John Wayne’s appearance in his last major film finds him portraying a dying gunslinger set on facing his end with defiance—and settling scores along the way. He establishes himself at a boarding house overseen by a somewhat strict widow, Lauren Bacall, and her son, portrayed by Ron Howard. After receiving confirmation of his condition from his physician, James Stewart, he engineers situations involving some unsavory …

I retract all previous criticisms regarding John Wayne. My earlier assessment that he was simply a celebrated yet ultimately overrated performer was completely misguided; I suspect my initial exposure came through some of his weaker films, or perhaps movies not aligned with my usual tastes. While Westerns haven’t generally appealed to me, after seeing The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, I conceded he wasn't bad. Now th…

A towering figure departs, leaving a lasting impression. Renowned gunslinger J.B. Books arrives in Carson City, having received a diagnosis of terminal cancer and knowing his time is limited. Following that, while renting a room from widow Bond Rogers, he finds himself acting as a guide for her son, Gillom. The film, Dignified, articulate, and potentially deeply sorrowful, reflects John Wayne’s own circumstance…