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John Wayne is a household name, but many readers may not understand why. I was one of those people until recently.
Upon hearing that someone takes their coffee strictly black, my quirky mother would say, “Black like John Wayne!” This phrase has led to confusion more than once when taken out of context.
My personal viewing of Westerns was once limited to being forced to endure them during lunch at my grandparents’ home on their old television, which was one of the fancier models of the time, as it was surrounded by mahogany wood and had the longest antennae I’d ever seen.
Despite my then-preference for N’Sync over Elvis and “Law & Order: SVU” over Westerns, I found myself drawn to the intricate stories. With abundant twangs and dramatic, string-heavy scores, Westerns have a certain charm that has the power to warm an audience faster than a sip of moonshine.
With this reminiscence in mind, I set out to find what the fuss was over the black-coffee guzzling, cowboy-hat-wearing Wayne.
“McLintock!” rolls off the tongue with ease. The film provides a similar comfort.
By the time 1963 rolled around and gave us this memorable film, Wayne was 56 years old. Don’t let this lead you to believe he had any less pep in his step or command over an audience than he did in his younger years.
It’s no wonder Wayne was chosen for the powerful role of cattle baron George Washington McLintock. Though wealthy and held in high esteem, McLintock doesn’t abuse his power and works diligently to keep peace in his small community.
Not only a businessman, McLintock is a lovable family man who adores his young daughter Becky and struggles to keep his snotty, straying wife Katherine happy.
While not the most revolutionary of plot lines, “McLintock!” manages to surprise and enchant audiences with its beautiful pans, artful acting and classic dialogue.
One of the major reasons I am compelled to write this column is that I’m a film fanatic. Another is that while I’m no stranger to modern-day movies and I’ve been known to laugh hysterically at the lowest of cinematic art forms, it’s sad to see so many movies that lack the passion, panache and production value of films gone by.
There is no shame in frequenting your local theater for the latest blockbuster. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t pining for Thanksgiving mainly because of “The Muppets” release, or harboring the slightest desire to see what becomes of that bloodthirsty lovechild in “Breaking Dawn Part 1” this Friday.
Sure, there are moments in “McLintock!” that are overdramatic and rife with the hyperbolic tension only Westerns can pull off. That doesn’t make it any less worth your time.
Beyond rusty revolvers, cattle herds, flasks and wagons, Westerns have an untapped value, making today’s movies look like fool’s gold.
If you’re looking for a quotable quote to spice up your Facebook news feed, look no further than “McLintock!”. Its one-liners often fly by so fast that it’s hard to keep up, but that’s what the little tab on the Netflix Instant Player is for.
Wayne can not only throw a right hook, but he can pull off a joke with effortless comedic timing.
I hesitate to spoil anything, but during an address to fellow herders, Wayne says with a straight face to his nemesis, “I came close to killing you when we were younger. It saddens me I didn’t.”
Give “McLintock!” a chance, and you won’t be caught unaware at your next standoff — even if it’s just over whose turn it is to do the dishes.
Bangor Daily News