Historian reviews True Grit - More accurate, John Wayne or Jeff Bridges? | TWH62

[@WalkwithHistory]

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[@Christian_Prepper]

*Glen Campbell sucked as an actor.* *There. I said what every pro knows.* The 2010 was much greater than the 1969 due to overall better acting and authentic feeling.

[@bobsteadman9728]

It was sacrilegious to attempt a remake of an John Wayne movie.

[@Bronte55]

@@bobsteadman9728 Nonsense. John Wayne was an actor, not a god.

[@Bronte55]

@@Christian_Prepper Agreed. The 2010 was a better movie. Matt Damon was superb. Hailee Steinberg and Jeff Bridges were excellent. The cinematography was superior. Both the beginning and ending of the movie were far better.

[@frankpienkosky5688]

it just had more "grit"....John Wayne has made better films....his version of "The Alamo", for example....pales in comparison to the newer version....definitely deserved an oscar for "The Shootist" though......@@Christian_Prepper

[@ribcagesteak]

Both versions add and subtract scenes relative to the book. In the book, Mattie, Rooster, and LaBoeuf stay together as depicted in the 1969 film. The 2010 film depiction of the party splitting is actually a departure from the book. The 2010 film ending is the more accurate ending however. Bear Man is an invention of the 2010 film. LaBoeuf lives in the book like in 2010 version. Overall, I like the 2010 version better. The 1969 does a great job at portraying the classic adventure story where the characters go through adversity yet still prevail in the end. The 2010 version, much like the book, presents a more ambiguous message with questionable ethics, morality, and consequences. The book is narrated from Mattie's perspective and it is clear that she is no ordinary girl and such a character will not live an ordinary life. Her toughness, determination, wit, and "headstrong ways" drive both her successes and failures. She is book smart yet naive. She is courageous yet reckless. She gets her revenge but suffers great cost. The 2010 script and performance from Hailee Steinfeld (who is truly the heart and soul of the film) captures this brilliantly. While I enjoyed the upbeat tone of the 1969 version, I found the 2010 version more thought provoking and emotionally moving (especially the ending scene on the horse which pretty much wrecked me in ways the 1969 version could not).

[@WalkwithHistory]

Those are such great points. I will definitely need to read the book sometime…both movies are so good 😊

[@1N2themystic]

I'm curious if you're referring to the part when he used his knife to prod the horse to run another mile or two before it died. Cause that was a powerful, thought provoking moment.

[@jamesschmidlin1127]

Yeah, I would suggest in future film reviews based upon books that you do read the book prior to doing the film review. I thought it strange that you would do a film review on a film that’s based upon a novel without reading the book it’s based up. I understand you were doing a movie comparison of the two movies, but by reading the book first you can give a review of which movie portrayed the feel of the novel better. Plus, I was a bit confused with the title of your pod cast. I immediately think you’d be looking at historical movies based upon actual historical events and people, not fictional novels.

[@jamesschmidlin1127]

Yeah, I would suggest in future film reviews based upon books that you do read the book prior to doing the film review. I thought it strange that you would do a film review on a film that’s based upon a novel without reading the book it’s based up. I understand you were doing a movie comparison of the two movies, but by reading the book first you can give a review of which movie portrayed the feel of the novel better. Plus, I was a bit confused with the title of your pod cast. I immediately think you’d be looking at historical movies based upon actual historical events and people, not fictional novels.

[@jamesschmidlin1127]

Yeah, I would suggest in future film reviews based upon books that you do read the book prior to doing the film review. I thought it strange that you would do a film review on a film that’s based upon a novel without reading the book it’s based up. I understand you were doing a movie comparison of the two movies, but by reading the book first you can give a review of which movie portrayed the feel of the novel better. Plus, I was a bit confused with the title of your pod cast. I immediately think you’d be looking at historical movies based upon actual historical events and people, not fictional novels.

[@tedbrittingham8707]

Campbell was a monster guitarist not just a country singer. The man was admired by every guitarist alive. Recorded with the Beach Boys. A pop singer with huge hit songs. TV show. Not just a country singer folks. Do your homework. Campbell was a legend.

[@WalkwithHistory]

I appreciate that and respect that but I never heard of him before seeing him in True Grit.

[@tedhardulak7698]

I love him doing the 1812 Overture. Never better. I am confident that most opinions are swayed by age on here. Anyone that has not heard of one of the greatest Guitarists EVER is missing a lot. I meant the William Tell Overture.

[@jamespohl-md2eq]

He was not a pop singer w huge hit songs. Lol

[@scmrjim]

Truth. Glen Campbell was a legend.

[@paulwiggins183]

Just not much of an actor.

[@jonmathis]

The novel by Charles Portis, with its rich and colorful language, is the real star. A must read!

[@WalkwithHistory]

Sounds cool!! 😎

[@christhompson3750]

Good book

[@jaylambert2187]

Couldn’t agree more. And for another great Western novel that led to a John Wayne role, try The Shootist by Glendon Swarthout. Much more somber but compelling. It was John Wayne’s last movie and something of an homage to his career.

[@merriemisfit8406]

I picked it up either at a school library purge or a thrift store in the 1980s. But I still read it BEFORE I saw the 1969 film version.

[@nomadmarauder-dw9re]

​@@merriemisfit8406I first read it serialized in Redbook. 13 years old.

[@susantownsend8397]

Glenn Cambell was an enormously popular country music singer when the movie was made. He was also one of the best 12-string guitar players ever.

[@WalkwithHistory]

Now we must listen to his stuff. Thank you for watching and the suggestion!

[@ministerofdarkness]

Agreed! I’ve got his all instrumental guitar album that’s friggin awesome! PLAY LOUD

[@marksman48]

He was a bona fide member of the Wrecking Crew, a group of studio musicians who played on many of the hits of the 60's.

[@vickyanddanforever]

But True Grit was a movie.....and Campbell was laughingly bad in it.

[@randynutt5660]

I read somewhere that John Wayne loved the singing style of Glen Campbell, and wanted him to do the musical score. Campbell agreed, and requested he be IN the movie as part of his fee. Good call. The 'One Day, Little Girl' song is pure Campbell legend!

[@Redmenace96]

"one would be as unpleasant as the other" is pure gold

[@WalkwithHistory]

😂 Yes!

[@donollerton4809]

matte gets the best lines in this story. Not a supporting character but the lead

[@frankpienkosky5688]

yep!...whole movie is built around her@@donollerton4809

[@frankpienkosky5688]

this movie is built around her@@donollerton4809

[@paulbattaglia5861]

Also "Now here's what I have to say about that 😊saddle" after the negotiation.

[@davidbradley3735]

John Wayne's version is a classic. The Cohen Brothers is a master piece!!!

[@WalkwithHistory]

That’s a great way of putting it 😊

[@animalntelligence3170]

I would suggest that the 1969 inspired the Coen brothers. What a great thing that Portis lived to see both movies, clearly based on his brilliant writing -- the book is a great pleasure.

[@davidbradley3735]

@animalntelligence3170 the book did. They followed it much, much closer

[@peterpellechia5985]

Coen brothers version is hood but overrated!!!

[@peterpellechia5985]

Good

[@sagecreekgus7779]

A little known fact is that one of the three men hanged in the 1969 version was played by Jay Silverheels the Lone Ranger's sidekick Tonto.

