THE SHOOTIST

DIRECTED BY DON SIEGAL
PRESENTED BY DINO De LAURENTIIS
MUSIC BY ELEMER BERNSTEIN
PARAMOUNT PICTURES
10431042334


INFORMATION IMDb

Plot Summary

J.B. Books, a 60ish gunfighter, finds that he has stomach cancer and two months to live
. He takes a room with Bond Rogers and her son, Gillom to wait until death comes.
Of course, his very presence starts off events in the town.
The Marshal comes, prepared to die in a shootout, Gillom tries to idolize him,
Bond first is disgusted and then pitties him.
Then, realizing that he will die in great pain,
he comes up with an idea to go out with a bang.

Writing credits
Glendon Swarthout (novel)
Scott Hale (screenplay) and
Miles Hood Swarthout (screenplay)

Full Cast

John Wayne .... John Bernard Books
Lauren Bacall .... Bond Rogers
Ron Howard .... Gillom Rogers
James Stewart .... Dr. E.W. Hostetler
Richard Boone .... Mike Sweeney
Hugh O'Brian .... Jack Pulford (faro dealer at Metropole Saloon)
Bill McKinney .... Jay Cobb (owner, Cob's Creamery)
Harry Morgan .... Carson City Marshal Walter Thibido
John Carradine .... Hezekiah Beckum (undertaker)
Sheree North .... Serepta (Books' ex-girlfriend)
Rick Lenz .... Dan Dobkins (reporter, 'Morning Appeal') (as Richard Lenz)
Scatman Crothers .... Moses Brown (liveryman)
Gregg Palmer .... Burly man
Alfred Dennis .... Dearden (barber)
Dick Winslow .... Streetcar driver
Melody Thomas Scott .... Girl on streetcar (as Melody Thomas)
Kathleen O'Malley .... Schoolteacher
Johnny Crawford .... Books' victim in flashback (uncredited)
Christopher George .... Books' victim in flashback (uncredited)
Leo Gordon .... Books' victim in flashback (uncredited)
Charles G. Martin .... Murray (the bartender) (uncredited)
Ricky Nelson .... Books' fellow lawman in flashback (uncredited)
James Nolan .... Gambler (uncredited)
Henry Slate .... Pulford confidante (uncredited)
Ralph Volkie .... White-haired bartender (uncredited)

Stunts

Denny Arnold .... stunts (uncredited)
Jim Burk .... stunt double (uncredited)
Jim Burk .... stunts (uncredited)
Steven Burnett .... stunts (uncredited)
Roydon Clark .... stunts (uncredited)
Chuck Roberson .... stunts (uncredited)
Henry Wills .... stunts wrangler (uncredited)

Filming Locations

Burbank Studios, Burbank, California, USA
(studio)

Carson City, Nevada, USA

Krebs-Peterson House - 500 Mountain Street, Carson City, Nevada, USA

Washoe Lake State Park - 4855 Eastlake Boulevard, Carson City, Nevada, USA

Western Street, Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank Studios, Burbank, California, USA
(studio)

Previous discussion:-
The Shootist ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

Trivia
845



* This was John Wayne's final film.

* When J.B. Books (John Wayne) arrives at Dr. E.W. Hostetler's (James Stewart) Office,
Dr. Hostetler mentions that it has been 15 years since they last saw each other.
John Wayne and James Stewart last worked together on "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance", filmed in 1961,
15 years before.

* John Wayne fell ill during the production and was hospitalized for a fortnight.
It was uncertain at one point whether the film would actually be completed.

Goofs

* Crew or equipment visible: When Books and the bartender shoot each other,
the squib detonation wires are visible on the ground and leading up each man's leg.

* Revealing mistakes: When Books shoots Cobb in the final scene in the bar,
Cobb's blood pack is clearly visible beneath his shirt.

* Continuity: Books is shot in the back by the bartender after
having fired his "six shooter" four times (three shots at Sweeney, one at O'Brian).
Gillam picks up that pistol and shoots the bartender three times.
That adds up to seven rounds in one "six shooter".

