The Shootist
Seen it?1976 | 100 min | Western
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (81% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest, despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for most people. If you loved Rio Bravo or The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Easygoing.
- The pace
- Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 40 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- Made in 1976: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Afflicted with a terminal illness John Bernard Books, the last of the legendary gunfighters, quietly returns to Carson City for medical attention from his old friend Dr. Hostetler. Aware that his days are numbered, the troubled man seeks solace and peace in a boarding house run by a widow and her son. However, it is not Books' fate to die in peace, as he becomes embroiled in one last valiant battle.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
81% on Rotten Tomatoes, 77 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.1 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 1 Oscar, 1 Golden Globe and 1 BAFTA.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$13 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 150K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Don Siegel
- John WayneJ.B. Books
- Lauren BacallBond Rogers
- Ron HowardGillom Rogers
- James StewartDr. Hostetler
- Richard BooneMike Sweeney
- Hugh O'BrianJack Pulford
- Bill McKinneyJay Cobb
- Harry MorganMarshall Thibido
- John CarradineBeckum
- Sheree NorthSerepta