[@Gerald-do9yg]

Never heard that one before! Wish they had given him a bigger part, Jay was a good actor and man! Miss him and Clay Moore, need more roll models like them!

[@frankpienkosky5688]

has a decent part in Captain From Castile@@Gerald-do9yg

[@thedynamicsolo4232]

I have never seen the Dukes FULL version, but the Jeff Bridges adaptation was really endearing. It seems like that is a more appropriate use of language, settings and the wardrobe, voice, cinematography were fantastic. No disrespect to the original, but I prefer the later adaptation. Matt Damon as LaBeuf is a memorable figure as is Mattie Ross, we all knew that "know it all" girl at 14 and she epitomizes that. The B players were great too. The defense attorney was fantastic, the role of the auctioneer was so well played also. Barry Pepper really shined.

[@CarDocBabaPhilipo]

Before he became John Wayne, he was originally signed on a movie because he was good on a horse. This was when he was young and had been working on a ranch so he was skilled horseman. My mother met him in the lobby of our hotel in Miami in 73. He was giving out signed 3x5 pics with the gospel on the back. I still have that photo with his signature to my Mom n Dad.

[@WalkwithHistory]

That is awesome. John Wayne’s signature is still worth a fair amount too.

[@ThomasCranmer1959]

John Wayne was one of my favorite stars. He was a die hard patriot and conservative.

[@halwhitman7230]

Charles Portis is considered one of the masters of dialogue. The 2010 version stays truer to old timey feel of Portis' work. Also, I've heard that after John Wayne won the Oscar, Portis sent him a drawing he'd made of Rooster that portrayed him a slovenly drunk in long johns, in other words exactly as Jeff Bridges is presented in the back of the store at the beginning.

[@brettmuir5679]

The 1969 version is nearly verbatim from the book Why the Coen's thought they could improve on a masterpiece is called falling flat

[@mikegillettify]

@@brettmuir5679negative; the 2010 version is slightly truer. Wayne version says LeBeouff died. In the book he did not. That’s a major change. I like the Wayne version alot. I have no problem if you didn’t like 2010, but to call it flat on it’s face because it didn’t stick to the book is an inaccuracy.

[@Gerald-do9yg]

Don't you remember the scene in the back of Chin Lees' store in the '69 film?

[@chuckschilling4964]

The Coens have the best feel for dialogue of any filmmakers - ever. True Grit is typical of their mastery of this art.

[@nomadmarauder-dw9re]

​@@Gerald-do9ygThe best 3 minutes of character development ever. That one bit tells us all we need to know about Cogburn.

[@davidhudson7880]

The Duke vs The Dude...love it!

[@WalkwithHistory]

LOL. I love that. 🤘♥️Thank you for watching

[@robertfloyd4287]

IMHO, John Wayne is one of the most overrated actors of his generation.

[@robertmarvos9451]

lol

[@johnbrown5565]

@@robertfloyd4287 Jeff Bridges has more acting talent in his little finger than the Duke in all 200 + pounds.

[@williamlopez8676]

@@robertfloyd4287 That may be true. But, in The Longest Day, he put in one of the best pieces of non-verbal acting on film IMO. In the scene where he orders the bodies of dead paratroopers still hanging from trees and telephone poles cut down , the emotions depicted on his face without words are nothing short of remarkable.

[@lloydandfriends4161]

In the 2010 version, Ned was played by Barry Pepper.

[@WalkwithHistory]

Yup! We corrected ourselves in the video description

[@jamestaylor8000]

Thank you! and 2010 10 of 10 1969 7 of 10 at best

[@puzzleheaddesign3789]

Was about to point this out also. Ben was in another western from the same era I can't remember the title.

[@WalkwithHistory]

@@puzzleheaddesign3789 I think it was 310 to Yuma (another movie we should review!)

[@puzzleheaddesign3789]

@@WalkwithHistory yes. Russell Crowe. Good movie.

[@avantegarde7797]

".....backward; I always go backward when I'm backin up !" Always loved that line.

[@williamcantwell4545]

Bridges vocal affectation completely takes you out of the experience.

[@SmithW-er5do]

Favorite quote: "I KNOW you can wallow in filth and bemoan your station..."

[@Bluebuthappy182]

It's hard to pick between the two movies to be honest. Each has elements that stand out above the other. Guess we are just lucky to have two great interpretations of this novel.

[@WalkwithHistory]

Agree!! 😁

[@dennismood7476]

Watching both movies a number of times myself, I found I liked them both for different reasons. I think the 2010 was a better movie, while the characters in the 1969 version were more fun to watch, with the exception of Kim Darby, who I think was a poor acting choice. I think she would have ben better in a different part. She didn't seem to actually fit the role well, and didn't belong in the era.

[@mikegillettify]

@@dennismood7476part of the reason might be that Darby was a 20 something years old woman who was pregnant or had just given birth to play a 14 years old girl.

[@dennismood7476]

@@mikegillettify That wasn't my issue with her in the part. My issue with her was I didn't like her acting. Since she was older than her character was supposed to be, I thought she played it poorly. Maybe it had something to do with her vocal inflections that made her seem more out of place.

[@Kendrix1]

​@@dennismood7476I agree her acting is stilted and amateurish but John Wayne is so incredible it makes up for other actor's short comings

[@shawnwhite2120]

Just finished watching true grit for the sixth time 10 minutes ago the Cohen brothers version is a masterpiece

[@WalkwithHistory]

It is so good, but I just love the Duke so much!!!

[@austinsmith3493]

lol its ass

[@austinsmith3493]

cohen remake sucks

[@shawnwhite2120]

@@austinsmith3493 That mug of yours sucks to

[@artwerksDallas]

Grow up ​@@austinsmith3493

[@chrisdeason27]

For me i like them both for different reasons and if a movie brings you joy it did it's job. Both movies did that for me and i have happily watched them both many times.

[@WalkwithHistory]

Yes!

[@fred5399]

same here but the 2010 version is closer to the book. But the 1969 version oh the last sceen when Wayne and his horse jumps the four rail fence that's the way I want to remember wayne.

[@brettmuir5679]

​@@fred5399you people who persist in claiming the 2010 version is "truer to the book" drive me crazy. The 1969 movie is nearly verbatim from the book and is funny as hell. The Coen's added so much drivel that unfunnied it way out of their league. They were drunk off of their success and full of their genius after No Country (I believe)

[@tr5947]

Two great movies with great performances. The "fill your hand" scene with Wayne still gives me chills, and Jeff Bridges is sublime as a more gritty version of the same character. What I found really poignant about the ending is while Maddie never married, claiming to haven't had time for such a thing, her wistful remembrance of LeBoeuf's cowlick points to him as being the person who captured her heart. You guys did a wonderful job on the history and overall presentation.

[@WalkwithHistory]

Thank you! 😁🙌🏻

[@chuckschilling4964]

The Coens trust the audience to draw their own conclusions in this and many other aspects of their films. They respect their audience and don't patronize us by crossing every "t" and dotting every "i" and letting us think for ourselves.

