TRUE GRIT

PRODUCED BY HAL B. WALLIS
DIRECTED BY HENRY HATHAWAY
MUSIC BY ELMER BERNSTEIN
PARAMOUNT PICTURES

11431050

1147



INFORMATION FROM IMDb

Plot Summary

The sudden death of her father sends a young tomboy of a girl,
'Mattie Ross' (Kim Darby) on a mission to find justice, and the avenging of her father's death.
She recruits a tough old marshal in the person of Rooster Cogburn (John Wayne),
because he has "grit", and a reputation of getting the job done.
Mattie accompanies Cogburn, and also a Texas Ranger ('La Boeuf' played by Glen Campell;
who is looking for 'Tom Chaney' [Jeff Corey] for a separate murder in Texas) as the leave from Fort Smith,
Arkansas into the Indian Territory (present day Oklahoma) to find her father's killer.

Full Cast

Writing credits
Charles Portis (novel)

Marguerite Roberts (screenplay)

John Wayne .... Marshall Reuben J. 'Rooster' Cogburn
Glen Campbell .... La Boeuf
Kim Darby .... Mattie Ross
Jeremy Slate .... Emmett Quincy
Robert Duvall .... Ned Pepper
Dennis Hopper .... Moon
Alfred Ryder .... Mr. Goudy (Defense attorney)
Strother Martin .... Col. G. Stonehill
Jeff Corey .... Tom Chaney
Ron Soble .... Capt. Boots Finch
John Fiedler .... Lawyer Daggett
James Westerfield .... Judge Parker
John Doucette .... Sheriff
Donald Woods .... Barlow
Edith Atwater .... Mrs. Floyd
Carlos Rivas .... Dirty Bob
Isabel Boniface .... Mrs. Bagby
H.W. Gim .... Chen Lee
John Pickard .... Frank Ross
Elizabeth Harrower .... Mrs. Ross
Ken Renard .... Yarnell
Jay Ripley .... Harold Parmalee
Kenneth Becker .... Farrell Parmalee
Wilford Brimley .... (uncredited)
Myron Healey .... Deputy at prisoner unloading (uncredited)
James McEachin .... Judge Parker's bailiff (uncredited)
Dennis McMullen .... Bailiff (uncredited)
Boyd 'Red' Morgan .... Red (ferryman) (uncredited)
Robin Morse .... Bit part (uncredited)
Stuart Randall .... McAlester (uncredited)
Connie Sawyer .... Talkative woman at hanging (uncredited)
Jay Silverheels .... Condemned man at hanging (uncredited)
Dean Smith .... (uncredited)
Vince St. Cyr .... Gaspargoo (uncredited)
Guy Wilkerson .... The hangman (uncredited)
Hank Worden .... R. Ryan (undertaker, Fort Smith, Arkansas) (uncredited)

Original Music by
Elmer Bernstein (also title song)
A.P. Carter (song "Wildwood Flower") (uncredited)
Maud Irving (song "Wildwood Flower") (uncredited)
J.P. Webster (song "Wildwood Flower") (uncredited)

Non-Original Music by
John Newton (song "Amazing Grace")

Stunts

Jim Burk .... stunts (uncredited)
Polly Burson .... stunts (uncredited)
Gary Combs .... stunts (uncredited)
Bill Davis .... stunt double (uncredited)
Quentin Dickey .... stunts (uncredited)
Louie Elias .... stunts (uncredited)
Fred Gerber .... stunts (uncredited)
Bob Harris .... stunts (uncredited)
Chuck Hayward .... stunts (uncredited)
Monty Jordan .... stunt double (uncredited)
Boyd 'Red' Morgan .... stunts (uncredited)
Dean Smith .... stunts (uncredited)
Neil Summers .... stunts (uncredited)

Other crew
Don Black .... lyricist: title song
Warren Low .... supervising editor
John Newton .... lyricist: "Amazing Grace"
Luster Bayless .... wardrobe (uncredited)
Gary Gillingham .... production accountant (uncredited)
'Chema' Hernandez .... head wrangler: Mexico (uncredited)

Filming Locations

Bishop, California, USA

Buckskin Joe Frontier Town & Railway - 1193 Fremont County Road 3A, Canon City, Colorado, USA

Castle Rock, Colorado, USA

Durango, Mexico

Gunnison, Colorado, USA

Mammoth Lakes, California, USA

Montrose, Colorado, USA

Ouray, Colorado, USA
(Courthouse)

Owl Creek Pass, Ridgeway, Colorado, USA

Ridgway, Colorado, USA

Sherwin Summit, Inyo National Forest, California, USA

Trivia

* When submitted for a rating from the MPAA in 1969, the film was given an "M". The film was edited and re-rated "G".

* The only film for which John Wayne ever won an Oscar.

* John Wayne had met singer Karen Carpenter on a college show he hosted prior to the shooting of this movie. Wayne was so impressed that he wanted Carpenter cast in the role of Mattie Ross.

* John Wayne reportedly chased costar Dennis Hopper around Paramount with a loaded gun. Hopper had to hide in Glen Campbell's dressing room until Wayne cooled down.

* The scene near the end where Rooster Cogburn (John Wayne) and Ned Pepper's gang meet in a field and Pepper (Robert Duvall) is shot is filmed in a clearing near the top of Owl Creek Pass outside Ridgway, Colorado. The field is off the road to the left and is very easy to find.

* Chimney Peak is visible in the famous shoot out scene at the end. Chimney Peak is part of the Cimmaron Range outside Ridgway, Colorado.

* Mia Farrow, among other well-known actresses, was approached to play Mattie, but she turned it down. She later said it was one of the biggest professional mistakes of her career.

* Tuesday Weld also turned down the role of Mattie.

