True Grit (1969)

I can’t remember for sure now, but I think I saw the 1969 version of True Grit years ago.  After seeing and enjoying the new version of the movie, I ended up watching the 1969 version again.

The plot for True Grit is fairly simple even though a few complications pop up.  There is a tiny bit of mystery tied to what is going on.  Some suspense does turn up in a few scenes without making the movie suspenseful overall.  Action is in a couple of scenes, mostly from some shootings that happen.  Those parts do add a bit of violence to what is going on.  The violence is slightly more extreme in one scene, though it isn’t that graphic overall.  I could have done without the snake that turns up later in the movie.

True Grit (1969) is based on the book of the same name by Charles Portis.  The 2010 version of the movie is based on the same book.  Both movies tell the same main story, though there are a few minor changes here and there.  Mattie, while still important to what is going on, ends up having a slightly smaller part in this version. 

The characters are still very entertaining, though they are slightly different.  Rooster is still more likely to shoot someone than arrest them and he likes to drink a lot.  His drunken antics do add some humor to a few scenes.  Those humorous moments do help to lighten the mood a bit.  I do like John Wayne in the part.  Mattie is still very determined to get things done, though I like her better in the 2010 version of the movie.  La Boeuf and Rooster still have issues and conflicts.   The cast is very good in their parts. 

True Grit (1969) has been released on DVD a few times and was recently released on Blu-ray.  I know there are some new special features on the Blu-ray since I looked at it in the store, but I can’t remember what those features are.  The DVD that I watched doesn’t have any extras.

True Grit (1969) is an entertaining movie that has held up well.  Fans of westerns or who enjoyed the new version of the movie should check it out.

I did get a longer review posted on Epinions.

True Grit (1969)