Hi,

1292

Duke's final film is one that must rank, highly with THE SEARCHERS, RED RIVER etc.,
as one his greatest fims, and there's is a feeling amongst all his fans,
that he should have won another oscar for his performance.
It was great story, set in motion by the brilliant montage, at the beginning.

Duke quoted,

"This is the kind of picture, you wait for.They don't come by often, so when they do, you grab fast"

In this case, he grabbed the right film, and in this case, the role, was the right role, for him.
Rating 10/10

I watched this movie again last and even though you know how it is going to end it still makes me cry every time I see it. The begining where they tie all his characters into the one J.B. Books character was just perfect. I remember when I saw it at the theater when it was first released being a fan you somehow knew that this was his last movie and that made it even sadder. I have never understood why Duke was not a least nominated for an Oscar for this performance, I guess it had something to with Hollywood politics, but I have always felt it was absolutely flawless and what a fitting end to his career.


Baby Sis

:cowboy: :cowboy: :cowboy:

Hi

Not being nominated for an oscar for the Shootist had nothing to do with his politics it was the studios mis management in releasing the film in the summer and putting all their effort into King Kong.


Regards


Arthur

King kong, with jeff bridges and charles grodin was a flop was it now?. i particularly thought it was dreadful.

Just the same this movie is very touching and gets me everytime, must have been hard for the Duke to make this...knowing of course he would inevitably see his own fate end like this.

I really did not like little ronnie in this movie, but thought stewart,boone and bacall to be marvelous. I did like crothers as well as that haggler!..

-IHW

Even though this was DUKE'S last film I rank it right up there with ROOSTER COGBURN . It really shows his outlook on life. The teenagers of today could learn alot from DUKE about how to live your life and how to respect yourself.

Memorable Quotes

John Bernard Books: Damn.
Bond Rogers: John Bernard, you swear too much.
John Bernard Books: The hell I do.
[Books has just had a confrontation with Mike Sweeney]

Mrs. Rogers: Do you know that man?
John Bernard Books: Not him personally; but I had some dealings with his brother, Albert.
Mrs. Rogers: What kind of dealings?
[Books looks at her]
Mrs. Rogers: Oh.

John Bernard Books: I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.

Pulford confidante: Hey, Pulford. Did you hear John Bernard Books is stayin' out at Mrs. Rogers' boarding house? I heard Thibodo say he was dyin'!
Jack Pulford: Yes, so I heard. Shame; he was a man I could have taken.
Dearden: Bullshit.
Jack Pulford: My friend, you have two ways to leave this establishment; immediately or dead.

Carson City Marshal Walter Thibido: Books, I want you out of town. These are law-abiding people here and I don't want any trouble. I can deputize as many men as I need to see that you leave.
John Bernard Books: I'm not going anywhere, Marshal. I'm dying and I intend to die right here.
Carson City Marshal Walter Thibido: Really? You're really dyin'?
John Bernard Books: Ask Doc Hostetler.
Carson City Marshal Walter Thibido: Hot damn! You know, Books, that's the best news I've had all day. While I was walking over here I was thinking, what if Books decides to kill me? Who will take over as marshal? Will the town council pay my pension to my wife? Damn, that's good news.

Dr. E.W. Hostetler: Books, I've been a doctor a long time and every now and then I have to tell a man or a woman what I'm about to tell you. Books, you have a cancer.
John Bernard Books: Damn! Can you just cut it out?
Dr. E.W. Hostetler: No, I'd have to gut you like a fish.
John Bernard Books: Well, Doc; how long do I have?
Dr. E.W. Hostetler: Two maybe three months. You won't feel any different for a while, then the pain will start. A little at first, then toward the end, the pain will be unbearable.
John Bernard Books: Well, that's it then. Thanks, Doc.

Carson City Marshal Walter Thibido: Hey, Books; did you hear what happened at the Metropole last night? Faro dealer, Pulford, shot a man clean through the heart at eighty paces. Maybe you should go to the Metropole, let Pulford deal you a game of cards.

Dr. E.W. Hostetler: You know, Books; I'm not an especially brave man. But, if I were you and had lived my entire life the way you have, I don't think that the death I just described to you is not the one I would choose.