* After judging The Carpenters on a talent show, John Wayne had Karen Carpenter read for the part of Mattie. The producers went with Kim Darby, who had acting experience, however Wayne did not like working with her, because he felt she was unprofessional on the set.

* Elvis Presley was considered for the role of La Boeuf, the Texas Ranger.

* Marguerite Roberts was a formerly blacklisted writer. John Wayne knew this before he read the script. He read it and liked it. He ignored people who said he shouldn't work on anything that a "blacklisted" writer wrote.

* The gang's cave hideout (beds partially intact), snake pit, and various prop rocks can still be seen on private property outside Ouray, Colorado.


Goofs

* Errors in geography: Supposedly set in Oklahoma, yet features unrealistically large mountains.

* Continuity: In the shootout between Rooster and Pepper's gang, the film reverses for a few seconds. Rooster's eyepatch moves to the right eye, the bandanna switches sides, and his rifle and pistol change hands.

* Continuity: When Rooster Cogburn and LaBoeuf cross the river on the ferry, Mattie swims across with her horse. While the ferry is crossing a river, the shots of Mattie were clearly taken at a lake. The ferry is crossing a river with normal flow, and rough water. The water Mattie is crossing is smooth as glass with no ripples or flow.

* Continuity: When Mattie emerges from the river, she is already dry.

* Anachronisms: Some of the paths Mattie, Rooster, and LaBoeuf ride down have obviously been formed by automobile tires.

* Continuity: Le Beouff puts the serving spoon back in the bowl and picks up his fork. The next shot shows him putting the serving spoon back in bowl and picking up a piece of chicken.

* Crew or equipment visible: In the scene When the dead bodies are being identified at Mcalister's, the shadows of a couple of crew members are visible in the bottom left-hand corner of one of the shots.

* Continuity: The white markings on Little Blackie's legs and face change throughout the movie.

* Continuity: When LaBoeuf and Rooster are discussing the venture at Chen Lee's, Mattie repeatedly changes position between shots.

* Continuity: After La Boeuf succumbs to his head injury and falls off his horse, Rooster turns him over to look at his face. La Boeuf rolls over with his feet crossed. As Rooster and Mattie are riding off and look back at him, his feet are now splayed out.

Hi,
It's a great film, and difficult to critisize Duke's acting, in a role,
that won him, his only Oscar!
I suppose like most Duke fans, the role of Mattie,
is maybe the only thing that let's the film down.
She is clearly out of her depth, and it's
pity, that either Karen Carpenter, Mia Farrow,
or Tuesday Weld, didn't take up the offer.
They surely could not have been any worse!!
Elvis Presley, instead of Glen,
now that would have been interesting!
Rating 10/10

What can you say a superb movie and a great role for John Wayne and he knew it.

Considering the inexperience of Campbell and Darby they performed as well as could be expected.

I always thought it funny that Strother Martin turned up in both movies yet there was no connection between his roles

True Grit as Col Stonehill

Rooster Cogburn as Shanghai McCoy (the owner of the raft)

Memorable Quotes

Thjere are so many for this film, I have included a few famous ones, and you can follow the link, for many, many more:-

[last lines]
Mattie Ross: Trust you to buy another tall horse.
Rooster Cogburn: Yeah. He's not as game as Beau, but Stonehill says he can jump a four rail fence.
Mattie Ross: You are too old and fat to be jumping horses.
Rooster Cogburn: Well, come see a fat old man some time!
[jumps the fence and rides away]

Rooster Cogburn: Why, by God, girl, that's a Colt's Dragoon! You're no bigger than a corn nubbin, what're you doing with all this pistol?
Mattie Ross: It belonged to my father, he carried it bravely in the war, and I intend to kill Tom Chaney with it if the law fails to do so.
Rooster Cogburn: Well, this'll sure get the job done if you can find a fence post to rest it on while you take aim.

[Rooster confronts the four outlaws across the field]
Ned Pepper: What's your intention? Do you think one on four is a dogfall?
Rooster Cogburn: I mean to kill you in one minute, Ned. Or see you hanged in Fort Smith at Judge Parker's convenience. Which'll it be?
Ned Pepper: I call that bold talk for a one-eyed fat man.
Rooster Cogburn: Fill your hands, you son of a bitch.

These were just a few, for even more, please click on this link:-

More Memorable Quotes ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

INFORMATION FROM IMDb

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

Comparing this movie, with ROOSTER COGBURN and The Lady
If you are interested, please click on the link:-

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

I especially like the character Rooster Cogburn, so I enjoy this movie and Rooster Cogburn very much.

Otherwise, not much else can be said about this great movie that hasn't already been said.

Deep Discount ([Only registered and activated users can see links]) carries this movie for under $8, as well as part of at least two collections. They also offer one movie poster.

Amazon ([Only registered and activated users can see links]) seems to have all the Paramount releases, and True Grit is one of them. They also offer this book ([Only registered and activated users can see links]), which would be a fun addition to the collection of JW "stuff" that one might have :D .

Chester :newyear:

Can anyone tell me the exact location of the area where the two guys where smoked out of the hut by Rooster? It was by a small river with beautiful mountains behind. That spot is what I am looking for. I know True Grit was filmed in and around Ridgeway, CO. Thanks...

Hello All
Welcome aboard Smitty, I agree that was a nice piece of geography however I can't help you with location. murray

I believe it is in Calif.
I've seen it in other movies. ( G. Peck , J. Colins movie ???)
The water is from a warm water spring .

