Rio Lobo (1970) – Film Review

Director: Howard Hawks
Cast: John Wayne, Jorge Rivero, Jennifer O’Neill
Certificate: PG

By Sarah Morgan

Quentin Tarantino once declared that he planned to retire early from directing because he didn’t want to “make a Rio Lobo”.

He was referring to Howard Hawks’s final film, a Western that many believe failed to live up to his earlier successes across a number of different genres. However, it was perhaps on a hiding to nothing. After all, it was always going to struggle to match the likes of Scarface, Bringing Up Baby, To Have and Have Not and Red River in terms of quality.

Hawks remains one of the most important and revered directors in Hollywood history, so it’s a shame he bowed out with something that didn’t live up to the high bar he’d set for himself. Having said that, if Rio Lobo had been made by most other directors, it would probably be regarded far more kindly – it suffers by comparison with his other works.

“Betrayed”

It was also made during a time when the Western was changing, with the likes of Little Big Man, The Wild Bunch and High Plains Drifter on their way, so it could be said that Rio Lobo is one of the final outings for the traditional form of the genre.

Hawks certainly should have been on safe ground story-wise; the production reteamed him with John Wayne, with whom he’d previously worked on various other films, including two other Westerns in 11 years – Rio Bravo and El Dorado. Both of those, and Rio Lobo, focus on a small town sheriff fighting back against lawless individuals.

Of course, Wayne plays the central character, former Union Army officer Cord McNally, a fair-minded fellow who befriends ex-Confederate Captain Pierre Cordana once hostilities have ceased. McNally needs his help, and those of his ex-sergeant, to find the traitors who betrayed him, resulting in the death of a friend.

Their quest brings them into contact with Shashta Delaney, a feisty woman who appears to be looking for the same villain, a wealthy landowner who has a vicious and corrupt local sheriff in his pocket. Soon, the motley band of folk under McNally’s wing set out for a showdown with the bad guys in the titular town.

“Heroics”

Wayne is, quite frankly, far too old, or at least unfit, to play McNally. It’s quite obvious in various fight scenes that he’s been replaced by a ‘double’, but if you’re a fan of the Duke and can overlook such moments, you probably won’t be disappointed – it’s the kind of performance he could deliver in his sleep, one that appeals to those who can’t get enough of his onscreen heroics.

The supporting cast includes Robert Mitchum’s son Christopher, Jorge Rivero and, in an eye-catching performance as Shashta, Jennifer O’Neill; she was a skilled horsewoman in real life, and clearly relished being able to carry out her own equestrian scenes. Hawks always loved a strong female (in real life and on screen), so probably relished working with her.

Special features include interviews with experts Austin Fisher and Sheldon Hall, while an accompanying booklet features new writing by critic Richard Combs.

Sarah Morgan( Writer )

Sarah Morgan studied film journalism at post-graduate level with the BFI and has been writing about TV and film for PA Media’s newspaper, magazine and new media customers since 1996. She’s also written for a wide range of other publications, both online and in print, including the book Offbeat and Intermission magazine, and is a regular contributor to the Talking Pictures TV podcast. When she isn’t watching movies, she’s collecting and reading vintage crime and horror paperback books or, for her sins, watching her beloved Sheffield Wednesday.

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FAQs – Rio Lobo (1970) Limited Edition Blu-ray

What is Rio Lobo about?

After the Civil War, former Union officer Cord McNally hunts the traitors who betrayed his unit – a quest that leads to a corrupt sheriff and land baron in the town of Rio Lobo.

Who directed it and who stars?

Director – Howard Hawks. Cast – John Wayne, Jorge Rivero, Jennifer O’Neill, with Christopher Mitchum and Jack Elam.

How does it relate to Hawks’s earlier Westerns?

It is a thematic companion to Rio Bravo and El Dorado – traditional Western values, a beleaguered town and a final stand against lawlessness.

What is the UK certificate and runtime?

PG – 114 minutes.

What are the technical specs?

1080p HD restoration by Paramount – original aspect ratio 1.85:1 – Region B – original English mono with optional DTS-HD MA 5.1 – English SDH subtitles.

What special features are included?

New interview with Western scholar Austin Fisher – new interview with historian Sheldon Hall – original trailer – O-card slipcase – collector’s booklet by Richard Combs. (Extras may be subject to change.)

Is there a booklet?

Yes – a limited edition booklet featuring new writing on the film.

Why do some viewers call it “a Western out of time”?

Released as revisionist and spaghetti Westerns reshaped the genre, it stands as a late, traditionalist Hawks oater.

How is John Wayne here?

Classic late-period Wayne – a weathered, principled lead anchoring the ensemble and the film’s old-school heroics.

Is this edition good for collectors?

Yes – limited print run, restored presentation, new expert interviews and premium packaging make it a strong shelf addition.