Gillom Rogers: [Books is giving Gillom gunfighting lessons] Mr. Books, my grouping of shots was tighter than yours. How is it you've killed so many men?
John Bernard Books: First thing is, that target wasn't shooting back at you. Second, most men at that last second will flinch; I won't.

INFORMATION FROM IMDb

A classic movie which was a fitting wrap as his final movie.

Same he wasnt recognised by his peers.


Mike

Hi,
I have been researching all the threads, back to the start of the JWMB,
looking for previous discussion, relating to thIS movie.
I have found the following, comments, and have copied them here,
so that they are now under one forum:-

If you are interested, please click on the link:-

The Shootist, Waynes, Last and Greatest Movie ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

The Shootist, The Book vs. The Movie ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

The Shootist.DUKE AT HIS BEST ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

Originally posted by ethanedwards+Jan 1 2006, 07:29 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ethanedwards @ Jan 1 2006, 07:29 PM)</div> . . . and there's is a feeling amongst all his fans,
that he should have won another oscar for his performance.24784[/b]
This fan agrees wholeheartedly with that!

Originally posted by Baby Sister@Jan 2 2006, 03:46 PM
I watched this movie again last and even though you know how it is going to end it still makes me cry every time I see it. The begining where they tie all his characters into the one J.B. Books character was just perfect.24825
We hadn't paid such close attention to the beginning of the movie until, a couple of years ago, someone on this message board brought it to our attention. You are right - it was just right, and so much more meaningful when you have actually seen the movies from which the clips came.

<!--QuoteBegin-duke564ever@Jan 11 2006, 08:35 AM
Even though this was DUKE'S last film I rank it right up there with ROOSTER COGBURN . It really shows his outlook on life. The teenagers of today could learn alot from DUKE about how to live your life and how to respect yourself.
25215
AMEN to that, brother!

As you might guess from the comments above, this film ranks near the top of our list of JW movies. It is a classic, and truly a fitting final film for this great actor.

Deep Discount DVD ([Only registered and activated users can see links]) offers this film individually as well as part of two different collections, and also some movie posters.

Amazon ([Only registered and activated users can see links]) has the newer release of The Shootist that is part of Paramount's John Wayne Collection (Deep Discount doesn't). Amazon also has the book on which the movie is based, as well as several collections which include this film.

Chester :newyear:

I had put this up on "Duke Stories" a year or two before, but I thought that it might belong here also. You can go to the Site Below for just about all you wanted to know about the Making of "The Shootist." :rolleyes:

THE SHOOTIST ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

Chilibill :cowboy:

I am sorry. I did not like this film. I'm not saying that it is not an excellent film, I'm just saying that I, personally, did not like it. I found it very depressing. Maybe I'm missing something, but I'm not adding this one to my collection. It is too sad.

This is a powerful moving picture (no pun intented). It is made esp. powerful by the use of clips from old Duke pictures as J.B. Brooks' personal history. The supporting cast including Laurne Bacall, Ron Howard, Richard Boone, and Jimmy Stward of course, is just four-star as is Don Seagal's direction.

Duke's Movie Locations

The Shootist was filmed mostly in the following locations

WASHOE LAKE STATE PARK- NEVADA

974975976

Click on
Photo ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

Washoe Lake State Park ([Only registered and activated users can see links] um%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-GB:official_s%26sa%3DN)

Information from
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Washoe Lake State Park is a Nevada state park in Washoe County, Nevada. Located between the cities of Carson City and Reno near US 395, it is in the Western Nevada Region of Nevada State Parks.

Here is a Little look at the Story Line of "The Shootist" and a Picture of One of the Colt Pistols Duke used in the Film. :rolleyes:

THE SHOOTIST STORY LINE ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

Chilibill :cowboy:

Some more photos,


143614371438

143914401441

A rare photo

1465
That photo looks like it's from True Grit. Isn't that Kim Darby Duke's talking to?

Yep, my mistake. Clicked the wrong thread!

Here's the theater poster for The Shootist -

Chester :newyear:

A lovely poster, one of the better ones

Keith,

Thank you. This is one that Les Adams, from Abilene, Texas shared with us.