[@seantlewis376]

I read the novel in the mid-70s after seeing the movie. Reading the novel, I thought the 1969 movie was a very good adaptation. I did not ask for a remake 40 years later, but the remake was also very good, and some people prefer it. One of the great things about the novel and the movies is the use of colloquial western slang. All the language used is absolutely the way people spoke in the late 19th Century. "Fill your hand, you son of a bitch!" That's totally the way a marshal would talk in 1880s West. In 1969, John Wayne was 62 years old, and when he says, "Well come see a fat old man sometime," a lot of people thought this movie would be his swan song. His real swan song was "The Shootist" with Lauren Bacall and Ron Howard several years later, and in my opinion, was the perfect send off for such a movie legend. By the way, he and I shared a birthday, and when I was turning 9, I wrote him a letter inviting him to my birthday party. I got a very nice hand-written letter declining, saying that he already had plans with his own kids. I wish I still had that letter.

[@PatrolOfficer161]

When "True Grit" was made in 1969 (Like "The Searchers"), it was altered from the novel to be a "John Wayne" movie. The novella "True Grit" by Portis was about Mattie Ross with Rooster Cogburn in it. "The Searchers" was about the young boy searching for his kidnapped sister and Ethan Edwards (the John Wayne movie character) was in it. Both movies were hits but the later "Grit" movie was more accurate from the novel.

[@edmundcharles5278]

No- The Searchers was solely about the character that Job Wayne played - a relentless, vengeance-driven man driven to the point of psychosis for the Indian leader who killed his family and kidnapped his Neice. The hatred consumed Ethan and it’s only in the end that he discovers his humanity and compassion.

[@ericdry8850]

Glenn Campbell was from Arkansas. So was Johnny Cash. Both versions are replete with references to Arkansas.

[@WalkwithHistory]

That is cool! We are moving closer to Arkansas and may have to do an episode on Glen Campbell to make up for our ignorance.

[@johntalley6028]

I’m a distant cousin of Dan Blocker (Hoss from Bonanza) and the grandson of a Southern Baptist minister who LOVED westerns. We’d watch Gunsmoke every day when I was a kid together and watched the 1969 version together. My grandfather passed in 2000. When the 2010 version came out, I felt a nostalgia and a duty to see it. The soundtrack of the 2010 being all themed on old Baptist hymns tied it all up into a neat bow for me. BOTH movies are fantastic. It’s what our world needed in 69 and today… a few more men with TRUE GRIT.

[@WalkwithHistory]

Ok. This is going to blow your mind. Scotts great grandpa was prop master on Bonanza. He did every episode. We have pictures of his great grandfather with the entire crew and cast. Pictures personally signed etc. Small world. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@petermcgill1315]

I’m a big fan of Dirk’s work in Brooklyn 99.

[@Ben-tr]

Was Dan from New mexico?

[@johntalley6028]

That side of the Blocker family was from Texas. His folks ran a grocery store.

[@Ben-tr]

@@johntalley6028 ty,I'm from New Mexico thought he was also

[@Brian-uy2tj]

If you look at the list of movies and their gross earnings from 1969 5:12 the list reads like a who's who of great movies from the 60's that tested the censors. That was an amazing year for movies and most of those movies still hold up today.

[@charliewelshans3301]

Are yall on drugs the cinematography and sweeping scenery in the original is amazing

[@WalkwithHistory]

Cinematography is great in both 😊

[@michaelm7]

The academy awards with John Wayne really shows how Hollywood has changed from a place of stars to so many straining to recreate what was once a magic landscape and now struggles to regain its relevance.

[@sonnysantana5454]

the only reason that they gave wayne an oscar was that he stepped out of character he played an old fat haft blind drunk and that's something that wayne never did before

[@Coco-oy5sm]

or are you referring to the '73 oscars when he tried to assault a woman

[@SatansSimgma]

You sound old and tired

[@hermiesnow6947]

Sharps rifles are a series of large-bore, single-shot, falling-block, breech-loading rifles, beginning with a design by Christian Sharps in 1848 and ceasing production in 1881. They were renowned for

[@WalkwithHistory]

Cool. Thanks for sharing and for watching.

[@JohnPatterson-kz8jr]

The Sharp's was favored by Buffalo hunters.😮😅

[@JohnPatterson-kz8jr]

When Texas Ranger Captain Leander McNelly cleaned up the Nueces Strip,he issued his men Sharp's carbines instead of Winchrster 73"s.😮😅😊

[@JohnPatterson-kz8jr]

Don't forget Tom Selleck using a big 50 Sharp's in"Quigley Down Under".😮😅

[@hermiesnow6947]

@@JohnPatterson-kz8jr the reason brought up the sharp rifle was for dating that the 1980's be the time period guess was rt when the movie was taking place- since the host said was in the the late 1980's the gun in fact help place the timeline as correct-

[@johncunningham8798]

I enjoyed your dissection of the 2 movies. My personal favorite was the 1969 version. Glen Campbell was a really big star in 1969, he had his own variety show and many top hits. Also, arguably the best guitar player in the world and yet couldn’t read music. Picked everything up by ear. He was a part of the “The Wrecking Crew”. They were session musicians who played on all of the big hits in the 60’s. He was so good that he replaced one of The Beach Boys on a tour, I believe that it was Brian Wilson. He had to learn their catalog in a matter of days to start the tour. My mother was a big Glen Campbell fan and I remember her taking me and my sister to the Bellair Theater in Houston to see True Grit in 1969. I was all of 6 years old at the time.

[@WalkwithHistory]

Campbell was definitely a very talented singer and musician. I also think his acting was pretty good, he definitely made me feel for his character.

[@captainhowlerwilson508]

I prefer the remake far more because it was truer to the source material being so much darker and depressing, which these kinds of stories should be, because revenge does not make anything better.

[@deanpennington2961]

I liked the Wrecking Crew's video, that's where I found out Campbell, Brian Wilson, ans others were having an unseen role I never knew of. I was offended that someone had the nerve to remake the movie and had no interest in seeing it, but it was a better movie, and the Coen Brothers listened more to the book's author. I liked Wayne better than this in his last movie.

[@brettmuir5679]

​@@captainhowlerwilson508I doubt you read the book. The original is nearly verbatim. All the screen writer did was lift the lines

[@captainhowlerwilson508]

@@brettmuir5679 Yes. I read the book, and the dialogue and tone is not completely verbatum in John Wayne’s version, whereas in the Coens’ version the tone is pretty much that of the book with the exception of the Bear Man.

[@scottspooner6070]

The fact that someone had the balls to remake this kills me. How creative.

[@ironwood4645]

It's always hard to compare 2 versions of a movie when so much time has passed between the two. I liked the 2010 version (i always liked Jeff) but I think the 1969 version edges it out as the better movie. Maybe because it was so iconic and I might have gone in with pre-conceived expectations. But I am glad they made it.

[@matthewshannon6946]

I was aghast they were going to remake it. It turned out Great!!

[@Urapnes75]

why would you be upset by this? The remake was superior. Better actors, better directors, better realism, better tone, better cinematography, better....everything.

[@danieparriott265]

Because remakes almost always ruin a great story. This one improved it. @@Urapnes75

[@ehmunro]

I will say that I prefer the 1969 version because the character was meant to be larger than life and John Wayne embodies that. Jeff Bridges is a great actor, but he doesn't do larger than life with the same flair.

[@WalkwithHistory]

Well said!!! Thank you for watching.

[@jplifesong]

I think the 2010 version is SO much better….and honestly a large part of it for me is Bridges performance over Wayne’s. I think Bridges is a master at these kinds of roles and brings an edgy factor that it needs for me.

[@wagonmaster1974]

I'll bet Jeff knows to use "roles" to describe what he does, too. "Rolls" are what he eats...

