The murder of her father sends a teenage tomboy on a mission of 'justice', which involves avenging her father's death. She recruits a tough old marshal, 'Rooster' Cogburn because he has 'true grit', and a reputation of getting the job done.
Acting
Wayne's Oscar-winning grumble is somehow endearing
Writing
Mattie's deadpan dialogue cuts through every scene
Practical Effects
Real locations, real horses, real dust in your teeth
Director
Henry Hathaway
John Wayne
Reuben J. "Rooster" Cogburn
Kim Darby
Mattie Ross
Glen Campbell
"La Boeuf"
Jeremy Slate
Emmett Quincy
Robert Duvall
Ned Pepper
Dennis Hopper
"Moon"
Alfred Ryder
Goudy
Strother Martin
Colonel G. Stonehill
Jeff Corey
Tom Chaney
Ron Soble
Captain Boots Finch
James Westerfield
Judge Parker
John Fiedler
Lawyer Daggett
John Doucette
"Sheriff"
Donald Woods
"Barlow"
Edith Atwater
Mrs. Floyd
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
John Wayne actively campaigned for the role after reading the novel, seeing it as his chance to finally play a flawed, complex character instead of his usual heroic archetype.
Kim Darby was 21 playing 14 and reportedly hated working with Wayne, who called her 'Duke' sarcastically on set—the tension somehow perfects their on-screen dynamic.
US