Rick

The same scenery around the cabin is in Nevada Smith with Steve Mc Quuen also directed by Henry Hathaway

Mike

According to IMDb, the following were used as filming locations in True Grit -

Bishop, California, USA

Buckskin Joe Frontier Town & Railway - 1193 Fremont County Road 3A, Canon City, Colorado, USA

Castle Rock, Colorado, USA

Durango, Mexico

Gunnison, Colorado, USA

Mammoth Lakes, California, USA

Montrose, Colorado, USA

Ouray, Colorado, USA
(Courthouse)

Owl Creek Pass, Ridgeway, Colorado, USA

Ridgway, Colorado, USA

Sherwin Summit, Inyo National Forest, California, USA


I have to say that I honestly don't know which one was the site for the scene you mentioned, but it's a start. :rolleyes:

Chester :newyear:

As big a fans as my family and I are of True Grit, being Okies, we always get a laugh out of the aspens and tall mountains in the scenery.

I don't understand why they didn't use locations more accurate to our geography here.

Originally posted by Tbone@Jun 26 2006, 09:49 AM
As big a fans as my family and I are of True Grit, being Okies, we always get a laugh out of the aspens and tall mountains in the scenery.
I don't understand why they didn't use locations more accurate to our geography here.
32492

That's always been a hoot to my mind! Beautiful scenery aided by excellent photography, though.
Cheers - Jay :D

Howdy All,
I did a little bit of research, and that particular scene was filmed at Mammoth Lakes, California. Hope this helps.
Best,
Colorado Bob

Hello All

Further to the cabin scene from True Grit featuring in Nevada Smith at a different angle it has also appeared earlier in the cabin scenes for North To Alaska with Fabian and Stewart Granger.

All these films were directed by Henry Hathaway so I guess he liked the location.


Mike

John Ford did the same in "Fort Apache" by doing the Film in Monument Valley, when the Real Fort Apache is in Very High Wooded Country that goes up as High as 12,000 Ft. :fear2: in the White Mountains 200 Miles South of Monument Valley. :D

John Ford used Monument Valley because He wanted the Wide Open Look for the Horse Soldiers to go across on the long shots, and get the look that He wanted! :rolleyes:

Chilibill :cowboy:

If you want to see what the real "Fort Apache " looks like You can go to the Site Below For a Look See. :rolleyes:

THE REAL FORT APACHE ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

Chilibill :cowboy:

I didn't care for Campbell and Darby, both of whom I found grating, but True Grit's last act is thrilling. The pace quickens, the physical action comes to life, and Hathaway's direction is engaged. I don't see it as a great Western, but the pay-off is satisfying, the locations are seasonally sparkling, and the film is historically notable for giving Wayne his only Oscar.

Hi all,
I watched this movie again yesterday and enjoyed it. But the most thrilling was that one of my friends (who is member of this Board too, but not participating much) send me his memories about seeing this film in the theater:

I can still remember being nine years old and my parents taking us to the theater to see this movie. One scene I remember vividly from that first experience has been cut out of the movie. It's a little a grim, but remember when Duke is rushing the snake-bitten Mattie to the doctor? They mount Mattie's small horse and Duke drives the horse hard. In the original cut of the movie, as the horse begins to tire, Rooster takes a knife and slices a cut into the horse's flank, and then takes chewing tobacco from his mouth and rubs into the wound in an effort to spur on the poor horse more. As I saw the movie in later years, that scene was never shown, not even when released onto video tape.

It is interesting is anybody here remember this cut. I haven't this episode neither on VHS, neither on DVD.

Regards,
Senta :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Senta@Oct 15 2006, 12:01 PM
In the original cut of the movie, as the horse begins to tire, Rooster takes a knife and slices a cut into the horse's flank, and then takes chewing tobacco from his mouth and rubs into the wound in an effort to spur on the poor horse more.* As I saw the movie in later years, that scene was never shown, not even when released onto video tape. [/i]

It is interesting is anybody here remember this cut. I haven't this episode neither on VHS, neither on DVD.

Regards,
Senta :rolleyes:
35953


Hi Vera,

I must admit, I was unaware of this piece.
Robbie would be interested to hear of this,
Perhaps you would be good enough
to also post your, post here

Missing Footage and Deleted Scenes ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

Perhaps they thoug that scene, too much, their targeted audience,
I don't know!"!

Duke's Movie Locations

Much of True Grit was made in
California and Colorado

MAMMOTH LAKES- CALIFORNIA



True Grit- Mammoth Lake Location Photos ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

The cabin scenes for this Movie, North to Alaska,
Nevada Smith, were also filmed here

Kates Meadow, Colorado

937

Ouray Court House, Colorado


933
Google- Images ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

Ridgeway

931932

hi Keith,
Very interesting information and links, thanks for that. Very attractive cafe indeed. I always thought that True Grit movie location is one of the most beautiful, but can't imagine that there is so much to see and visit right now.
Regards,
Vera

Keith - it is just amazing all the information you have been able to dig up and share with the rest of us. The photos are an additional bonus. Thank you so much for providing the board with everything.
Cheers - Jay :D

I watched True Grit today and I definitely think Senta is right about the footage being cut out from ride back with Mattie after the snakebite.

Looking at the DVD it just looks like it has been edited in some way to make it look less harsh.


Mike

Heres a visual treat regarding the locations on True Grit, I think many will be surprised to see the rock during the final shootout still in existance.

YouTube - Please see new revised version; link is in description ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

Regarding the scene in which Duke takes a knife to little Blackey, I'm unsure whether this scene was ever in the film. It sounds very much like what Duke did to Darby's arm and I have not heard reports elsewhere of this scene so I doubt if it ever existed.

