Watch Rio Grande

Rio Grande is a classic Western film from 1950 starring John Wayne as Lieutenant Colonel Kirby Yorke, Maureen O'Hara as his estranged wife Kathleen, and Ben Johnson as Trooper Travis Tyree. The movie is set in the aftermath of the Civil War and follows Colonel Yorke as he leads his troops in protecting the Rio Grande from Apaches and other dangers.

The film begins with Colonel Yorke receiving orders to rejoin his regiment at Fort Stark in Texas. His son, Jeff, has also recently enlisted in the Army and is stationed at the fort. However, when Yorke arrives, he discovers that his estranged wife, Kathleen, has also come to the fort in order to persuade their son to leave the Army and return home to school.

Despite their past differences, Yorke and Kathleen must work together when a group of Apaches begins raiding nearby settlements. Yorke leads his cavalrymen in repelling the attacks, while Kathleen nurses wounded soldiers back to health. Along the way, Yorke is forced to make tough decisions, such as whether or not to send his son into battle.

The film is a classic example of the Western genre, with stunning landscapes and exciting action sequences. John Wayne delivers a stirring performance as the tough but compassionate Colonel Yorke, while Maureen O'Hara brings strength and vulnerability to her role as Kathleen. Ben Johnson, in one of his earliest roles, also stands out as Trooper Tyree, a brave soldier willing to sacrifice everything for his fellow men.

At its core, Rio Grande is a story about family and sacrifice. Yorke and Kathleen must put aside their differences and work together to protect their son and the soldiers under Yorke's command. The film also touches on issues of loyalty and duty, as Yorke struggles with his responsibilities as a commanding officer and a father.

One of the film's standout scenes comes towards the end, when Yorke and his troops are ambushed by a large group of Apaches. The tense action sequence is expertly filmed, with gunfire and explosions ringing out across the desert landscape. Wayne's Yorke exemplifies his bravery and leadership in the face of the enemy, while O'Hara's Kathleen shows her strength and courage as she tends to the wounded.

The film's soundtrack also deserves special mention. Composed by Victor Young, the score features sweeping, orchestral themes that perfectly capture the grandeur and drama of the Old West. The iconic song 'Yellow Stripes' also features prominently throughout the film, providing a memorable backing to Yorke's soldiering.

Overall, Rio Grande is a classic Western that should not be missed by fans of the genre. Its themes of family, loyalty, and sacrifice, as well as its stunning cinematography and thrilling action sequences, make it a timeless classic. John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, and the rest of the cast turn in memorable performances, delivering a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Rio Grande is a 1950 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.