The Shootist

"I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, I won't be laid a hand upon,
I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them."

Release date: August, 1976, 100 mins

Director: Don Siegal

Cast Includes:

Synopsis:

In 1901, an aging "shootist", J B Books (John Wayne), rides into Carson City. Here, the twentieth century, is pushing out the horse and old time cowboy. Books is here to visit a doctor (James Stewart) who once saved his life. After the examination he is told he has " a cancer" and only a few months to live.

Checking into Mrs Rodgers' (Lauren Bacall) boarding house, it is not long before word of his arrival gets out. The local marshal (Harry Morgan) is terrified at first, but after Books tells him that he is here to die, he becomes viciously mean and is pleased that the "shootist" is dying. The local newspaper editor senses a good story, but Books will not oblige. The local mortician (John Carradine) and an old girlfriend (Sheree North) are also turned down by Books who only wants to die with dignity and in peace.

During the last days left to him, Books strikes up a platonic relationship with the widow Rogers, as well as becoming a mentor to her teenage son, Gillom (Ron Howard), who hero worships the dying "shootist".

As Books cancer and pain gets worse he decides to "die" the way he lived, by the gun. He invites three would be contenders (Hugh O'Brian, Richard Boone and Bill McKinney) to meet him in the bar on his birthday. At the appointed time Books arrives at the bar. Books has his shoot out. He's mortally wounded but the three are dead. The cowardly barman shoots Books with his hidden shotgun. Gillom runs into the bar. Sees what has happened. Then, like an avenging angel, picks up Books' pistol and shoots the barman. Realising what he's done he throws Books' pistol away, and kneels to tend his dying friend.

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