:agent:

Great Post Robbie,
perhaps you could also place this in

Dukes Movie Locations- Colorado ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

Excellent video Robbie. Very enjoyable

Best


Mike

We just watched True Grit again last night for probably about the 20th time, and my wife located a glaring blooper that wasn't listed here on page one. In the opening scenes, Frank Ross and Cheney are making preparations to depart out in front of the Ross house. Then when the camera pans to the front or the house, the sunlight is in the faces of everyone standing on the porch looking out. In fact you can clearly see that the sunlight is reaching through the open front door of the house about 10 - 15 inches. Then Frank Ross goes inside, spends about 2 minutes with Mattie, and then goes back outside to leave. When he is back outside, the sun is going in the opposite direction, and the porch is completely shaded, with the shadow line in front of the house going out at least 10 feet from the porch.

We just love this film. My wife has tromped all over that part of Colorado as her family regularly vacationed there when she grew up. She even found a tree, that the locals had pointed out, where Wayne had carved his name.

We would like to get back there someday.

GSP

Hi GSP,

Tkae a look here also.

Duke's Movie Locations- Colorado ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

Ref. the scene where Rooster cuts Little Blackie's whithers to keep him running...I don't remember ever seeing that particular scene in the movie (any of the bazillion times I've seen it); however, I definitely remember it being in the book. Course, I have been known to be wrong before....:uhoh:

You're not wrong,Dexter. You're correct in that the cutting of Blackie's flank was definately in the book. I remember thinking how harsh, yet smart that was to get more life out of a horse that he intended to ride till it died anyway.

For those who have never read the book, I recommend it highly. And if you read it, you may think as I do that Kim Darby did an excellent job bringing Mattie Ross to life. She played her just as you picture her in the book.

And just to read the ending of the book (not like the ending in the movie) makes you see why they changed it in the screen play. More upbeat in the movie.

Mark

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Hi Keith

This is a real nitpick for you but the picture you used in post one of this topic of Duke in a white shirt is actually from the movie 'Rooster Coburn'.

For those who criticise Darby's performance by claiming that she is annoying. I would think that this is actually paying tribute to the actress as the character of Mattie is supposed to be a little grating.

:agent:

Good point Robbie about Darby. I used to be kind of critical of Glen Campbell. He seemed insecure, wooden, even unsure of his lines. But the more I have watched the film, he was supposed to be insecure, wooden and unsure of himself. I too noticed that picture from page one is really from Rooster Cogburn. Its sad how old Duke looked in that film. He really aged between 1969 and 1975.

Nice Photo,

1473

Thought you might appreciate this picture of the poster that was in the theaters at the time -


Chester :newyear:

Thanks for posting, another great poster

Keith,

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

Chester :newyear:

Here's an interesting video from YouTube about the filming locations from True Grit

MnRZ8MO7myM

Thanks ejgreen77....That was great!!!

The Special Collector's Edition of "True Grit" was just released this week. I got a copy last night & immediately checked out the Special Features section. There were a few good features, but overall...I was kinda disappointed. After watching the features, I started watching the film with the commentary by Jeb Rosebrook, Bob Boze Bell, & J. Stuart Rosebrook. I only watched it up to the Wharton trial courtroom scene, but it didn't seem like the commentators truly knew much about the movie itself. They seemed more interested in the discussing social issues in the 1960's than they did relating information & incidents regarding the movie. Several times, when they would mention some story or incident relating to the filming itself, they seemed unsure of their facts & would have to discuss it amongst themselves.....and I believe they were wrong on some of their points. Like I said, I only watched it up to the courtroom scene & I'm going to finish it later, but ya'll double check me on this & see what ya'll think.

The Special Collector's Edition of "True Grit" was just released this week. I got a copy last night & immediately checked out the Special Features section. There were a few good features, but overall...I was kinda disappointed. After watching the features, I started watching the film with the commentary by Jeb Rosebrook, Bob Boze Bell, & J. Stuart Rosebrook. I only watched it up to the Wharton trial courtroom scene, but it didn't seem like the commentators truly knew much about the movie itself. They seemed more interested in the discussing social issues in the 1960's than they did relating information & incidents regarding the movie. Several times, when they would mention some story or incident relating to the filming itself, they seemed unsure of their facts & would have to discuss it amongst themselves.....and I believe they were wrong on some of their points. Like I said, I only watched it up to the courtroom scene & I'm going to finish it later, but ya'll double check me on this & see what ya'll think.


This is disappointing. The commentaries portion of the DVDs is what I like, nothing worse than listening to people who know nothing about what they speak.

I too bought the special collectors edition and was slightly disappointed. I haven't listened to the commentary track yet, but the other special features were perhaps sub par. I say this only because the documentaries total forty minutes or less and to re-buy a movie that I already own for that seems a little lame. What I really wish is that they had done a huge trumped up version like Rio Bravo and the Searchers.

Apart from the commentaries is there anything extra on this DVD?


Mike

In the book, Mattie lived to be an old spinster. She tried to keep up with Rooster's exploits through the years and when she finally heard he would be near as part of Wild West Show with Cole Younger and Frank James, she went to see him. She was told he died a few towns back, so she had him interred and brought back to her farm and burried in the plot with her family.:cry2:

I liked the movie ending better :teeth_smile:

Mark
Mark, thanks for sharing about the different books on which Duke's movies are based. It's a fascinating perspective.

I don't know if I like the book or movie ending better, except that of course in the movie Duke doesn't die, but the book ending isn't so bad, in that he apparently died of old age, and not from being shot in the back or some other horrendous end. That kind of death I could have handled, if they had chosen to end the movie that way.

Mrs. C :angel1:

Does anybody know how old Rooster was supposed to be? John Wayne was 61 when the film was made, so I'm guessing about 55?

I just wanted to let you know that we received an email from Jeepster Gal, letting us know she has added to this video. It is over 11 minutes long, and it is great! So grab a cup of coffee and sit back and relax!

0EUP9rOLf30
I thought it might be appropriate to have this YouTube link directly in the True Grit thread.

