean Martin isn't bad but can't touch Robert Mitchum's performance in El Dorado. I love Walter Brennan and he's great moanin & groanin and rantin & ravin. Put him and Arthur Hunicutt (Bull from El Dorado) in a cell together and that would be something. There is lot's of sexual tension here provided by Angie Dickinson, but I'm sorry I don't believe she'd radiate it for a guy that old. The Maudie character played by Charline Holt was a more credible and still sensual mate for the Duke. I give the nod to James Caan as Mississippi over the younger Rickie Nelson - Colorado.
If this was Hawks'/Waynes answer to High Noon than it's a weak reply. High Noon is a serious black & white look at a town's abandonment of it's sheriff who is in mortal danger. He's saddled with a wife and torn between staying and leaving. There's not a second of comedy in High Noon. John T Chance (Wayne) is a Lucky Chance with everybody he meets offering to help. This is not Western reality its Hollywood. Note that Sheb Wooley (High Noon) scenes in Rio Bravo were cut out.
If this was Hawks'/Waynes answer to High Noon than it's a weak reply. High Noon is a serious black & white look at a town's abandonment of it's sheriff who is in mortal danger. He's saddled with a wife and torn between staying and leaving. There's not a second of comedy in High Noon. John T Chance (Wayne) is a Lucky Chance with everybody he meets offering to help. This is not Western reality its Hollywood. Note that Sheb Wooley (High Noon) scenes in Rio Bravo were cut out.