Chester :newyear:

I could be wrong, but I don't remember the word bs in this movie. But it won't hurt if I watch it again just to be sure. The Shootist was (is) one of my favorites.

John Bernards old flame calls him one.

The milk delivery man warns Duke at the start of the movie 'Yea I'm talking to you you dumb b*****d, I said move it or I'll deliver you something to remember me by.

John Bernard told said to the sheriff, 'Your the longest winded b*****d I ever listened to.

:agent:

Absolutely right and what a filthy mouth Ron Howard had.

I read in Emmanuel Levy's book on John Wayne that Paul Newman and George C Scott were both offered the role of JB Book's before John Wayne.

Paul Newman passed on the role and George C Scott wanted too many changes made to the script.

The winning choice of Duke was also added to the fact that they could use footage from his old movies in the credits to show the life of J B Books.


Mike

I have had this book for a year now but I have yet to read it, maybe cause it's very difficult for me to watch this movie. I watched my Granddad go through pretty much the same thing with his cancer and I have a hard time watching this without thinking about him. But I have to say that this film was the best way for him to end his career, regardless of the fact that he never viewed this as his swan song. But what a beautiful swan song it was, and the perfect epitaph to a legendary career.

Hi,
I love this movie, even if it makes me cry everytime I watch it. I think that is because you know that in real life that he is fighting cancer. But there again, that is the person he was, and that is why he is loved so much!
stacy

I agree it is an amazing movie, but is very hard to watch without tearing up!

Hi everyone
This movie is one of my fayorites.
and for a lomg time, I have one question.
I wonder what brand of whisky(may be bourbon?) which on the bar counter
in this movie's scene?
this whisky's label mark looks like clover.
sanda

sanda,

I will have to pull out my copy of The Shootist and watch it to see if we can answer your question, but in the meantime, I would like to welcome you to the John Wayne Message Board!

As far as I know, you are our first and only member from Japan. You've expanded our scope to another continent!

We hope you will take a moment and introduce yourself to us in the Newbie Forum.

Again, WELCOME!

Chester :newyear: and the Mrs. :angel1:

sanda,

I will have to pull out my copy of The Shootist and watch it to see if we can answer your question, but in the meantime, I would like to welcome you to the John Wayne Message Board!

As far as I know, you are our first and only member from Japan. You've expanded our scope to another continent!

We hope you will take a moment and introduce yourself to us in the Newbie Forum.

Again, WELCOME!

Chester :newyear: and the Mrs. :angel1:

I echo the above, but to add,
I see the Whiskey bottle, with sort of a yellowish label,
but can't read it.

Perhaps our whiskey drinking friends in the States,
will sober up enough, to tell us!!!

chester777
Thank you for your invitation to newbie forum.
and I hope american whisky friend will teach me that whisky brand name.

I effort to introduce myself in the newbie forum, but my ability of english speaking
or writing is so poor. please forgive me my odd expression,miss spelling.
sanda

Just watched this the other night. I was amazed at the amount of exceptional actors involved. A high quality production all the way around. And Duke's acting was terrific. This was one of the few times that Ron Howard appeared before the cameras (after "The Andy Griffith Show") before going on to directing, and his acting abilities were paramount too. Loved Harry Morgan as he portrayed his character's exuberance on hearing of Books' cancer.
Cheers - Jay:beer:

Jay I agree with you Completly, and think this was one of Duke's Best Films. And how could you beat The Cast ! Most of the Main Cast had ask to be in the Film with Duke, because I think they all knew this would be one of His Last Film, and they were Right !!!
:cry2:
Bill:cowboy:

The Shootist is a brilliant movie and a wonderful Epitaph to a long and wonderful career.

If Paramount had spent more time marketing it rather than King Kong Duke would have got a second Oscar.

Mike

Definitely Duke gave an Oscar winning performance in this!
Cheers - Jay:beer:

Jay, You are Right, This should have been Duke's Second Oscar, But Most of Hollywood Did Not Like Duke !!!
:evilgrin:

Bill
:cowboy:

Sanada,
Most of the Bottles in the Films are made of what was Called "Candy Glass" and would Break But Would Not Cut You. It was Made of the same thing as the Windows Glass that You See Them Breaking in the Films !
The Labels on the Bottles were "Called No Name Labels" and made up for the Films so that They would not Get in Trouble With the Companys that Make The Real Stuff !!!

