When I was a kid, I enjoyed John Wayne movies like The Alamo, The Horse Soldiers and The Comancheros, and it was only after I was well into my teenaged years that I decided Duke Wayne movies were actually pretty formulaic, even corny sometimes. I rarely watch them now when they turn up on TCM.
The Duke Wayne movie that held up for me over the years was True Grit, for which Duke captured his lone acting Oscar. Even Glen Campbell, who was a good singer and a poor actor, couldn't ruin that movie with his anachronistic haircut.
A few years ago, I read the novel by Charles Portis that was the basis for the original movie. When I learned that Joel and Ethan Coen were filming their version and that it would be faithful to the book, I immediately made seeing their True Grit a priority for the Christmas season. I'm pleased to write that as much as I've enjoyed watching and re-watching the 1969 True Grit, the 2010 True Grit is a superior movie in every way. When the Academy Award nominations are announced, True Grit should be be included in several categories, and will deserve to win 'em all.
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