The Sons of Katie Elder
Directed by Henry Hathaway
Written by William H. Wright, Allan Weiss, and Harry Essex; original story by Talbot Jennings
1965/USA
Wallis – Hazan
First viewing/Netflix rental
[box] Tom Elder: Mr. Hastings, you know everybody around here: Can you tell us who is the dirty stinkin’ lowdown rat that shot our pa?[/box]
Many of the Western tropes were getting mighty tired by 1965 as were some of the stars.
John Wayne, Dean Martin, Earl Holliman and Michael Anderson Jr. pay the sons of Katie Elder. They reunite in their old town to find out who killed their father and swindled their mother. Lots of action and witty repartee ensue. With James Gregory and George Kennedy as bad guys.
This is exactly what I would expect from this director and cast circa 1965. If not looking for surprises, it’s a couple of hours of well-made nostalgia.