Chester :newyear:

Does anybody know how old Rooster was supposed to be? John Wayne was 61 when the film was made, so I'm guessing about 55?

Rooster is supposed to be a down and out and verging on being considered too old to still be a marshal so I would suggest Dukes age of 61 would be the correct age of the character.

:agent:

Rooster is supposed to be a down and out and verging on being considered too old to still be a marshal so I would suggest Dukes age of 61 would be the correct age of the character.:agent:

Easy there old buddy, Old Chester just had his 60 th birthday this month, please go light on that "down and out " talk. :stunned:

Chester :newyear:

Easy there old buddy, Old Chester just had his 60 th birthday this month, please go light on that "down and out " talk. :stunned:

Chester :newyear:

Sincerest apologies Chester as my previous comment was a little clumsy. The statement I was trying to convey was that since Rooster is a hard drinker, an outsider, someone who frequenlty enforces law and order on his terms etc compounded with his age of '61', society as a whole considers him to be a down and out. Of course as the movie progresses we realise that he is anything but down and out.

:agent:

I have a question about this movie. Near the beginning when those guys are about to be hanged, isn't one of them Jay Silverheels (Tonto)? If it is, I guess he must have shot The Lone Ranger in the back.:wink_smile:

Sincerest apologies Chester as my previous comment was a little clumsy. The statement I was trying to convey was that since Rooster is a hard drinker, an outsider, someone who frequenlty enforces law and order on his terms etc compounded with his age of '61', society as a whole considers him to be a down and out. Of course as the movie progresses we realise that he is anything but down and out.
Hey, Robbie, I was just giving you a hard time! I know you didn't mean anything by your comments - at least you meant no offense :wink_smile: - and honestly, no offense was taken.

I understand the original, and largely correct, essence of what you were saying about the character, and how well Duke's age corresponded with the character he was playing.

I have a question about this movie. Near the beginning when those guys are about to be hanged, isn't one of them Jay Silverheels (Tonto)?
gt, as to your question, according to IMDb, Jay Silverheels was indeed one of the condemned men at the beginning of the film, though it was an uncredited role.

The Coen Brothers are apparently planning a remake of True Grit basing the story on the book with more emphasis on Mattie Ross compared to Rooster Cogburn.

It is a western but I cant say I am to enthused about the project.


Mike

who ever is signed to play rooster will have so BIG boots to fill, and i can't think of anyone who can fill them.

It's a way off, but the Coen brothers, who made the Oscar-winning picture No Country For Old Men, are planning another version of True Grit.



This was the movie that won John Wayne an Oscar for playing crusty old Marshal Rooster Cogburn.

But the Coen brothers intend to go back to Charles Portis's 1968 novel, which has a spinster recalling that, when she was 14, she set off from her family's 480-acre Arkansas farm to avenge her father's murder.
Scroll down for more...
[Only registered and activated users can see links] Dynamic duo: Ethan and Joel Coen

"The book recounts the girl's story," Joel told me. "In the John Wayne film, she was played older. We want her to be her real age - it's her story!"


In fact, I've just read Portis's book and it's a tale of rough frontier justice and a girl's coming of age. Cogburn's in his 40s - much younger than Wayne was when he played him.

The Coens will join forces again with No Country For Old Men's Oscar winning producer Scott Rudin on True Grit, but it's not going to happen for at least two or three years.

The Coens have Burn After Reading with George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Academy-Award-winning Tilda Swinton coming out this autumn, and they go into production later in the year on another Rudin production, The Yiddish Policemen's Union, based on Michael Chabon's book.
Meanwhile, No Country's Oscars triumph gave the film a big boost at the box office in Britain: figures this week have been up 92 per cent. As of Wednesday, the film had taken £5,958,000.

Even if they do focus on Mattie, which I'm fine with, they won't be able to find a person to play Rooster who will be able to fill the character out. Whoever does it won't get out from under the Duke's shadow.

Even if they do focus on Mattie, which I'm fine with, they won't be able to find a person to play Rooster who will be able to fill the character out. Whoever does it won't get out from under the Duke's shadow.
that's why they are going to focus on the girls part. I'm sure that Rooster's part will be as small as possible.

IMO, it almost borders on sacrilegious to film a remake of the movie for which the most popular star ever won the Oscar for best actor.

However, since it's to be a new Western, my favorite genre, who's complaining. :wink:

As an aside, those Coen brothers sure are some scuzzy-looking dudes.

AMEN TO THAT,
They are Mighty Scuzzy Looking !
Bill
:cowboy:

I don't think this is a very good idea and even if the movie concentrates more on Mattie it will struggle to make an impact due to its predecessor.

One thing this thread has done is wet my appetite for the book, if I come across it I think I will read it as it sounds rather good.

:agent:

This is an interesting thread. I have to say that when this movie comes out they will play down the 1969 original and definitely will not say anything about John Wayne and his Oscar winning performance. They might even rename the movie to be sure to not tie the two movies together. Don't they know that even the mention of John Wayne would probably bring many people to the movies of this genre? Very interesting post.

Cheers :cool:

One thing this thread has done is wet my appetite for the book, if I come across it I think I will read it as it sounds rather good.
Mention of the book in another thread did the same for me, and at dukefan1's encouragement, I got a used copy, for a very reasonable price, at Amazon. We've been busy with some home remodeling, so I'm not reading at as quickly as I would like, but it is interesting to see some lines from the movie that came word for word from the book. Honestly, just reading the first few paragraphs on Amazon had me hooked and purchasing the book.

Make the effort, Robbie, I assure you it will be worth it!

Mrs. C :angel1:

The book is awesome, the only thing that's changed is the very end of the book. I highly suggest you read it.

