Red River contains everything a western should have and throws in a few things more.

It is a rattling good outdoor adventure movie.

Hawks directs the film with his typical assurance and seeming lack of fuss, letting scenes play out in long takes, and framing the action against vistas that often dwarf the actors.

Director Howard Hawks’ magnificent movie features a performance by John Wayne that’s so remarkable, it led to John Ford (who had already directed the star in several films) cracking, "I never knew the son of a bitch could act!"