[@jplifesong]

@@wagonmaster1974 lol. I’m sure glad we have a perfect person within our midst named wagonmaster1974 who has never made a communication mistake in his life. :). That’s awesome. You may be old but you are definitely an inspiration to all the rest of us here…even despite the obvious ultrasensitive/easily bothered butthurt mentality in regard to someone else’s opinion on movies. Lol Want me to change my movie opinion so you don’t feel as offended? And also I promise to strive for perfection in all future communications. I hope this helps you to heal. We need your continued monitoring. Thanks!

[@wagonmaster1974]

@@jplifesong No offense here. Just having a bit of fun with a common spelling/usage goof. Happy to be of service.

[@ejaedike]

@@wagonmaster1974 Great to know you're not the one: who's offended, obliviously ultra-sensitive/bothered and "butt-Hurt..."

[@melenatorr]

Absolutely: the one with the true grit is Mattie - the drive and the passion is hers: Rooster wouldn't even have bothered to leave town without her refusal to take no for an answer, and her insistence on coming along. It irks me just a little that, in both adaptations of this novel, people give most of the attention to the established star being cast as Rooster when the story is really Mattie's. (I like both versions; having grown up with the 1969 version, I have a stronger attachment to it, but both are very good. The novel is very much worth reading: you meet a lot of historical figures in passing, and in addition to the quirky writing style, there's a nice variety of humor, going from dry to twisted).

[@larryyeadeke2953]

But Mattie makes Rooster the main story. She wants only him to help her. Once she brings him in, his persona takes over.

[@melenatorr]

@@larryyeadeke2953 Thanks for this excellent comment and observation! I'm going to argue it.... Mattie may not be as strong a persona as Rooster, but for me, she never ceases to be the driving force behind keeping the quest going. She has focus and concentration, and a determination to see her father avenged. She is the one who finds Chaney in the end, and she is a motivator to Rooster's stronger but easily dissapated (sp) energies to remain where she needs them. It's true that both movies cast a larger than life actor to enliven Rooster, but for me, Mattie remains the center and focus (if Rooster is Jupiter, Mattie is still the central sun that pulls everything into the orbit of the story).

[@danieparriott265]

Only in the 1969 version. Kim Darby just didn't have the grit. Hailee Steinfeld did. @@larryyeadeke2953

[@charlespolk5221]

Having grown up in Arkansas in Russellville, about 5 miles north of Dardenelle and Yell county. I can tell you that the look of the terrain (hint, Mt. Nebo DOES NOT have snow on it) in the 2010 version is perfect. The 2010 version is, hands down far, far better.

[@silkroadcaravan]

Wayne may be a slightly better Rooster, but Mattie is the central character, and Hailee Steinfeld's 2010 performance is truly astounding: as far as I'm concerned, by herself she basically clowned the entire 1969 cast. ...and I saw both films in theaters on their first runs. The '69 was terrific but for me the 2010 absolutely takes the prize. In '69 I was a very young anti-war activist, and Wayne was, to me, a sorry remnant of the 'my country, right or wrong' crowd and was only iconic of mindless rah-rah 'patriotism'. His performance, and his willingness to take on a morally-ambiguous role, won my respect, but not by much. Ultimately for me, the 2010 version was Hailee Steinfeld's film, and she crushed it

[@newfertelizer]

I loved both movies but tip of the cap to 1969. The True Grit song tells quite a story it reminds me that "Few Battles are Won Alone" Often a traumatized person needs to find a person with True Grit to join them in battle. The rat writ written for a rat scene was key and left out of the 2010 version. The rat was told to git and the writ was delivered with deadly force and the Mattie had no problem disposing hands on of the body. Amazing writing and amazing acting and what character development.

[@WalkwithHistory]

lol. Love the rat writ scene. 😂

[@longnamenocansayy]

true grit is a movie about 3 characters that each one of them had true grit. a little girl born and raised in those times certainly rose to expectations that the times demanded of her. she was proud to be able to contribute to the family, even if it was 50c a day helping out at the neighbors farm. and she often times looked forward to the day when she could move to a factory and work full time; sending money back home as needed. such things rarely worked out any better than the thousands of young men who set out to find their fortunes in the gold fields of california. i found the whole thing to be very believable. i liked the part where john wayne confessed to doing a little bank robbing, and ended up marshalling in the indian territory. i think the exact lines got blurry sometimes between who was the good guy and who was bad guy in those times.

[@WalkwithHistory]

I love that part too bc in the end they all have True Grit which I believe is a rare virtue in life!!

[@summerlakephotog8239]

As a former buckaroo/ranch hand the 2010 version is far less Hollywood and far more authentic as pertains to dress, gear, horsemanship and speech. This authenticity is very important to people who have lived the life. Wayne worked with cowboys on film ranches but they had developed a less historical look popularized in 50s westerns.

[@WalkwithHistory]

Very true. Roy Rodgers and his sparkling shirts really did nothing to help the idea people had of cowboys. I agree the 2010 version is much more authentic. I do still like the look of the 50-60s westerns though as they embrace a look that is their own!!! The Searchers will always be my favorite western of all time!!

[@danielyoung5137]

It was noted that the first film was a classic and the second was a masterpiece. Exactly so. The first had a Frank Capra-sized layer of sentiment in the script missing in the second. Its best scene comes when Rooster gallantly pulls the injured girl up in his arms after whipping her horse to death and staggering off to find help. Wayne won his Oscar right there. But in the remake, Bridges shooting of a gun and collapsing on the girl while groaning “l am grown old” in the thickening snowfall left sentiment behind and echoed the dark bloody truths of the story unforgettably.

[@deanpennington2961]

I like Wayne, but that was a pitty Oscar "saluting an Oscar-worthy career." Wayne could have won an Oscar the old fashioned way in The Searchers, or Red River. My 2¢

[@brettmuir5679]

​@@deanpennington2961I wonder how and when Harrison Ford is gunna get his "Pitty Oscar"?

[@chuckschilling4964]

Not to mention a terrible Hollywood soundtrack in the 1969 film. The scoring in the Coen brothers' masterpiece is, as is per their usual, incredibly well chosen and executed.

[@JayAr709]

@@chuckschilling4964Iris DeMent’s authentic voice was a thoughtful, if unconventional twist to the closing footage of one-armed Mattie’s retreating form.

[@brucepeek3923]

The Coen brothers version contains inaccuracies that stand out like a prostitute at the communion railing during Midnight Mass. The Coen brothers changed Labeouf from using a Sharps buffalo Rifle which was a 300 plus yard large game rifle to a carbine which has a lethal range for people or deer of about 125 yards. maybe. You missed out on that. Second the Texas Rangers which never ever used buffalo rifles in their work... never worked outside the state of Texas. Where is the documentation for that? The way to have dealt with the books authors' deliberately fabricated background of Labeouf would have been to point out that the Texas Rangers had stopped being sometime Indian fighters in 1875 and became enforcers of jim crow segregation law against black people. and terrorizing mexicans. best Bruce Peek

[@chrissidwell9455]

That Winchester model 92 in 44-40 was one of John Wayne's favorite guns. I heard it was his favorite rifle and he owned one of them. He also owned a Colt Peacemaker pistol in 44-40. So he was very familiar with those guns. That's why he charged Ned Peppers gang shooting a his 92 and Colt. But in the 2010 film and the book he uses two pistols.

