Review of McLintock! (1963) by Ashley H — 14 Dec 2007

Once in a while, even The Duke liked to have a good laugh. That's obvious in [i]McLintock[/i]!, where nearly every scene is a laugh riot. This is about the most boisterous, rambunctuous, slapstick-driven Western ever made.

In fact, it's easy to see why this is one of John Wayne's most popular efforts. Everyone puts in a good performance (even a young Stefanie Powers as McLintock's daughter) and is willing to give their all in the name of the classic Western (and classic comedy).

There are a few Mexican, Indian and Chinese stereotypes that could have been left out but there are so many good spirits herein, it's hard to notice them. Just look at the chemistry between Wayne and O'Hara as long-suffering Mrs.

McLintock. Small wonder they made a large number of movies together. Fire and brimstone mixes with mud and water until it's obvious that every laugh they generate has been earned honestly. Not an easy thing to do in any movie.