John Wayne remains a figure synonymous with the Western genre. He starred in numerous films that helped define the form, earning recognition alongside actors like Clint Eastwood. Among his celebrated work is the film Rio Bravo, a picture frequently cited among the greatest Westerns of all time.
Rio Bravo, released in 1959, paired Wayne with Angie Dickinson for the first time. Their on-screen dynamic became a highlight of the movie. Dickinson portrayed Feathers, a woman who arrives in town and forms a connection with Wayne's character, Sheriff John T. Chance.
The chemistry between Wayne and Dickinson developed throughout the film, particularly after her character aids Chance. Recalling their work together, Wayne spoke highly of Dickinson. "She was one of the best actresses I ever worked with," Wayne said, according to Michael Munn in his biography. He noted she brought a combination of beauty, appeal, and intelligence to the role, a type often associated with films directed by Howard Hawks.
Beyond the central pairing, Rio Bravo features a notable cast, including Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, and Walter Brennan. Ward Bond, a frequent co-star of Wayne's, also appeared. Directed by Hawks, the film blends elements of drama, comedy, and gunplay, often contrasted with High Noon, a film made earlier that took a different approach to Western themes.
The screenplay by Jules Furthman and Leigh Brackett, known also for contributing to The Empire Strikes Back, provides sharp dialogue and focuses on character arcs, particularly Martin's portrayal of the deputy Dude. Biographer Scott Erman noted Wayne's initial concerns about his own character's role in tying the story together, but Chance serves as a moral compass for the narrative.
While films like Rio Bravo and The Searchers solidified Wayne's fame, a lesser-known project highlights an unusual turn in his filmography. Thunder Riders of the Golden West is described as a neo-Western incorporating sci-fi elements.
Directed by Dave Burleson, the film reportedly includes footage of Wayne and was released in the 1980s, after his death in 1979. Burleson indicated it was Wayne's final on-screen appearance, filmed before his last released movie, The Shootist, from 1976.
Information about Thunder Riders of the Golden West remains scarce. It lacks pages on major film databases and has not seen a commercial home media release despite reports of a planned DVD distribution around 2009. The film's plot reportedly involves truckers searching for gold near atomic bomb test sites, suggesting the source of its sci-fi aspects.
Wayne did not widely explore science fiction during his career, making the existence of Thunder Riders of the Golden West a point of curiosity for film historians. Its obscure status means it has not entered the discussion of underrated John Wayne movies due to its inaccessibility. The film's current location or existence remains unknown.
His collaborations, particularly with actors like Angie Dickinson and directors like Howard Hawks, remain central to discussions of Wayne's legacy. As Wayne stated of Dickinson, "She was one of the best actresses I ever worked with."
