Mark Rydell directs *The Cowboys*, an adaptation of William Dale Jennings’ novel, with a screenplay co-written by Irving Ravetch & Harriet Frank Jr.. The film features John Wayne, Roscoe Lee Browne, Bruce Dern, and Colleen Dewhurst; John Williams composed the score, and Robert Surtees served as cinematographer. The story follows Wayne's character, Wil Andersen, a stern cattleman who must employ a group of inexperienced teenagers to transport his beef after all his hired hands abandon him in pursuit of fortune. It’s a journey that proves significant for Wil, the boys, and those menacing figures lingering just outside the action. If any John Wayne film warrants renewed critical assessment regarding both his acting capabilities and the overall quality of its storytelling, *The Cowboys* is it. The movie has drawn criticism from some with liberal viewpoints due to its underlying ideology, which has been deemed problematic. However, a closer examination reveals the Duke in an unusually vulnerable—and therefore believable—light, and at its heart lies a coming-of-age narrative presented with a cynical detachment. Throughout this cattle drive, innocence is lost; Andersen is strict and demanding, but also acts as a benevolent father figure. Having begun his own cattle drive experience at age thirteen, Wil understands the hardships and dangers involved. He recognizes that boys must mature into men, particularly in such an isolated wilderness setting. I would consider it a failure of Western cinema if this essential truth were overlooked, and *The Cowboys* doesn’t shy away from it; there's a surprising twist to the story, with the boys ultimately being defined not by Wil's teachings but by unforeseen circumstances that force them to confront adulthood. The actions of another person trigger the end of their childhood. Robert Surtees’ cinematography creates a striking visual landscape—pastoral, expansive, and appealing—but crucially avoids sentimentality. These young men are entering an unfamiliar world; while we appreciate the beauty of each section of this vast land, it poses a threat to them. It's a detail that critics often miss: Wil Andersen isn’t leading these boys on a picturesque tour through vibrant scenery. The journey is fraught with danger, and Surtees deserves credit for capturing both its beauty and its peril within the same frame. The young actors are, as expected, of varying abilities, but there’s little to criticize outright. Roscoe Lee Browne delivers an excellent performance, skillfully transitioning from a wry observer to a protective figure, and Bruce Dern is memorable in several ways. Some viewers will likely feel that Colleen Dewhurst, portraying a bordello madame, doesn't get enough screen time—her presence almost seems capable of raising the film’s rating (and male viewer excitement), while the overall length feels excessive, episodic, and ultimately unnecessary. *The Cowboys* isn't the stereotypical John Wayne macho fantasy; it possesses substance, depth, courage, and a top-tier performance from Wayne himself. 8/10

Source on TMDB