The Shootist (1977)

Stars: John Wayne, James Stewart Lauren Bacall and Ron Howard.
Plot: In 1901,  an aged gunslinger (Wayne) learns he has terminal cancer and when word gets out, some old enemies want to settle some old scores.

Pros: This is John Wayne's movie from start to finish and he does a wonderful job (helped by some very good lines). Wayne, of course battled cancer in real life, and brings real pathos to the role. Also, good are the old pros who show up in bit parts, Richard Boone, John Caradine, Hugh O'Brien, Moses Brown, and James Stewart. Boone as usual steals every scene. Its unfortunate his role wasn't expanded. Ron Howard is well cast as the teen-age son.

Cons: On the downside, Bacall and comic relief Harry Morgan are barely adequate. In Morgan's defense he's given some bad lines, but his scenes with Wayne show why he ended his career supporting TV stars like Jack Webb and Alan Alda. As for Bacall, her acting talents were always very limited and the film shows them up. The part calls for personality & warmth and Bacall simply can't deliver. She's too bland, stone faced, and remote. Its sad Geraldine Page or some better actress couldn't have played the part. As with many 70s movies, the movie seems over-lit. 

Casting:  Per Don Siegel's autobiography, he didn't want John Wayne for the lead role because he disliked Wayne's politics (sounds like a blacklist, no?) but after George C. Scott (his first choice) and several other big names turned him down, he finally went with the Duke. The two got along well, although Siegel had to put his foot down, since Wayne wanted to direct his own scenes.

Summary:  The script is quite good but Siegel's direction is competent, nothing more. See it for the Duke's excellent last performance. ***