The Rooster Cogburn Collection is a must-watch for any western film enthusiast, featuring three captivating movies that showcase the legendary actor John Wayne in his role as the tough-as-nails U.S. Marshal, Rooster Cogburn. This trilogy collection contains True Grit, Rooster Cogburn, and True Grit: A Further Adventure, providing viewers with a generous serving of rugged adventure and old-fashioned justice. Each film in the series allows Wayne to portray the character of Rooster Cogburn as he navigates the lawless frontier in his unique, larger-than-life style.
True Grit, released in 1969 and directed by Henry Hathaway, is the first entry in the trilogy. With its classic story and compelling performances, the film quickly became a favorite among many Western film lovers. In this movie, Cogburn forms an unlikely partnership with a young, determined girl named Mattie Ross who seeks to avenge the murder of her father. Their quest for justice takes them through treacherous terrain, where they encounter outlaws and the ruthless criminal Tom Chaney. True Grit brilliantly portrays the evolution of Cogburn and Ross's friendship, all while delivering a thrilling, gun-slinging drama.
The second installment, Rooster Cogburn, was released in 1975, with Stuart Miller directing. Here, Rooster Cogburn teams up with a spirited, proper spinster named Eula Goodnight. As their paths intertwine, they embark on a perilous journey to bring justice to a band of criminals who have stolen a shipment of government-issued rifles and nitroglycerin. The chemistry between Wayne and Katharine Hepburn, who plays Eula Goodnight, keeps audiences engaged, as their adventure unfolds among the harsh and unpredictable western landscape. This underrated entry in the Rooster Cogburn series delivers all the elements expected from a classic western, making it a worthy addition to any movie collection.
True Grit: A Further Adventure, a made-for-TV movie directed by Andrew V. McLaglen, serves as the third and final chapter of the series. Though it doesn't star John Wayne, it maintains the Rooster Cogburn tradition with Warren
