THE COWBOYS [Blu-ray]

I’ve always had a warm spot in my heart for The Cowboys (1972). In my quest to replace my favorite 100 movies (yes, I’m working on that list, Rick!) with Blu-ray versions, I found The Cowboys at BJ’s Warehouse for $7.99. What a deal! John Wayne, abandoned by his regular cowhands, takes a chance and hires 11 greenhorn schoolboys to assist him in a grueling 400 mile cattle drive. The supporting cast of Colleen Dewhurst, Bruce Dern, and Roscoe Lee Browne deliver memorable performances. Special Features include an interview with director Mark Rydell, a cast reunion featurette, and the original trailer. If you haven’t seen The Cowboys you’re missing a wonderful film. GRADE: A-

12 thoughts on “THE COWBOYS [Blu-ray]

  1. Patti Abbott

    I used to have trouble with John Wayne’s acting style so I missed this. Now I don’t mind it at all. Funny.

    Reply
  2. Jeff Meyerson

    Good one. Not my favorite Wayne but definitely one worth seeing.

    Any movie with Slim Pickens is fine with me.

    Reply
  3. Sergio (Tipping My Fedora)

    It’s a really good Blu-ray and a terrific movie too – I could watch it just for Roscoe Lee Browne and Colleen Dewhurst but in fact Wayne and Dern are superb and Robert Carradine has probably never been better (except maybe as the Sam Fuller surrogate in THE BIG RED ONE). And a great score by John Williams too!

    Reply
    1. george Post author

      Thanks for reminding me about the John Williams score, Sergio. People who watch THE COWBOYS and Westerns like it miss a lot if they’re not watching in Blu-ray.

      Reply
  4. Ron Scheer

    Believe it or not, I saw only the first half of this movie, several times, because we studied it in a micro seminar on the western, and never got around to the rest. I thought the first scenes were excellent, especially the aging Wayne and Slim Pickens in a bar scene. And I’m like Patti, not crazy about all Wayne’s performances.

    Reply
    1. george Post author

      THE COWBOYS is well worth watching all the way through, Ron. I agree with you on the bar scene with Wayne and Pickins. Classic!

      Reply

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