[@Gerald-do9yg]

Yep, Got to give Jeff big props for riding and shooting two Colt Dragoon's!!

[@Gerald-do9yg]

Just wanted to point out, he carried a Winchester'73 in the book and movie; period correct! I'm with you though Chris, seeing the Duke without that stubby, ring-lever '92 and Colt SA with yellowed grips is unthinkable! Blsgs, gg

[@frankpienkosky5688]

tried flipping that Winchester around to cock it...almost knocked myself cold!@@Gerald-do9yg

[@gregsug1640]

John Wayne also makes a move with his Winchester that Arnold cribbed for Terminator 2 as he's shooting while he's on his motorcycle...

[@chrystalsmith8732]

I always figured it was a 30/30 that he carried.

[@tomboughan2718]

I read the book soon after the 1969 movie. The ending of the 69 movie was more to a homage to John Wayne than to the book. The 2010 movie was closer to the book, though still added the John Wayne one-liners and that mountain man that wasn't in the book. Yes, Cole Younger appeared in the book at the end.

[@devbob]

Mattie calls him trash.

[@frankpienkosky5688]

....and that brings up The Long Riders...amorher unique, and excellent western

[@frankpienkosky5688]

nope...that was reserved for Frank James...who was also in that scene@@devbob

[@goplad1]

One of my favorite lines from the 1969 True Grit that wasn't used in the 2010 remake is when Maddie says to Rooster after he offers her a drink "I will not put a thief to my lips to steal my brain". What a great bit of 19th century dialogue. Kim Darby's Maddie did indeed have true grit.

[@litterpicker1431]

17th century dialogue. It's from Othello, by William Shakespeare. Cassio says: I remember a mass of things, but nothing distinctly; a quarrel, but nothing wherefore. O God, that men should put an enemy in their mouths to steal away their brains! that we should, with joy, pleasance revel and applause, transform ourselves into beasts!

[@JB-ti7bl]

@@litterpicker1431 "For the drunkard and the glutton will become poor. Grogginess will clothe them in rags." -Proverbs 23

[@litterpicker1431]

@@JB-ti7bl Mattie Ross would have known the King James version - "For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags." But she chose to paraphrase Shakespeare.

[@melenatorr]

John Wayne also repeated the character in a follow-up movie, "Rooster Cogburn", playing opposite Katharine Hepburn. The movie is definitely weaker than "True Grit", but oh, it is fun to see Wayne and Hepburn go at each other! They were very much opposites in real life, too, and Hepburn was a little hesitant. But she and Wayne ended up working together very well. If you want to see Wayne in an even more impressive characterization, watch "The Shootist", his last major movie role, where his female partner is Lauren Bacall. This is a strong, touching movie, again based on a very good novel, which I read a long time ago. (I'm not really a Wayne fan, but when he's good, there's no one like him).

[@WalkwithHistory]

Jenn loves the Shootist 😊

[@frankpienkosky5688]

check out The High and the Mighty....also some of his best work@@WalkwithHistory

[@johngriffith6692]

Am curious to know what you think about The Searchers, made in 1957 with Jeffrey Hunter and Natalie Wood. One of my all time favorite movies. The final scene is just gut-wrenching. The main character walks out the open door, into the sunset. He gets no thanks and expects none. He just did what he thought was right.

[@WalkwithHistory]

@@johngriffith6692 We're planning on making a whole video about the Searchers. 😉

[@johngriffith6692]

@@WalkwithHistory awesome! Best movie ever.

[@davidblack3418]

Regarding John Wayne’s ‘Rooster’ character delivering lines with more humor than Jeff Bridges, I respectfully disagree. Jeff Bridges delivers did that, but they were done with more of an unintentional, dry tone. Something I would expect from a seasoned character like that.

[@michaelrichardson6051]

Nobody could beat the performance of Strother Martin in the 1969 film.

[@WalkwithHistory]

Thank you for watching!!! We love the 1969 film too.

[@gregghelmberger]

Honestly Strother Martin made every role he played his own to the point that it's just about impossible to imagine anyone else playing it. "What we've got here is a failure to communicate. Some men you just can't reach." One of the great character actors of all time.

[@michaelrichardson6051]

@@gregghelmberger Butch Cassiden and The Sundance Kid: we have no money going down the mountain. LOL

[@gregghelmberger]

@@michaelrichardson6051 Exactly! The man was gold.

[@curtiskretzer8898]

Dakin Matthew's did an equal performance in the 2010 version. However, Martin's performance as Chong's father in "Up In Smoke" is criminally ignored.

[@jonathanthomas121]

Among the many great lines from the 2010 version, my favortie is "Well, that didn't pan out." Master of understatement!

[@WalkwithHistory]

Truth. Thank you for watching.

[@spikespa5208]

2010 "Wait,.......are we bargaining again?"

[@mikec6111]

@@spikespa5208​​⁠ my favorite line in the movie.

[@johnselander8230]

John Wayne's reaction to Ned Pepper's insult is a great example of what he brings to that character; loved it. Great video guys!!

[@WalkwithHistory]

So true. Thank you so much for watching and your comment.

[@curtiskretzer8898]

I liked the way Wayne gingerly placed the reins in his teeth sitting hobby horse still,as opposed to Bridges pulling his pistols, kicking the horse into a run,then putting the reins in his mouth on the move. But yeah. Wayne

[@r.e.tucker3223]

"Lucky" Ned Pepper was played by Barry Pepper, not Ben Foster. I thoroughly enjoy both films, and I agree the John Wayne one is a bit more fun.

[@WalkwithHistory]

OMG. You are so right!! I loved him in Saving Private Ryan. I should have known better. Thank you for watching. ♥️🤘

[@r.e.tucker3223]

Vivo para servir.

[@henrychinaski5223]

I was waiting and reading comments hoping someone would catch this. Like others commenting I like both movies equally well and for different reasons.

[@owie4070]

​@@henrychinaski5223Same here, to your entire post 👍🏽

[@xScooterAZx]

Ned was original;ly played by the legendary Robert Duval.

[@Akkordeondirigent]

Thank you, that was very enjoyable! I saw the elder version on TV here in Germany, and being a fan of John Wayne looked at it as the masterpiece that it truly is. What I didn't like then were three things: Campbells acting (although I knew him as a country singer, of wich I'm quite fond of) was believable but not as much engaging to me, I always was annoyed by Mattie in this version, and lastly I missed the color and debth of the pictures from the classic western movies with Wayne. It looked too cheap and more like an episode of the late Gunsmoke or something like that. "True Grit" is the absolutely rare occasion I like the remake better than the first version. The acting of the whole cast is just gorgeous and really grabs my heart. Mattie is so much more likable, so funny, so tough, so dedicated. The closing of the movie is one of the best film endings ever. The cinematography, the music, the sets and costumes! That is just a great, great movie. Opposite to the abomination the remake of "The Magnificent Seven" is, the remake of "True Grid" is a gorgeous movie. And you did a very good job here! Very entertaining, enjoyable, and you both are very likable.

[@WalkwithHistory]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@BoyNamedSue4]

I enjoyed both films. Some elements I like better in the original and others I like better in the remake. I give the edge to the original. One thing that’s always bugged me in the remake is that Jeff Bridges regularly aims using his bad eye. Happens in multiple scenes.

