McQ - he's a busted cop, his gun is unlicensed, his methods are unlawful and his story is incredible!

Starring: John Wayne, Eddie Albert, Diana Muldaur, Colleen Dewhurst, Clu Gulager, David Huddleston, Julian Christopher, Al Lettieri, Julie Adams, Robert E. Mosley

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"Yeah, and you weren't satisfied with throwing him up on the roof! You had to go up there and throw him back down! Six months in the hospital! Four lawyers screaming about his civil rights!" - Kosterman about McQ's rough tactics

Why watch this? This is Wayne's first film as a plain-clothes cop. He nails it.

Plot Summary: Seattle Police Lieutenant Lon McQ investigates the murder of his best friend and partner. Ignoring departmental orders, McQ pursues the case on his own, believing a notorious drug lord is responsible. His investigation leads him to uncover a web of corruption within the police force and the criminal underworld.

Dad's Preview: The Duke turned down a film called Dirty Harry (1971) which ushered in a series of hard-edged police films. Here Wayne finally portrays a tough cop whose often at odd with the system, usually because they get in the way of him enforcing his code to bring criminals to brutal justice. Honestly, it's really dang entertaining see the 60-plus actor meting out Western justice on modern drug dealers. There is a great twist ending, but my favorite moment is when two Semi-trucks corner Wayne, and his dark green Trans Am, in a narrow alleyway. Ouch! That's gonna leave a mark! 

Batjac Productions; Warner Bros.