The Sons of Katie Elder (1965), Director: Henry Hathaway, rated Approved

If Texas couldn't tame 'em ...could she?

Film ClipStarring: John Wayne, Dean Martin, Martha Hyer, Michael Anderson Jr., Earl Holliman, Jeremy Slate, James Gregory, Paul Fix, George Kennedy, Dennis Hopper, John Doucette, Sheldon Allman

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"Ever since i got home, somebody's either asking me to leave or pulling a gun on me." - John Elder

Why watch this? This is a fine Western with an interesting plot and memorable moments.

Plot Summary: The oldest three sons of Katie Elder: John, Tom and Matt, have been away from home a long time. They finally reunite at their mother's funeral in their Texas home of Clearwater. One is a gunfighter, one a gambler, and the town's folks don't really want them around. But John, the eldest, wants some answers about why she sold the ranch... and why their father, Bass Elder, was shot in the back after a card game. All questions seem to point to the town's richest resident, Morgan Hastings.

  Dad's Preview: There is a lot to love in this film: the rough-and-tumble way the brothers get reacquainted, their capture and betrayal, the film's explosive climax. It's one of the Wayne's best efforts, and Dean Martin plays a great supporting role. Duke insisted on doing his own stunts literally four months after having one lung and two ribs removed due to lung cancer. Now I call that gettin' back in the saddle!   


Wallis-Hazen; Paramount Pictures

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