The Cowboys [HD DVD] [1972]

'The Cowboys' is a brave film on 2 counts. I'll get to that later!! Mr. Wayne plays a cattle rancher who has been deserted by his handful of men, who have gone to find gold in them there hills. He's now left with a massive herd of cattle he needs to get across 400 miles of unforgiving terrain. The answer to his woes? Hire 11 schoolboys to help him!!

Here's the first brave decision. Base the film around 11 unknown young boys who may or maynot be able to pull off a convincing display. Well the gamble pays off, because these boys put in fine performances. Aided by a grand performance from John Wayne, you get the feeling that a real bond was forged within this group.

Bruce Dern turns up as the psychotic bad guy, who is after the cattle and getting a nice sum of money for him and his cronies. They start to track the cattle drive and cause problems for Wayne and his 'men', Dern turns up the heat with some nasty episodes with the youngsters. As the boys develop along the way, coming to terms with the hardy task they face, an eventual showdown is imminent between Wayne and the cattle thieves.

Its here in the film that another brave decision is made. With three quarters of the film gone, something happens that makes you stop and think 'no, surely not'!! I'll try not to spoil it but this moment could either make or break what so far has been a very enjoyble picture.

I was happy with how the film came to a conclusion from this point. Ok, so it may be a bit 'Hollywood' but I did feel me saying 'get in there'!! All in all then, its a great western tale with fabulous scenery, top notch acting (Bruce Dern is a real evil dude) and a fantastic music score from John Williams (the film starts with an 'Overture' and has an intermission in the middle, like days of yore!!).

Extras include the director's commentary; a film short of how the boys were selected and prepared for their roles and a wonderful reunion feature with the director, Bruce Dern and 2 or 3 of the cast.

It does not get much better than this folks. A near masterpiece.

Forget the Shootist, True Grit, Rooster Cogburn, Red River, Rio Bravo and the Horse soldiers, all great John wayne films, this is something even better. Understated, incredible performances by all the cast. Fantastic scenery. Good quality picture and sound.

The Cowboys is without a doubt the best film John Wayne ever made.Streets ahead of True Grit ,this is a moving story of an ageing rancher abandoned by his ranch hands who has to employ young boys straight out of school (The Cowboys)to help him to drive his herd of cows to be sold.During their trip the lads,have to grow up fast,having to face all manner of perils,having in the end to do battle with a band of rustlers,to get the herd back.I will say that The Cowboys is a good film but in truth that does not really do it credit,every aspect of this movie is good the music the beautifully shot scenes the story and the stories content,and there is something in it for everyone.Buy it and watch it over a period of years,your appreciation will only increase,The Cowboys is a film that truly deserves the title of Classic .