[@WalkwithHistory]

That is true. Hard to break a habit. Thank you for watching.

[@paulmentzer7658]

In the book, when Cogburn dies, he was a sharpshooter at a western show and mentioned in the ads for the show. Mattie's brother bring it up paraphased "I see your boyfriend will be in town". She goes to see Cogborn but he had died, she laims the border and buries him in the family graveyard.

[@xScooterAZx]

Cogburn

[@bob___]

I saw both movies when they first came out, and I read the book either just before or just after seeing the 1969 movie. I think the 2010 movie is a better movie, partly because it communicates visceral emotions better. As a historical context note, both movies exemplify their times. 1969 was before the post-Vietnam era in America, while 2010 was post 911, post Iraq, a time of greater meanness. Also, based on the inflation adjusted box office figure you gave for the 1969 movie, the two made approximately the same amount of money.

[@WalkwithHistory]

Very true! They did earn about the same and we did love both versions. I do agree that the 2010 version gave probably a bit more realistic look at the time and (like you said) the emotion characters like that would have actually had. We probably just leaned towards John Wayne because...well we love John Wayne. Thank you for the comment and for watching!!

[@bob___]

@@WalkwithHistory Personally, on John Wayne, I don't think he ever surpassed his performance in Stagecoach. Also, at some point early in John Wayne's career, John Ford had him meet with Wyatt Earp, who ended his days as an advisor to Hollywood movie makers, so that John Wayne could get a sense of how the Old West really was. I don't know if it's coincidence or not, but audio recordings of Wyatt Earp's speech have that slow, somewhat menacing quality that became John Wayne's trademark.

[@aatragon]

Many of the best lines are quotes from the book. The Screenwriter of the 1969 version was a woman, Marguerite Roberts. The reason that John Wayne's real comment about hers being one of the best scripts he'd worked from is so poignant is because she was one of the accused who refused to answer before the House Un-American Activities Committee in the 1950's and thus became blacklisted. John Wayne, being a staunch supporter of the anti-Communist movement, showed true gallantry in praising her script relatively recently after her return to Hollywood.

[@WalkwithHistory]

Not sure I had heard. Thank you for sharing! 😁 and thanks for watching 😊

[@flemit35]

06:12 while John Wayne is great winning the oscar over Hoffman and Voight in Midnight Cowboy wasn't right.

[@WalkwithHistory]

Yes we annotated the correction in the video description. Sorry bout that! 😊

[@BongoShaftsbury1]

The similarities and differences begin and end with how much of Fortis’s dialogue was included and how tightly the actors were directed. The Coen Brothers are famous for how insistent they are that every line is read exactly as rehearsed.

[@Grant25]

They both are good but Jeff Bridges had this period of acting in movies at the time like he’d had a stroke or something. He seemed to mumble in a lot of roles at that time. At least you can understand the Duke

[@WalkwithHistory]

Yes. He is clearer in delivering his lines. The Duke is the better performance in my opinion.

[@4Him4u2]

That is a good observation that I would have to agree with you on.

[@chuckschilling4964]

@@WalkwithHistory That's just sacrilege right there. John Wayne is just doing what he always did in True Grit - just playing John Wayne.

[@DickGray-v2h]

The use of hymns as a large part of the soundtrack to the second movie is a wonderful choice. To hear the words of the hymns in my head and see the action was an extra gift of the movie.

[@WalkwithHistory]

the soundtrack was VERY good

[@frankpienkosky5688]

made me want to order that hymn for my player piano....great soundtrack!

[@chuckschilling4964]

Unlike many/most filmmakers, the Coens have always regarded the scoring of their films as just as essential an element worthy of their attention as the acting, cinematography, etc. It's not just something thrown in during editing and post-production as an afterthought.

[@expatamerican3234]

Good review! I love these films.

[@WalkwithHistory]

Thanks!

[@JamesSmith-ge2sg]

She's the one with True Grit? LOL. Everyone in 1969 understood that.

[@jasonmcintosh2632]

The 2010 version ending with Iris Dement sinning "Leaning on Everlasting Arms" was beautiful.

[@JamesLachowsky]

Iris Dement, like the author Charles Portis and Glen Campbell are all from Arkansas and that is where the story is set.

[@jasonmcintosh2632]

@@JamesLachowsky I always wondered where it was supposed to happen. The mountain scenes in the movies sure don' t look like the Arkansas.

[@JamesLachowsky]

@@jasonmcintosh2632 It was Arkansas (Dardanelle in Yell County), Fort Smith on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border, and Indian territory (present day Oklahoma). The River they crossed was the Arkansas River, dividing Arkansas and Oklahoma.

[@joyceweir7060]

John Wayne, hands down! No one could do it better! My favorite line was "Fill your hand, you son of a bitch!". John Wayne all the way!!!

[@WalkwithHistory]

I love that line too. Thank you for watching.

[@imikey535]

Jeff Bridges version was more faithful to the book.

[@scottdavidson526]

Jeff Bridges' version was way more believable. 3:27

[@mattpastell3728]

I couldn’t imagine anyone besides Jeff Bridges reprising the iconic role. And maybe because I’m old and my hearing is impaired, but Jeff mumbled his lines. But The Duke’s lines were delivered clearly, but more importantly John Wayne could say so much with just his facial expressions and body language. The new Mattie Ross, Hailee Steinfeld was brilliant. And stole the new movie.

[@WalkwithHistory]

Agree with all of that. Thank you for watching.

[@unbearable9770]

"This must have been in the book." "I think it was closer to the book." Is it too much trouble to actually read the book? It's been 30 years since I read it and to my recollection the 1969 version was closer except for the death of LeBeouf.

[@WalkwithHistory]

Sorry. We will for the next video. We focused on comparing the movies. Thanks for watching.

[@tomw324]

The heart of both movies has to be the performances of the two lead characters. John Wayne is hands down the better Rooster but I think Mattie in the 2010 version is just slightly better. But Wayne performance is so much better that I go with the 69 version. Would love to be able to mix and match both to have John Wayne, Hailee Steinfeld, Matt Damon, Robert Duval, Josh Brolin and Strother Martin in the various roles. Love the scenic backdrops of the 69 version more although I suppose the 2010 version is more accurate and prefer its ending.

[@WalkwithHistory]

Agreed! A mix and matched version would be interesting

[@kenweis7913]

You guys got one thing wrong..... La Beef is a great shot with the carbine rifle but it was yet to be prooven..... The whole ending is that Rooster prooves he can shoot guns well in battle. La Beef is more of a sniper......in the end both men respect each other equally and will never doubt the others skills

[@WalkwithHistory]

Ah, I can see that. Great dynamic between those two. Thanks for watching!

[@xScooterAZx]

Proves.

[@davidbradley3735]

I'm a 5th generation Oklahoman, and my grandmother's people had been in the Cookson Hills since the 1820s!! Watching the original version left me wondering where those snow caped mountains were near McAllister?? I think Johns version is a classic, and a good movie!! The Cohen Brothers version of True Grit is a masterpiece, capturing the real territory and books characters much closer!!

[@philliprawlinson8228]

Yeah, 2010 version looks like The Choctaw Nation. We live in Mcalester.

[@ShawnW-y7i]

Maddie did not want rooster to kill Chaney she wanted to have him hung for her father's death

[@kevinmurphy65]

Glenn Campbell is/was considered one of the worlds best guitarists.

