The Shootist is a 1976 American Western film directed by Don Siegel and based on Glendon Swarthout's 1975 novel of the same name. It is John Wayne's final film role, before his death in 1979. The screenplay was written by Miles Hood Swarthout (the son of the author) and Scott Hale. The supporting cast includes Lauren Bacall, Ron Howard, James Stewart, Richard Boone, Hugh O'Brian, Harry Morgan, John Carradine, Sheree North, Scatman Crothers, and Rick Lenz.
In 1977, The Shootist received an Oscar nomination for Best Art Direction (Robert F. Boyle, Arthur Jeph Parker), a BAFTA Film Award nomination for Best Actress (Lauren Bacall), and a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor (Ron Howard), as well as the National Board of Review Award as one of the Top Ten Films of 1976. The film received widespread critical acclaim, garnering an 87% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Cast[]
- John Wayne as J.B. Books
- Lauren Bacall as Bond Rogers
- Ron Howard as Gillom Rogers
- James Stewart as Dr. E.W. "Doc" Hostetler
- Richard Boone as Mike Sweeney, an old gunslinger who wants revenge
- Hugh O'Brian as Jack Pulford, the handsome Faro dealer at the Metropol Saloon with a talent for marksmanship
- Bill McKinney as Jay Cobb, owner of the local creamery with a reputation for being quick to anger
- Harry Morgan as Town Marshal Walter Thibido
- John Carradine as Beckum, the greedy undertaker
- Sheree North as Serepta, an old flame of Books
- Rick Lenz as Dan Dobkins, reporter for the Carson Morning Appeal
- Scatman Crothers as Moses, a blacksmith who tries to purchase Books' horse
- Gregg Palmer as Burly Man
- Alfred Dennis as Barber
- Dick Winslow as Streetcar Driver
- Melody Thomas as Girl on Streetcar
- Kathleen O'Malley as School Teacher
- Charles G. Martin as Murray, the bartender who kills Books