Anyway... maybe is Rooster's gonna be a small role perhaps they can get Patrick to play him. Or maybe... :stunned: Harrison Ford. Seriously though I can't think of a single soul that could play Rooster.

both patrick and harrison would be to old to fit the part if it's to be like the book. i think the part will go to a little known or un-known actor.

I agree with you, BILL. I think that no known actor would want to take the part of Rooster Cogburn on. How can anyone feel that they can do it justice after Duke? With that said, if it does get remade... I would have to see how their version translate the book to film. Curiosity would get the better of me.

Mark

both patrick and harrison would be to old to fit the part if it's to be like the book. i think the part will go to a little known or un-known actor.

As it should. But I still would love to see Patrick in more movies.

The only, and I mean ONLY positive I can get out of this is maybe this movie will introduce John Wayne (somehow) to some of the younger audiences who had never heard of Duke. Just a thought.

The only, and I mean ONLY positive I can get out of this is maybe this movie will introduce John Wayne (somehow) to some of the younger audiences who had never heard of Duke. Just a thought.

Leave it to GT to find the only positive thing about the movie.

I do try to look at the positive things in life. :shades_smile:

Well at least one of us is an optimist.

The movie will flop, unless they do a jodie foster avenging the death but that would be a copy of her last movie. I think only the younger crowd might be the target but they aren't into westerns. We'll see i could be wrong, but a remake focusing on mattie isn't up there on my list.

In the original movie, the focus was on Rooster Cogburn, played by the Duke. Does anyone think that "True Grit" would have been a success if Mattie was the focus? Kim Darby was little known for anything (and still is). John Wayne was why people came to see "True Grit."
Cheers - Jay:beer:

Speaking of Kim, I never could stand her. Except for True Grit

The only thing I did not like about the original one and ONLY True Grit-was that little girl.

Besides, she has not done much of anything since. Also, im not going to watch it if they do make it. Sorry to sound so abrupt but, apparently those brothers are............stupid!

One brother should be wearing a bright yellow t-shirt that says in bold black letters: "I'm With Stupid! and has an arrow pointing to the other brother wearing similar t-shirt that simply says: Stupid.

The only thing I did not like about the original one and ONLY True Grit-was that little girl.
Glenn Campbell was annoying too. Despite these negatives, "True Grit" was still a great movie. They should just let it alone.
Cheers - Jay:beer:

I disagree with you on the Campbell part, he was a weak link to be sure but he was nowhere near annoying. Of course one man's opinion is his own...

Glen Campbell said that this was one of the Biggist Thrills of His Life, being in the Film "True Grit" with John Wayne !!!
:teeth_smile:
Chilibill
:cowboy:

Glenn Campbell was annoying too. Despite these negatives, "True Grit" was still a great movie. They should just let it alone.
Cheers - Jay:beer:

Hi Jay, come to think of it, I agree with you and he was irritating to see in that movie.:shades_smile:

I don't get it. If you all didn't like Kim's part and you didn't like Glen's part....then do you just like True Grit because Duke was in it? :twitchsmile:

I think Kim did an excellent job in the part of Mattie. She played the part just as it was in the novel. Glen more than pulled his weight as LeBoueff as well. You have to read the book and you will see that they both portrayed the characters they were as it was meant to be played. That's just my opinion. True Grit is a classic because of the main 3 characters.

Mark

I think you are being unfair on Kim and Glen. I accept they were both inexperienced when True Grit was being made but both put in more than acceptable performances. The play between the three characters is what makes the movie.

Just as a after thought do you know there was serious thought by Hal Wallis to Elvis Presley playing LeBoueff role.

In regard, to a possible remake whilst not fussed about it personally I think there is scope to make a decent movie in the right hands. However, I dont think the Coen Brothers are the film makers for the job.



Mike

Kim Darby did not want the part in "True Grit" as She was with Child at that time, but gave in when Duke ask Her to do it ! She did the part just Right, as a know-It-All Young Girl Running the Business part of their Family Ranch and trying to keep Rooster in Line.
:teeth_smile:
Glen Campbell part was Suppose to be Annoying to the part that Duke played as Rooster, as a Texas Out-Side-er Lawman !
:stunned:
The Three of them Must Have Done Something Right because Duke Got His Only Oscar in Films, and Here We are Talking About It over 30 Years Later !!!
:hyper:
As to the Re-make of this Film, As Duke Would Always Say,
They Will Not Get Any Of My M-O-N-N-Y !!!
:vomit:
Chilibill
:cowboy:

One thing this thread has done is wet my appetite for the book, if I come across it I think I will read it as it sounds rather good.

Your appetite is about to be sated, Rob. I put it in the mail this AM. You should have it within a week or 10 days.

I don't get it. If you all didn't like Kim's part and you didn't like Glen's part....then do you just like True Grit because Duke was in it? :twitchsmile:
Mark
At times, any artistic effort can be greater than the sum of its parts. I think "True Grit" as a story and with Duke in the leading role (as well as the other characterizations - especially Strother Martin) elevated the movie far beyond merely mudane, IMO.
Cheers - Jay:beer:

Actually, I think I should specify my complaint. The actress herself is the one I can't stand, she did a spectacular job in True Grit and indeed played the part so well that I though the written character had come to life.

Actually, I think I should specify my complaint. The actress herself is the one I can't stand, she did a spectacular job in True Grit and indeed played the part so well that I though the written character had come to life.

Your remark doesn't make a helluva lot of sense to me. You admit she played the part of Mattie Ross to perfection but say you can't stand her.

I thought just about everyone in the film turned in great, or at least good performances, including Glenn Campbell. In fact, I think Duvall as Lucky Ned Pepper should have received an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

Perhaps I should stop trying to clarify myself.... I only seem to muddy the waters even more.

True Grit is the only movie I like her in, she gave an excellent performance, but as for her other work and seeing her in special features as herself, I dislike her as a person immensely.