Chilibill
:cowboy:

Thank you Brooks
No name Labels,regrettably i understand.

and one more question.
His last day,J.B.Books said a greeting to little lady in the streetcar.
by japanese subtitle,it was "I hope you will meet a good young man "
but a restriction of transrate that three word by a second we can read,
subtitles are not seldom uncorrect.

I heard that line is "I sure hope you have right to welcome a star"
want what Books said ?
Best regards,

sanada

H. sanada
J.B. Books tells The Young Lady "I Sure Hope The Right Fellow Comes Along."
:teeth_smile:
Duke said He added that to the Script , so that J.B. Books would look like a Real Gentleman Before He went into the Saloon For the Big Gunfight !!!
:dead:
Chilibill
:cowboy:

Thanks again Brooks
Because of my poor ability for english hearing,It made a mistake dangerously.
" I sure hope the right fellow comes along " is a good dialogue and just like Duke
to say so!

About this dialogue,there's an interesting story.
Several years ago, Mr.Ohbayashi(japanese movie director)visited Duke's daughter
and he heard from her that this dialogue was often said by Duke in real life.

Is it true?
and I want to know the name of Duke's daughter who told so .
Anybody know?
Best regards,

H.sanada

Yes it does sound like the kind of thing Duke would say.

H. sanada
I think that was Duke's Young Daughter "Aissa," and Yes when Duke did meet a Young Lady that Did Not have a Wedding Ring on Her Finger, being the Gentlman that He Was would say "I Sure Hope the Right Fellow Comes along."
:regular_smile:
Bill
:cowboy:

Yes We are very happy Duke's last movie is The Shootist, the great western movie
filled with his gentlemanship.
H.sanada

Yes We are very happy Duke's last movie is The Shootist, the great western movie filled with his gentlemanship.
Great observation!

We appreciate the film as a fitting end to a long and illustrious cinematic career. The character, and the man who played him, were very human in their response to great pain, but both gracious gentlemen as well.

Chester :newyear: and the Mrs. :angel1:

Great observation!

We appreciate the film as a fitting end to a long and illustrious cinematic career. The character, and the man who played him, were very human in their response to great pain, but both gracious gentlemen as well.

Amen, I could not have put it better.

Everything said here is quite right. A fitting and moving end to a magnificent career.

I ALWAYS cry buckets when I watch this film. Bet all you guys shed a tear too if your not too macho to admit it.

The casting was superb. Lauren Bacall was perfect. My apologies to MOH but for me she would not have been right as I recall too much on screen history between her and JW.

Elly,
I Don't Cry Buckets Of Tears, but I do admit that when I watch the Film "The Shootist" and that is quite often, I keep a Box of Tissue Close By for that Tear or Two, as this was a Great Duke Film, with a Great Cast all the way, and just the way that I Remember Him !
:cry2:
Bill
:cowboy:

This movie always makes me tear up, as I witnessed my Granddad suffer pretty much the same way.

Elly,

I Don't Cry Buckets Of Tears, but I do admit that when I watch the Film "The Shootist" and that is quite often, I keep a Box of Tissue Close By for that Tear or Two, as this was a Great Duke Film, with a Great Cast all the way, and just the way that I Remember Him !
:cry2:
Bill

:cowboy:


Bill you are very fortunate to have known JW personally. And we are very fortunate thast you tell us these stories and give us this "inside" information. I know i am not alone in telling you how very much I enjoy and appreciate it. Thank you

Watching this film after many of his other films, makes it even more poignant for there are many moments in this film that make this film the fitting farewell that it is. The last 20 minutes of the film hold the most significance, in these 20 minutes I feel that Duke was in effect saying goodbye to his fans... I know that there are a lot of arguments over this, but it seems to me that he knew he was dying and that this was his last chance for a cinematic finale worthy of his stature. Heck, if one views his entire body of work from the 70's it's almost like a long goodbye.... now I know that's a stretch, but in these 10 films he inserts more of his wisdom then previously decades.