[@WalkwithHistory]

We learn something new everyday. We have to listen to some of his music!!! 🎵

[@68halfcab]

I like both movies for different reasons, some of which you both hit on. Thank You!!!

[@WalkwithHistory]

Thank you for watching.

[@MMAallday-]

I also prefer the 1969 version. The protaganist and antagonist are also much more believable in their parts as their mannerisms & speech are much more rugged and masculine than the 2010 versions.

[@Morrisfactor]

My brother and I are old timers. To pass our remaining days, we enjoy films and each have lists of THE TEN BEST WESTERNS EVER MADE, and also for war, drama, romances. etc. We list BOTH versions of True Grit on our top ten western list - the only film to be listed twice in any of our categories.

[@WalkwithHistory]

That is super coo and I can totally see that. I would probably list it twice too. What is your #1?

[@Morrisfactor]

I choose THE BIG COUNTRY - an underrated masterpiece! My brother chooses LITTLE BIG MAN). @@WalkwithHistory

[@stephengiese7549]

Wonderfull discussion about a true classic! Cute exchange between husband and wife. This is the most detailed examination of a film i have ever heard. The acting and the script is first rate. Wayne knew when there is a terrific script similar to the alamo😀

[@WalkwithHistory]

Aww. Thank you so much! We really enjoy this movie are we’re so happy to be able to share that with others.

[@edcassano7575]

Should have mentioned Leaning on the Everlasting Arms being played at the end of the 2010 version. Provided a perfect finish/summation of the hardships and emotions brought forth in the movie.

[@turton2112]

Having seen and ejoyed both films, I found the 2010 remake to havea more authentic look to it than did the original release, but told the same story about equally well. Damon did a wonderful job portraying Loebeef. The locations and the talk of the people of the frontier just sounded more real.

[@pauldesjardins8166]

Charles Portis was a trombone player as a boy. My band director, Thomas Young in South Lyon, was a music teacher for him. He said that when he would go out to 7th position the slide would almost come off the instrument. Mr. Young was a native of Pine Bluff Arkansas before he moved to Michigan for a Master's Degree in music at MSU. I think the 1969 version is the best. The dialogue in the 2010 was rather strange. The people, Cheney in particular, did not use contractions. The music in the 2010 version was very good. The scene near the end when they are riding along the ridge at sunset was excellent. I was 6 when my parents took me to see the original version. It was the only John Wayne movie that I saw in a theater.

[@mikegillettify]

Nice story! I will tell you the diaologue in the 2010 is almost word for word from the Charles Portis Novel. Cheney didn’t use contractions there either. It’s fine to like the 69 version more of course; but if you were ever curious about the reason for much of the diologue, there it is.

[@pauldesjardins8166]

Thanks for the response. I remember seeing a copy of the book in an English class in junior high. I never bothered to read it.@@mikegillettifyP.S. I looked toward the end and saw that the Texas Ranger did not die. He fished Cheney's corpse out of the snake pit.

[@mikegillettify]

@@pauldesjardins8166 highly recommend the book! What instrument did you play when studying under Mr Young?

[@pauldesjardins8166]

@@mikegillettify Trombone. 1st chair in a band that received straight Is in district & state festival for years. We won 1st place in a festival in Wildwood, NJ in 1978. A band from Connecticutt took 2nd.

[@mikegillettify]

@@pauldesjardins8166 thank you for sharing!

[@jamescastillo2405]

There is no contest, Jeff Bridges version blows away the Duke's version Thousand percent.

[@Michael-yf1wo]

I'd suggest reading the book before comparing the movies. That way, you would know, for example, if the wandering dentist/doctor encounter from the 2010 film was original to the book or a Coen Brothers quirky add-on.

[@WalkwithHistory]

Thank you for the suggestion and thank you for watching! 😊

[@paulwhiston1836]

Warren Oates to me is more famous for his collaborations with Sam Peckinpah

[@craigryan5290]

Wayn’s last movie is arguably his best. “The Shootist.”

[@WalkwithHistory]

Love that one.

[@frankpienkosky5688]

poignant...considering the circumstances....

[@hailslaton]

I know this is going to be an unpopular opinion, but that's really the only John Wayne movie that is even watchable.

[@tlcndc]

Greatly appreciated your review, as for me also, John Wayne all the way! Also, having been born and raised in Fort Smith, Arkansas, I know all too well the history of Judge Roy Parker, “the hanging judge“, and some of the accurate historical points in the beginning of the movie. One that was better portrayed in John Wayne’s version that I don’t think was portrayed in Jeff Bridges, was Wayne’s character, taking the prisoners from the Oklahoma territory, across the Arkansas River that divides the two states, then to the jail below the courthouse. That was the accurate location for the jail then. However, one glaring inaccuracy was when Wayne’s character comes back out of the jail and there’s snowcapped mountains off in the background where would’ve been the Oklahoma territory LMAO…. I know of no snowcapped mountains anywhere in the “territory of Oklahoma“. Of course, would have to concede cinematography to the Coen brothers’ version simply due to modern equipment, techniques and processing not available in the Wayne version.

[@WalkwithHistory]

I love this!!! Thank you for that insight.

[@raymondlee3414]

Ft. Smith is in Arkanasas and the Ouchitas Mtns are on one side of the river and the Ozarks are on the other side so it was accurate.

[@darthhauler9947]

@@raymondlee3414 Sorry, no. What 'mountains' we have around here are mostly just tall hills. Cavanaugh Hill which is about the only 'mountain' visible from Fort Smith is the world's tallest hill measuring just six feet under a proper mountain. It is not snow capped. The next closest is Poteau mountain, which is just over the minimum requirement, also does not have snow on it year round and barely does when it does, albeit rarely, snow around here. You want mountains you have to go further north or south to find them then what you can see in Fort Smith.

[@tomcooper6108]

Agreed. There are NO snowcapped mountains anywhere in that area. Even the 2010 version was slightly off because of the landscape. Some were authentic, others not, but you'd have to have grown up there to know.

[@curtiskretzer8898]

Hathaway's version filmed in Oregon...because it started w/an "O",too.😐

[@mykalpennings5968]

The reason Rooster Cogburn signed on with Frank James in the wild west show in the 2010 version was because they likely knew each other from the civil war, both having served as Bushwhackers under William Quantrill and "Bloody" Bill Anderson. LaBeouf mentions this when they discuss the war and who they served with, disparaging Quantrill as basically an outlaw and murderer.

[@WalkwithHistory]

That makes sense. I think it is great tie into American Western History.

[@WarDog793]

Great comparison and reviews of these two great westerns. I suppose I like the 1969 version best since that is what I grew up on. As for the 2010 version, Hailee Steinfeld proves with her *debut role* what a superb actress she is. However, two objections I have with the 2010 version is [I read] Jeff Bridges's wore his eyepatch over his right eye to mock Wayne because Bridges disagreed with Wayne's politics. 🙄 The other bad decision (unless it was in the novel) was the shootout *at night* at the cabin. They could have hit almost NO one, shooting at that distance at night. That was just plain stupid.

[@WalkwithHistory]

Greta point on the night time shootout. Thank you! 😊

[@avantegarde7797]

Best supporting actor that year, should have been Strother Martin. His portrayal of the horse salesman, and his banter with Kim Darby, are HILLARIOUS and PERFECT ! His work and comedic timing, in this film tragically, underrated, and underappreciated. Each character, in this film, contributed to an almost perfect film, but, for me, Strother was the outstanding supporter ! Just wonderful !

