By this point in his career, in his mid-sixties, his output had slowed down but his mastery of film hadn’t left him. Just watch how he builds tension as the film edges nearer its action-packed climax or marvel as he takes a musical interlude that should feel out of place and makes it one of the film's highlights. Much has often been made of Martin Scorsese being the greatest director never to win an Oscar (a debate The Departed finally put an end to) but for me Hawks has always been the most underappreciated director, nominated only once (for Sergeant York) and receiving an Honorary Award in 1975, two years before his death. Westerns were also often overlooked by the academy but it’s fair to say that Rio Bravo would have been a worthy winner and has stood the test of time to become one of the all time greats of the genre.
"A sinister cabal of superior writers."
![The Searchers [HD DVD]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51SbGn3mggL._SL120_.jpg)
![The Searchers [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/513V0499M9L._SL120_.jpg)
![Rio Bravo [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51r675c-EkL._SL120_.jpg)
![Rio Bravo [HD DVD]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51T3jAFgdzL._SL120_.jpg)
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
Rio Bravo is one of my all-time favorites.
2 - dino martin peters
Hey pallie Ian, it is so refreshin' to find a reviewer who understands the depths of Dino Martin. I appreciate your great words on behalf of Dino's fine performance in "Rio Bravo." Indeed when our Dino got a meaty role in an imporant flick, he made the most of it. Thanks again for your great insights into our Dino. BTW, today is the 90th anniversary of Dino's entry on to the planet.
3 - Ian Woolstencroft
Thanks for the comment.
I'm a big Dean Martin fan, I used to watch the Lewis/Martin films and the Matt Helm movies as a kid.
I didn't realise it was Dino's birthday but it's fitting this article was published today.
Off to watch The Sons of Katie Elder now ;)
4 - dino martin peters
Hey pallie Ian, so glad to meet 'nother Dinolover...oughta known by your generous words of praise for our Dino. Even thought they are not great flicks, my fav Dino movies are the Matt Helm capers.