This decade had his most heartfelt films, filled with damn good advice to live by and about what being a man is. But getting back to the film, the moments between Duke and Bacall are especially emotional and heart tugging. If you don't get misty eyed, then you are obviously stone hearted. Or perhaps you have no idea just who the hell John Wayne is. No other actor has, at least in my knowledge, ever had a screen epitaph worthy of capping their career

Now onto the analysis of the film

Acting
The Acting was wonderful; Duke gives easily the best performance of his career. The entire cast deserved awards with one exception. The best scenes, as I previously stated, are those between Bacall and Duke, you feel almost as if Bacall was saying goodbye to Duke himself instead of John Bernard Books.

Story
This viewing is the first time I have ever paid attention to the nuances of the film and let me tell you.... this film is highly rewarding and worth owning if you are even a casual fan of the Duke's.

And the rest
The score was fitting, especially when he walked into the bar for the final showdown. The cinematography was in short awesome and rivals that of the work done by Clothier. And the editing was obviously done by seasoned pros. Now the only reason I mention the editing is because prior to this film I watched Rooster Cogburn which was very badly edited, and stuck me as a film from first timers.

What was the one exception?

I may have asked this before but I can't remeber. The meds I'm taking now are pretty strong so I forget easy so please forgive me if I have. I had heard That when they were trying to cast the shootist they offered it to many before finally giving it to Wayne. I heard Newman, and Hackman and Boone along with several others. Duke was getting pretty mad because he wanted this role so bad. My thoughts are I wonder if the others turned it down because they all knew it was perfect for the Duke since he had cancer and out of respect, I would like to also know why they didn't offer it to duke in the first place I mean it fit his life to a tee. I heard this on tcm or HDnet or hell maybe I dreamed it. Has anyone heard this story.

Hi Brick

I don't believe anybody turned it down because they felt it was more appropriate for Duke e.g. Gregory Peck turned the role down due to the fact that he played a similar role in "The Gunfighter,".

At the time Duke Dukes health was deteriorating and many felt he would not be able to complete this film therefore they asked other actors before him.

:agent:

Hi

I'm just about to go out to work so I haven't got the full time to research this topic but the role was offered to three or four other actors before John wayne took it.
The book was quite earthy and controversial and before it came to the screen had to amended quite severely.
If you read Don Segals' book the first chapter deals with the making of The Shootist.

Regards

Arthur

Thanks I'll try to find the book. The shootist is my favorite Duke movie although it's sad I believe it's wayne's finest acting. I used to not be able to watch the cowboys or shootist because he was killed in both. I got by that and the shootist became my favorite.

George C. Scott was originally offered the role of Books, and accepted it on the condition that not one word of the script be changed. However, the role was given to John Wayne after he expressed interest. The producers claim they had wanted him all along, but did not believe he would be interested in the film.

This is what I found in the imbd thread about The Shootist. There might be more information about that, but I haven't found anything yet. I'll check later today on that information.

Cheers :cool: Hondo

"The producers claim they had wanted him all along, but did not believe he would be interested in the film."

This is a very strange statement since I'm sure most of us on this board feel the movie was written specifically for our main man. I know I myself feel that way.

Here is a little Story about the Story line in Duke's Great Film
"The Shootist"
:teeth_smile:
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Chilibill
:cowboy:

If the producers wanted him all along why didn't they jsut offer it to him and let him decide. The report I heard was wayne was getting angry because he wanted the role and they kept offering it to others. I wish there was clear cut evidence either way.

Here is a little more Infro. on Duke and Him wanting to do The Shootist.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Chilibill
:cowboy:

this role was offered to george c scott who acceped aslong as nothing in the book changed. when word got out that duke was able to play the part well the rest is history.the movie was changed to fit him.

Thanks Chilli Bill. That answers alot.

Has George C Scott ever done a western?

Cheers :cool:

My question about the Shootist is what was he gonna do after he survived the gunfight. I know the bartender shot him, but if he hadn't, what was J. B. Books gonna do after that? I mean he still had cancer, was he gonna take his own life?