[@WalkwithHistory]

😁

[@larryyeadeke2953]

John Wayne thought highly of him too. He put him in the last movie he did, The Shootist.

[@mikeyoung9810]

Good content. I love both movies and being a history buff I am particularly critical of most westerns I grew up with (being 68). I don't find many things that annoy me about either movie when it comes to historical reality. Unforgiven is one of few that I think more accurately portrays the "old west" and still makes a movie worth enjoying (real reality is usually pretty depressing). Now watching your video. (and I don't care how close the movies are to their books since I haven't read them). edit: after watching the video I have to say I enjoyed it very much even with the many spelling mistakes in the text shown across the video. hehe.

[@WalkwithHistory]

We have to fix that. Thank you for watching.

[@patrickbeck3285]

Yes, Glen Campbell was a singer and not really an actor. He mentioned throughout the years that he was so bad in True Grit that he made John Wayne look so good in the movie that Wayne won his only oscar.

[@WalkwithHistory]

LOL that is funny. I did not think he was that bad. I actually warmed up to him in the end. I know he sang the opening song for True Grit too. Thank you for watching.

[@patrickbeck3285]

@@WalkwithHistory Yes, I actually thought that he was decent in the role of the ranger. The tradition of putting a well-known singer in the supporting role began with Rick Nelson in Rio Bravo and Fabian in North to Alaska. John Wayne always did well, but never as well as True Grit.

[@jamesfontes9292]

How can you compete with the Duke ? Jeff Bridges did an excellent job though

[@RobertNeumann-j2r]

The 1969 version followed the book more closely and in the 2010 version Barry Pepper, not Ben Foster, played Lucky Ned Pepper. I enjoyed both films equally and I enjoyed the book. I saw the 1969 version on the big screen and I am currently a big fan of the Coen Brothers.

[@WalkwithHistory]

Yup! We misspoke and corrected ourselves in the video description. Thank you for watching! 😁 We enjoyed both as well. 😁🙌🏻

[@daviddickey1994]

Loved both versions.

[@ralphtoivonen2071]

Coen bros wins hands down ... more raw, real and funny. The 1969 movie was good but acting was more wooden and the Coen Bros know how to get audiences to do work which is richly fulfilling. There are so many many side characters in the 2010 version that are superbly acted.

[@WalkwithHistory]

Agree! Both so good…I guess we’re all spoiled a bit. 😂

[@H0kieJoe]

Meh. Bridges was fine. Kim Darby played the role of Mattie far better; and Matt Damon was not convincing in the role. New Grit 6.5/10. Old Grit 8.5/10.

[@veseyvonveitinghof]

...there will always be one Rooster Cogburn= John Wayne...

[@WalkwithHistory]

We agree! Thank you for watching.

[@kevg1617]

Barry Pepper plays Ned Pepper in the 2010 version, not Ben Foster

[@WalkwithHistory]

Yup! We misspoke and corrected ourselves in the video description. Thank you for watching! 😁

[@vezner]

Great video! I just discovered your channel and subbed. I’d love to see you do more videos analyzing John Wayne films. I’m a huge fan.

[@WalkwithHistory]

You read our minds 😉 We defy plan to do that! 😁🙌🏻 Welcome. 😊

[@vezner]

@@WalkwithHistory that’s great to hear! I look forward to it as I look through your library.

[@shereewilson6278]

I love the humour in the 1969 movie. The part were John Wayne says while laughing watching Mattie crossing the river '' She reminds me of me'' is so classic.

[@WalkwithHistory]

I love that part too.

[@DUCKSAREEVILLLLLLLL]

In the final shootout, Wayne shot at least one of the Ned Pepper gang in the back. 4 against one? Come on! He's not going to be able to shoot them all in the front. That fits Cogburn's character much better than the Coen Brothers version. Also, I've never heard of any historical western figure using 2 pistols with any kind of accuracy at all, as with the new version. In the Wayne shootout, he's got a rifle, which is much easier to aim, and a pistol. That's more realistic. P.S. I can (EVERYONE can ! ) easily hit an 8 inch round target at 80 yards every single time with a basic, site adjusted, Italian Hawken copy black powder rifle with Patridge iron sites. However, with a revolver, my accuracy is reduced around 70%. Two pistols would be extremely difficult to aim, especially for someone wearing an eye patch.

[@WalkwithHistory]

Agreed. 😁

[@longnamenocansayy]

a real movie goer would not complain about john wayne against 4 bad guys. next you'll be complaining about john wayne shooting a rifle one handed and a six gun in the other. it was movie going at it's best and we're all greatful.

[@DUCKSAREEVILLLLLLLL]

@@longnamenocansayy Who's complaining? The character was basically good, but he's old, he drinks, he fibs a little, he's overweight, he's got lousy depth perception with one eye, and it's 4 younger guys against one. He needed every advantage he could get, so shooting bad guys who don't play fair in the back was more realistic to me than the newer version. Don't you think so?

[@kevinmalone3210]

Not to mention riding on a horse, while trying to hit your targets, who are also moving, riding on horses, ah well, it was a movie after all.

[@DUCKSAREEVILLLLLLLL]

@@kevinmalone3210 The Coens say they never even watched the Duke version and used only the book for reference, which is hard to believe. I can't believe that the the book would be less realistic than the first True Grit during that shootout. Two pistols sure look cool, though! By the way, I liked the Coen brothers version, I like almost all their movies, but it was a more serious movie. The Duke version is more of that era, more positive.

[@Thestargazer56]

The 2010 remake is the only remake of a classic movie that I felt was equal to or better than the original version, because I watched the remake with the expectation of being very critical of it. I read the book True Grit in high school in the early 1970s. I reread the book after the remake and I felt like it was more true to the book., especially the dialogue. True Grit (1969) was, in my opinion one of John Wayne's best movies. Charles Portis was an amazing author by narating the story through the eyes of a young girl.

[@Windywoo]

I think the Coens said that they were not remaking the movie, just doing a different interpretation of the book. A small distinction perhaps.

[@thebiologicalrealist]

I was 12 years old when the 1969 version came out and I was a huge fan of Glen Campbell. So very nostalgic attachment to it. But the Cohen brothers version was a great movie.

[@DeathGoreGrindcoreChannel]

Ben Foster was in 3:10 to Yuma but not this. Ned Pepper was played by Barry Robert Pepper who can also be seen in the Green Mile.

[@WalkwithHistory]

Yes. I love 3:10 to Yuma. And I love both actors. It is my mistake. Barry Pepper deserves all the glory!!! Thank you for watching.

[@mikebirdsall1200]

Both are great movies, but I liked the '69' version a bit better as I felt the lines had a bit more humor, which to me is more realistic. As a veteran, I know stressful situations often result in strange and "funny" conversations.🤔

[@WalkwithHistory]

That is so true!!! I appreciate that comment and observation. Thank you for your service.

[@olathestanwalker6717]

Enjoyed your take, but lean towards the 2010 version. Although, I hadn't seen the John Wayne version in years until recently, I had forgotten how good it was. By the way, Barry Pepper played Ned Pepper, not Ben Foster.

[@WalkwithHistory]

Yup! We misspoke and corrected ourselves in the video description. Thank you for watching! 😁