The Shootist
Afflicted with a terminal illness John Bernard Books, the last of the legendary gunfighters, quietly returns to Carson City for medical attention from his old friend Dr. Hostetler. Aware that his days are numbered, the troubled man seeks solace and peace in a boarding house run by a widow and her son. However, it is not Books' fate to die in peace, as he becomes embroiled in one last valiant battle.
Critics Sentiment
Bartender shoots Books, Gillom kills bartender then throws gun away
Former girlfriend Serepta visits Books with ulterior motives
The film builds from its slowest point during Serepta's manipulative visit to the spectacular Metropole shootout, gaining over 3 points.
The Shootist follows a steady upward trajectory from its contemplative middle sections to a powerfully emotional finale. Critics consistently praised Wayne's dignified final performance and the film's meditation on mortality, with the spectacular ending earning universal acclaim. The film's elegiac tone and stellar supporting cast create a fitting farewell to both Wayne's career and the Western genre.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 36
John Wayne
J.B. Books
Lauren Bacall
Bond Rogers
Ron Howard
Gillom Rogers
James Stewart
Dr. Hostetler
Richard Boone
Mike Sweeney
Hugh O'Brian
Jack Pulford
Bill McKinney
Jay Cobb
Harry Morgan
Marshall Thibido
John Carradine
Beckum
Sheree North
Serepta
Rick Lenz
Dobkins
Scatman Crothers
Moses
Gregg Palmer
Burly Man
Alfred Dennis
Barber
Dick Winslow
Streetcar Driver
Melody Thomas Scott
Girl on Streetcar
Kathleen O'Malley
School Teacher
Jack Berle
Man Outside Metropole (uncredited)
Johnny Crawford
Books' Victim in Flashback (archive footage / uncredited)
Chuck Dawson
Extra (uncredited)
Crew
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