My question about the Shootist is what was he gonna do after he survived the gunfight. I know the bartender shot him, but if he hadn't, what was J. B. Books gonna do after that? I mean he still had cancer, was he gonna take his own life?

The book ended with Gilliam shooting Books in the back, and of course the movie had the bartender shooting Books in the back.

So if he had lived, we can only speculate an alternate ending, so I'd have to say based on the movie, that Books would have walked away, and looked for others to try to gun him down. I think that Gilliam's mom and Books would have nurtured their relationship, and became closer. Then others would try, but Books condition would worsen and the cancer is unbearable, until the sheriff comes in and guns down Books in cold blood, but the newspaper writer would make the sheriff the hero. A great scandal to say the least.

I like the movie's ending better by the way, gt.

Cheers :cool: Hondo

Hi Hondo

At some point I would like to read that book, I've heard a lot about it and yes, I knew that Gillem was the one who shot Books in the back. Why would he do this? Unless he was trying to become the next shootist.

But as far as the sherrif goes, I suppose he would have to have done something. Maybe he could have shot Books before Books shot him. But for arguments sake, let's say Books got away scott-free, and I agree that the cancer would have gotten to him sooner or later, do you think he would have eventually taken his own life?

Me personally, I'm kinda like you in that I think he would have just kept on gunfighting until somebody sooner or later was just a bit faster than him.

I haven't read the book either, so I don't know what Gilliam was thinking or if he was going to be the next shootist. My reference point was the movie which I am more familiar with.

I may have not interpreted this to you correctly, but the sheriff shoots Books in the back like a coward, either while he is sleeping, eating his meal, or taking his medicine. I consider the sheriff crooked.

I am not sure if Gilliam is the faster gunfighter or not. I didn't think he was in the movie version. I'll just have to read the book myself, or maybe someone can enlighten us on this question who has read the book.

Cheers :cool: Hondo

While the book was a very good read, it does not end on a high note. Gilliam starts out being in awe of Books in the beginning of the book, but after he finds out that Books is dying, and sees how weak he has become, he actually starts treating him with disdain. And Giliam does shoot Books in the end, but it is Books who asks him to do it, after being shot in the back by the bartender. I won't go into any more detail to save those who intend to read the book.

I did read elsewhere that John Wayne wanted the part but wanted the ending to be different. He wanted Gillaim to learn that Books life isn't the way Gilliam should aspire to be. He wanted him to be dispelled of the adoration he held for the life with the gun and go in a different direction. so they rewrote it to end that way. I liked the way the movie ending was way more than the book.

Another thing about the book. It was very graphic in it's description of J.B.'s cancer and what it was doing to him. It also goes into detail about each bullit as it enters it's intended victim and the damage it did. Kinda gory. :vomit:

Mark

Has George C Scott ever done a western?
Cheers :cool:
He did "The Hanging Tree" with Gary Cooper.
Cheers - Jay:beer:

One of my favorite soundtracks......enjoy.

3NEfcj5ssWw

One of my favorite soundtracks......enjoy.

3NEfcj5ssWw

I find it very haunting but very very impressive, its a shame the video could not provide some film footage to go with this great tune.

:agent:

Although I really enjoy watching The Shootist I also find it quite sad knowing its Duke's last movie

That said, I feel its a fitting tribute to JW

Here is an example of the book. Enjoy!

Mark

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

I tried to find this one at my local Barnes and Noble the other day, but they don't seem to have it. I guess I'll to get mine off ebay.:glare:

Not an easy one to watch but a classy finish to a great career

very good movie.How did we all feel when Gillom walks out of the tavern and walks by his mother bond? The young man grew up at this point and his life was forever changed. The way J.B Book dies with such courage was indicitive of the way the Duke handled his own bout with cancer leading to his death. There willnever be a man like him again.

This was my first John Wayne film i ever saw, one of his finest in my opinion.

i agree this movie was really sad for me to watch, knowing that it was Dukes last. but the way he carried himself through the whole thing was jus amazing. this movie is one of my favorites. there will never be anyone like him again

i loved this film. i loved the black and white beginning and the quiet dignity and courage he showed throughout, particularly on his last day when he got dressed to go and do what he had to do