As Mattie = good. Anything else = annoying and bad.

I don't get it. If you all didn't like Kim's part and you didn't like Glen's part....then do you just like True Grit because Duke was in it? :twitchsmile:

I think Kim did an excellent job in the part of Mattie. She played the part just as it was in the novel. Glen more than pulled his weight as LeBoueff as well. You have to read the book and you will see that they both portrayed the characters they were as it was meant to be played. That's just my opinion. True Grit is a classic because of the main 3 characters.

Mark

Hi Mark, that's basically correct about me liking the movie only because of Duke being in it. Im sorry but, I never could stand Kim Darby. WHat I did like about Glen Campbell was when he sang one of my all time favorite songs: "Southern Nights." :thumbs_up:

I have no problem with the two characters-only in just who played the girl.

Take care and best regards--C.

I think you are being unfair on Kim and Glen. I accept they were both inexperienced when True Grit was being made but both put in more than acceptable performances. The play between the three characters is what makes the movie.

Just as a after thought do you know there was serious thought by Hal Wallis to Elvis Presley playing LeBoueff role.

In regard, to a possible remake whilst not fussed about it personally I think there is scope to make a decent movie in the right hands. However, I dont think the Coen Brothers are the film makers for the job.



Mike

Hi Mike, I had not known that Elvis had been considered for that role. If he'd been in the film, i'd definately like it more than I now do.

I can't make any judgement about the Coen Bros as I never heard of them before seeing this thread-even though they do look unkept-same as michael moore.. That alone probably tells you I don't go see movies in the theater often-nor do I rent many from the video store either ;-)) In fact, I can't 100% sure-remember the title of the last movie I watched at the theaters? Possibly it might have been that Christmasy movie with Kathy Bates as Santa (and his Brother-whose name I can't think of) Mother. I can't remember but, I think his Bros name was Fred????

Your remark doesn't make a helluva lot of sense to me. You admit she played the part of Mattie Ross to perfection but say you can't stand her.

I thought just about everyone in the film turned in great, or at least good performances, including Glenn Campbell. In fact, I think Duvall as Lucky Ned Pepper should have received an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

I may be right or wrong but, I think what the Lt is trying to say is, that he had no problem with the character and how it was portrayed, but that he just can't stand who played that character. Same as me, I can't stand the actress-no I don't hate-I just can't stand her. Same thing could be said about me for the likes of george cLOONEY. But that's a different story and for other reasons.

If im wrong, then I apologize.

PS, I used to think the same way about a few other actors and actresses. For instance, I used to not care much for Eli Wallach, Barbara Stanwyck, James Cagney and Humphrey Bogart. However, every one of these actors and actresses, are among my favorites now-and those who know mw-know that James Cagney is another one of my all-time most favorites. I can watch him as much as I can watch Duke. :wink_smile:

Not to sidetrack too much but, one of my all-time most favorite lines from Cagney was from: The Fighting 69th. It was: "Take your hands off me you son of a Banshee or i'll knock your teeth down your throat." For many years, I thought the word Banshee was actually one of the words from the curse: SOB-because of the way he sounded when he said it.

Jay,

The star was Duke and I'm not taking that away.

I do think that the focus of the movie was both Mattie and Rooster Cogburn. Their relationship was what made that movie a hit. I am not a big fan of Kim Darby, but she did play that part well. But I see this movie as a play on each other and geniune respect for each other and their role.

And one without the other would have not worked. They could have left Mattie out of the movie while Cogburn went after the others. But this would have been a much different movie. And I don't think it would have worked.

Cheers :cool: Hondo

I can't make any judgement about the Coen Bros as I never heard of them before seeing this thread
I thought the same thing, then I learned they are the guys who did O Brother Where Art Thou? which in some ways was a good movie, and other ways it wasn't.

Chester :newyear:

I thought the same thing, then I learned they are the guys who did O Brother Where Art Thou? which in some ways was a good movie, and other ways it wasn't.

Chester :newyear:

Im kinda wondering if these guys will make a few movies and then move on-kinda like what happened to Golan-Globus, that were popular in the 1980's and early 1990's.

I THINK I have heard of the title you mention above, but if so, I know nothing about it. :wink:

The only two films that I can recall seeing of the Coen Brothers and they were both highly recommended to me were Fargo and Miller's Crossing. Fargo I didnt think was that good and Miller's Crossing was way too slow. The best part was Albert Finney with the tommy gun.

I think they are the "luvvies" favourites in the way Brando and Kubrick were hyped.

Ringo, I think Elvis in the role Le Boeuf in True Grit was a strong possibility as Wallis and Colonel Parker had business relationship but by that time Elvis was fed up with movies after the dross he has churned out and the Colonel fought over money and billing so it came to nothing.

I have also heard that Elvis was considered for the Ricky Nelson role in Rio Bravo but I think that was wiped out by other commitments and his induction into the army.


Mike

The only two films that I can recall seeing of the Coen Brothers and they were both highly recommended to me were Fargo and Miller's Crossing. Fargo I didnt think was that good

Today I rented and viewed the latest "highly recommended" Coen Brothers offering, "No Country For Old Men", starring Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin and some Spaniard I've never heard of named Javier Bardem. It won four Oscars, including best picture. It wasn't what I would call a bad movie, though the plot had more holes than a sieve. Not sure I would have voted it best picture though.

Today I rented and viewed the latest "highly recommended" Coen Brothers offering, "No Country For Old Men", starring Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin and some Spaniard I've never heard of named Javier Bardem. It won four Oscars, including best picture. It wasn't what I would call a bad movie, though the plot had more holes than a sieve. Not sure I would have voted it best picture though.
I almost rented that one today myself but decided to wait and see what others had to say about it. Stumpy, would you recommend a rental?

