Rio Bravo stands on its own as a remarkable piece of movie-making. By almost any measure, the remake ElDorado is a pallid reflection of it. In Rio Bravo, you have Walter Brennan coming into his own as a western icon; John Wayne answering the call to serve the townpeople who elected him, in effect throwing down the gauntlet to High Noon. Most of all, you have Dean Martin, presenting a shattering portrayal of an alcoholic that ranks with Paul Newman in the Verdict, Jack Lemmon in Days of Wine and Roses, or Bing Crosby in the Country Girl.
Give Dean his due. Too much has been written about him as a Rat-Packer sycophant. He was his own man throughout, and between the times of his split with Jerry Lewis and his Las Vegas-drunkie persona he proved that he could act. RIO Bravo, Some Came Running and the Young Lions answer any question about his ability. He makes this movie more than a western,
Give Dean his due. Too much has been written about him as a Rat-Packer sycophant. He was his own man throughout, and between the times of his split with Jerry Lewis and his Las Vegas-drunkie persona he proved that he could act. RIO Bravo, Some Came Running and the Young Lions answer any question about his ability. He makes this movie more than a western,