Sheriff "John T." – played by John Wayne – finds himself stuck with an inebriated deputy, “Dude” (Dean Martin), at precisely the moment that local property owner "Burdette" (John Russell) is demanding the release of his violent brother from jail. Fortunately, a friend, "Pat" (Ward Bond), arrives with his wagon train, and along for the ride is "Colorado" (Ricky Nelson), someone who knows how to handle a gun. Initially…

Howard Hawks’ tough-guy movie has more positives than negatives. Rio Bravo was made by Howard Hawks as a reaction to what he considered a lack of masculinity in Gary Cooper's well-regarded High Noon. It contains flashes of genuine quality, though they are unfortunately accompanied by weaknesses that don’t seem characteristic of Hawks’ usual style. The story is straightforward but works well, with our outnumbered p…