I almost rented that one today myself but decided to wait and see what others had to say about it. Stumpy, would you recommend a rental?

If you are a Coen Brothers fan, then I recommend the movie. It is not a favorite of mine, and I own a lot of movies, but will not own this one. It is violent movie, and sometimes hard to follow, but fortunately it does come together after a while, and the story sort of comes together before it goes crazy again. Just a twisted movie like Coen Brothers movies are. And I agree with Jim that it would not be my best picture pick on the Oscar nod.

Cheers :cool: Hondo

I almost rented that one today myself but decided to wait and see what others had to say about it. Stumpy, would you recommend a rental?

Save your money - I think you'd be disappointed and quite puzzled by a lot of the plot holes (and there are dozens), not to mention the much-less-than-satisfying ending. I figure in a few months, you'll be able to buy the disc for little or nothing.

In the meantime, you might want to read some of the viewer comments on the IMDB site. Though many are highly laudatory, there are just as many that trash it in no uncertain terms.

Like I said, it wasn't what I'd call a bad movie - I just don't understand how it won the Oscar for best picture. I guess the Hollyweird bigwigs figured it was the brothers' time.

Hopefully. as has been said, they will give the film another name, as I would not like people thinking they are re-doing Dukes fine film

This is a movie that is in the top ten favorites of most fans. The only movie he won an Academy Award for, and well deserved. Here is my copy of the award program from the Awards show on April 7, 1970 and part of the page with the nominations listed. Not bad company to be up against, in my opinion.

Mark

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

A littlte (ot) but I feel the Duke was robbed of an oscar in "Red River" and "The sands of iwo jima" but definitely got his due in this movie. First Duke movie I saw, one of my favorites of all time

does anyone know if a 40th anniversary special DVD of True Grit is in the pipeline ?
if there is one due out i would hope there are plenty of extras on there ie: Duke's oscar win and speech,movie locations etc.
thanks for any help

does anyone know if a 40th anniversary special DVD of True Grit is in the pipeline ?
if there is one due out i would hope there are plenty of extras on there ie: Duke's oscar win and speech,movie locations etc.
thanks for any help

Any word of a special edition?

Mike

true grit is my favourite duke film.it has the best name for a villain/bad-guy ever in lucky ned pepper ( my member name !! ). the scenery is just superb,good story and decent enough supporting cast. i give it 5 out of 5.
rooster cogburn is still a good film but not true grit class so i give it 4 out of 5

I am pretty sure they just came out with a new version for True Grit. Here is the link from Deep Discount:

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Not sure what the extra's are though.

Hi Todd

Thanks for the link

Seems the extras are trade secrets but after some digging I found a list of them

Features:
Commentary by Jeb Rosebrook, Bob Baze Bell and J. Stuart Rosebrook
True Writing
Working with the Duke
Aspen Gold: Locations of True Grit
The Law and The Lawless
Theatrical Trailer

The DVD is selling for as little as $3-$5.00

I found this quote from a previous post on this thread

I too bought the special collectors edition and was slightly disappointed. I haven't listened to the commentary track yet, but the other special features were perhaps sub par. I say this only because the documentaries total forty minutes or less and to re-buy a movie that I already own for that seems a little lame. What I really wish is that they had done a huge trumped up version like Rio Bravo and the Searchers.

No doubt if I buy this version a new super doper version will be unveiled!!!


Mike

Duke was His Best as a Actor in "True Grit" Because He was Nothing Like the Man He played "Rooster !"
Chilibill
:cowboy:

Rooster Cogburn was just the perfect role for John Wayne. Today I watched True Grit again and I like this movie more and more. The novel sounds good and I think I'm gonna read the book. IMO Henry Hathaway directed the movie very carefully and the cast isn't that bad. At least Kim Darby and Glen Cambell are not stealing the show of Duke. I couldn't think of another guy to play Rooster Cogburn.
Not quite sure if I should be happy with a remake of the Coen Brothers. Their movies are all a bit strange so what they will do with "True Grit" ?

Rooster Cogburn was just the perfect role for John Wayne. Today I watched True Grit again and I like this movie more and more. The novel sounds good and I think I'm gonna read the book. IMO Henry Hathaway directed the movie very carefully and the cast isn't that bad. At least Kim Darby and Glen Cambell are not stealing the show of Duke. I couldn't think of another guy to play Rooster Cogburn.
Not quite sure if I should be happy with a remake of the Coen Brothers. Their movies are all a bit strange so what they will do with "True Grit" ?

Have to agree with this and other similar comments in this thread. The novel is very different at the end to the film but a great read just the same.

The Coen brothers remaking True Grit? Why? JW is not here to play Rooster and as has already been pointed out the Coen brothers make STRANGE films! I am not really a fan of remakes per say. Very few films benefit from being made over! But True Grit being remade by the Coen brothers! tantamount to Taranteno remaking Disney's Fantasia!!

True Grit is my ALL-TIME FAVOURITE FILM, EVER!!!! and the BEST role JW played.

Oh sure he was a better actor in the searchers and you could argue over many points as most folks do! After all it is, like most things in life, very subjective.

But, as an all round, family picture, a light-hearted look at life, with a simple message of decent values this is IT.

My almost 3 year old granddaughter has seen this at least 5 times - not all the way through but she must have seen 50% by now. I think this is her favourite JW film cos when I say we will watch one she asks for this each time! Long may she continue to ask!

other than video, audio items and books. I now concentrate on collecting items from True Grit only. I have over 100 original production stills and loads of other stuff.

So JohnChisum, Luckynedpepper and all others who rate Rooster and True grit, all I can add is you are in GREAT COMPANY

Elly,as my name is luckynedpepper you could say i'm a fan of True Grit :wink_smile: