Rooster Cogburn Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A grumpy, one-eyed marshal and a prim spinster go on a road trip with nitro, and somehow don’t blow themselves up, all while delivering zingers.

🍿 Rooster Cogburn: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Cogburn Loses His Badge

Marshal Rooster Cogburn is stripped of his badge by Judge Parker for his excessive use of force. However, when a dangerous gang led by Hawk steals a shipment of nitroglycerin, the Judge recognizes that Cogburn’s unique skills are needed to bring them to justice.

The Massacre at the Mission

Hawk’s gang brutally attacks a missionary settlement run by Reverend Goodnight and his daughter, Eula. The thugs kill the Reverend and several Native Americans, leaving Eula seeking justice for the heinous crime. Cogburn arrives on the scene to investigate, finding Eula determined to join him.

An Unlikely Partnership

Despite his initial reluctance, Cogburn agrees to let Eula accompany him on the hunt for Hawk and his gang. Along the way, they encounter a young Native American boy named Wolf, who also joins their pursuit. The unlikely trio forms a bond as they navigate the treacherous landscape and confront dangerous outlaws.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Rooster Cogburn (John Wayne): A hardened, one-eyed U.S. Marshal who reluctantly partners with a prim woman to track down a gang of outlaws.
• Eula (Katharine Hepburn): A determined and religious spinster who seeks justice for her father’s murder by joining Rooster’s pursuit of the criminals.
• Breed (Anthony Zerbe): A former associate of Rooster’s who now works for the outlaw gang, adding a layer of personal conflict.
• Hawk (Richard Jordan): The ruthless and violent leader of the outlaw gang being pursued by Rooster and Eula.
• Wolf (Richard Romancito): A young Indian boy who becomes a surrogate son to Rooster and Eula after his family is murdered.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rooster Cogburn: “I ain’t had a drink since breakfast!” – Rooster’s response when someone comments on his drinking habits, showcasing his character’s relationship with alcohol.
• Eula Goodnight: “I do not fear a skunk. I simply do not care for its odor.” – Eula’s declaration, highlighting her unflappable nature and refined sensibilities in a rough environment.
• Eula Goodnight: “Reuben, I have to say it. Livin’ with you has been an adventure any woman would relish for the rest o’ time. I look at cha, with your burned out face and your big belly and your bear-like paws and your shining eye, and I have to say you’re a credit to the whole male sex, and I’m proud to have ya for my friend.” – Eula’s heartfelt closing speech expressing her admiration and appreciation for Rooster.
• Rooster Cogburn: “I’ll be damned if she didn’t get the last word in again. Well…” – Rooster’s humorous reaction to Eula’s lengthy and complimentary speech, acknowledging her tendency to have the final say.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12 million
• Domestic Gross: $8,022,000
• Worldwide Gross: $16 million

💥 Rooster Cogburn Reviews

Personal Review

As a Western fan, I found ‘Rooster Cogburn’ to be a fun but flawed sequel. Seeing John Wayne back in the saddle was great, and the addition of Katharine Hepburn brought a delightful dynamic. There were definitely similarities to ‘The African Queen,’ but I still enjoyed the banter between Rooster and Eula. The river scene was thrilling, and I found myself rooting for them despite the predictable plot. It’s a solid Western with heart, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of ‘True Grit’. I thought Richard Jordan was great as a villain, his sneer was fantastic!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of John Wayne and Katharine Hepburn”
  • “Viewers who enjoy classic Westerns with a touch of humor”
  • “Those seeking a family-friendly adventure movie”
  • “People who like stories about unlikely partnerships”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild violence and gunfights”
  • “Some thematic elements related to death and revenge”
  • “Occasional use of alcohol”

Professional Reviews

• IMDB: “While an unnecessary film that occasionally feels like it is going through the motions, the hunt is enjoyable but does feel like it is old ground that is being gone over for the umpteenth time. Wayne is not as grumpy as in True Grit and not as strong a character. Hepburn redoes her performance from The African Queen but to lesser effect. Her chemistry with Wayne is not as good as it should be.
• IMDB: “That does seem to be the general consensus surrounding Rooster Cogburn and I agree. The best asset of the film is easily the performances and chemistry of John Wayne and Katherine Hepburn, who are wonderful individually and together. Wayne and Hepburn actually prevent it from being any less than it turned out to be.
• IMDB: “The chemistry between Hepburn and Wayne is what keeps this movie from being boring. It is great seeing Duke spar with the great Kate and this film has spectacular scenery.

Audience Reactions

John Wayne and Katharine Hepburn’s chemistry made the movie enjoyable.: The pairing of Wayne and Hepburn was the highlight, with their witty banter and undeniable chemistry saving the film.

The river rafting scene was particularly memorable.: Despite its flaws, the action sequences were entertaining, and the scenery was breathtaking.

Overall Consensus: A decent but uninspired Western elevated by the delightful pairing of John Wayne and Katharine Hepburn, though it treads familiar ground and lacks the impact of ‘True Grit’.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Richard Jordan admitted he overplayed his role, believing the movie would flop, but that audiences would pay to see the stars, John Wayne and Katharine Hepburn.”
• “Katharine Hepburn and John Wayne, despite their different backgrounds and political views, developed a deep respect and friendship during filming.”
• “The film’s plot bears similarities to ‘The African Queen,’ with Katharine Hepburn playing a similar strong-willed woman on a dangerous journey with a rugged, unconventional man.”

🖥️ How to Watch Rooster Cogburn?

Currently, ‘Rooster Cogburn’ is available for rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for broadcast options. Physical copies, including Blu-ray and DVD, can also be purchased online or at major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Rooster Cogburn, you might like these similar films:

• True Grit (1969): Direct comparison, as it features John Wayne as Rooster Cogburn in another adventure with a determined young woman.
• The African Queen (1951): Thematic similarities, featuring a mismatched pair (Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart) on a dangerous journey, battling both external threats and their own differences.
• The Shootist (1976): Era-specific alternative; a later John Wayne Western exploring themes of aging and the end of an era, offering a different tone but similar star power.
• News of the World (2020): Modern Equivalent; shares the theme of an aging protagonist reluctantly tasked with escorting a younger companion through dangerous territory.

🛒 Rooster Cogburn Related Products

• True Grit (1969) [Blu-ray]: Relive the original ‘True Grit’ that started it all, starring John Wayne as the iconic Rooster Cogburn. Experience the film that earned Wayne his only Oscar. Digital Download Available on Amazon Prime Video.
• John Wayne: The Epic Collection [DVD]: This comprehensive collection features many of John Wayne’s greatest Westerns, showcasing his iconic persona. Look for Rooster Cogburn and True Grit within the collection!
• The Shootist (1976) [Blu-ray]: This movie was John Wayne’s last picture.

🎧 Soundtrack

Rooster Cogburn features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Laurence Rosenthal
• “River Chase” – performed by Laurence Rosenthal
• “End Title” – performed by Laurence Rosenthal

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

What KATHERINE HEPBURN REALLY FELT about JOHN WAYNE after working with him on ROOSTER COGBURN!

Ever wonder what it was like for Katherine Hepburn to work with John Wayne? This video spills the tea on their on-set relationship during ‘Rooster Cogburn’ – prepare for some surprising insights!

WHO WAS THE REAL ROOSTER COGBURN? From Mount Tabor Cemetery in Mount Tabor Arkansas.

Did you know Rooster Cogburn was inspired by a real person? This video uncovers the true story behind the legend, taking you to his final resting place – it’s a fascinating glimpse into history!

The real “ROOSTER COGBURN” Grave is in my family’s cemetery.

Want to visit the grave of the real Rooster Cogburn? This video takes you there, sharing a family connection to the man who inspired the movie character – it’s surprisingly moving!

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