55 Years Later, This Western Scene Is Still Considered John Wayne’s Best Performance

There's no doubt that there are only a few people to thank for the fact that the Western genre is what it is today. One of them is definitely John Wayne. And while it may not have been the first Western ever made, the 1939 classic Stagecoach was everything a movie fan could want from the genre.

However, there’s another movie that Wayne himself, along with the world, considers to be his best one. For the performance in True Grit Wayne was even awarded with his first and only Oscar.

The film is loosely based on the novel of the same name by Charles Portis. Wayne portrays the aging U.S. Major Marshall Rooster Cogburn, whose quarrelsome behavior and constant drinking have led many of his associates to believe he is past his prime.

But a violent uprising forces Cogburn back into the line of fire, to help a young man discover the truth behind his father’s murder. Justice must be served!

John Wayne’s All-Time Best Role

Despite the fact that Wayne had starred in many westerns by the time the film was released in 1969, the role in this film was somehow unique for him. Aging protagonists were not what he usually played, but he still gave the performance of his life in this film, which was one of the last of his career.

But in a way, it was exactly the right role for the actor at the time, because it was a little self-reflective. That's why that particular scene in the movie ended up being the highlight of the movie. We are talking about the famous heartfelt monologue of Cogburn.

The scene proves that Wayne as a western actor has a lot more to offer than just a bright performance as a bounty hunter with a gun. He is deep and emotional and can bring an extra intimacy to the character.

True Grit is available to stream on Prime. Don't miss your chance to see the legend's finest performance and make up your own mind about whether the quiet Wayne or the passionate Wayne wins over your heart.