Movie spotlight
When his cattlemen abandon him for the gold fields, rancher Wil Andersen is forced to take on a collection of young boys as his cowboys in order to get his herd to market in time to avoid financial disaster. The boys learn to do a man's job under Andersen's tutelage, however, neither he nor the boys know that a gang of cattle thieves is stalking them.
When most of the experienced hands leave his ranch to join the gold rush, aging rancher Wil Andersen is forced to hire a group of inexperienced youngsters to help him drive his herd of cattle across the treacherous 700-mile trail to the Kansas railhead. Facing harsh conditions, rustlers, and the elements, Andersen must mold these greenhorn boys into cowboys and see them through the dangerous journey.
The Cowboys was a box office success and received generally positive reviews, with many critics praising John Wayne's performance and the film's epic scope and gritty depiction of the West. However, some found the violence excessive and the plot somewhat conventional for the genre.
A powerful and violent Western that showcases John Wayne in a more mature, paternal role.
Features impressive cinematography and a compelling, albeit brutal, portrayal of the cowboy life.
The film's depiction of youth and harsh reality resonated with audiences, though some found it too grim.
Google audience: Audiences appreciated John Wayne's performance and the film's authentic depiction of the challenges faced by cowboys. Many found the story engaging and the action sequences thrilling, though some noted the film's darker and more violent tone.
John Wayne's son, Patrick Wayne, plays one of the young cowboys, and his grandson, Ethan Wayne, has a small role as "Little Pete."
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“Anderson” (John Wayne) is left short-handed by a gold rush and with his herd to get to market has to resort to engaging the services of a class of school boys who are offered $50 each if they help out. None of those lads are much over fift...
The Breaking of Boys and the Making of Men. The Cowboys is directed by Mark Rydell and adapted from the novel written by William Dale Jennings; who co-writes the screenplay with Irving Ravetch & Harriet Frank Jr. It stars John Wayne, Ro...