Rio Bravo is a 1959 film directed by Howard Hawks and starring John Wayne, Dean Martin, and Ricky Nelson. This is a classic Western known for its adventurous spirit and its stellar cast. 

Plot

The story is set in the town of Rio Bravo, Texas, where Sheriff John T. Chance (played by John Wayne) arrests Joe Burdette (played by Claude Akins) for murder. Burdette is the brother of wealthy rancher Nathan Burdette (played by John Russell), who is determined to have his brother released at any cost.

Sheriff Chance decides to keep Joe Burdette in jail until the arrival of the federal judge, despite the growing threat posed by Nathan Burdette's men. To help him in the fight against the outlaws, Chance recruits the former alcoholic gunslinger Dude (played by Dean Martin), the young and brave Colorado (played by Ricky Nelson), and the old gambler Stumpy (played by Walter Brennan).

The film follows the escalating tension between Sheriff Chance and Nathan Burdette's henchmen as they attempt to free Joe. The plot mixes moments of intense action with moments of camaraderie and character development.

"Rio Bravo" is known for its sense of camaraderie, humor, and the performances of the lead actors. It is a tribute to the traditional Western genre and a homage to those who made it popular.

Complete Cast:

• John Wayne as Sheriff John T. Chance
• Dean Martin as Dude ('Borachón')
• Ricky Nelson as Colorado Ryan
• Angie Dickinson as Feathers
• Walter Brennan as Stumpy
• Ward Bond as Pat Wheeler
• John Russell as Nathan Burdette
• Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez as Carlos Robante
• Estelita Rodriguez as Consuela Robante

Director: Howard Hawks

Producer: Howard Hawks

Screenplay: Jules Furthman, Leigh Brackett (based on a story by B.H. McCampbell)

Music by: Dimitri Tiomkin

Cinematographer: Russell Harlan

Production Cost: Approximately $1.2 million.

Box Office: Approximately $5.5 million worldwide at the box office.

Awards: It did not win major awards but is considered a classic of the western genre.

Critics' Reception

Rio Bravo is a great film because of its screenplay, Howard Hawks' impeccable direction, and the performances of the cast, particularly those of John Wayne and Dean Martin. The film's strengths are its atmosphere and scenic setting, which exerted great influence on the western genre. It is considered one of Hawks' best films and a classic of cinema.