The Sons of Katie Elder (1965)

Director:

Henry Hathaway

Writers:

Talbot Jennings (story)
William H. Wright (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

1 July 1965 (USA)

Genre:

Western

Tagline:

If Texas coundn't tame 'em ...could she?

Plot:

Ranch owner Katie Elder's four sons determine to avenge the murder of their father and the swindling of their mother.

Plot Keywords:

Texas | Murder | Swindle | Family Relationships | Gunfight

Awards:

1 win

Cast

John Wayne	...	John Elder
Dean Martin	...	Tom Elder
Martha Hyer	...	Mary Gordon
Michael Anderson Jr.	...	Bud Elder
Earl Holliman	...	Matt Elder
Jeremy Slate	...	Ben Latta
James Gregory	...	Morgan Hastings
Paul Fix	...	Sheriff Billy Wilson
George Kennedy	...	Curley
Dennis Hopper	...	Dave Hastings
Sheldon Allman	...	Harry Evers
John Litel	...	Minister
John Doucette	...	Hyselman
James Westerfield	...	Mr. Vennar
Rhys Williams	...	Charlie Striker

Runtime:

122 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

USA:Approved (PCA #20933) | USA:Not Rated (video release) | Australia:PG | West Germany:12 (re-rating) | West Germany:16 (f) (original rating) | Canada:G (Quebec) | Canada:PG (Ontario) | Finland:K-16 | Norway:16 | South Korea:12 | Sweden:15 | UK:U

Filming Locations:

Casa Blanca, Durango, Mexico

Company:

Hal Wallis Productions

Trivia:

Remade in a modern setting as Four Brothers (2005).

Goofs:

Factual errors: When Bud says he is going with John and that they'll be famous like the Daltons, John replies that the Daltons were dead having been hung. Three of the Dalton brothers, Gratton "Grat" Dalton, Robert Rennick "Bob" Dalton, and Emmett "Em" Dalton all participated in a famous attempted two bank robbery in Coffeeville, KS on Oct. 5, 1892. Grat and Bob, along with two gang members, were gunned down and killed by town's people. Emmett, although shot some 22 times, survived. He went to prison until 1907. He died in Hollywood, CA July 13, 1937. An older brother, Frank, a US Deputy Marshal, was killed in the line of duty on Nov. 27, 1887. The Dalton's criminal career lasted just over four years. The photo taken of the four killed in Coffeeville is one of the most famous photos showing the eventual end of those who flout the law.

Quotes:

Bud Elder: I'm going with you. I can draw pretty fast. We can be famous -- like the Dalton Brothers!
John Elder: They're famous -- but they're just a little bit dead. They were hung!

Movie Connections:

Featured in Edith Head: The Paramount Years (2002) (V)

The Duke With One Lung

I don't usually comment or review any John Wayne movies because of the strong personal bias I have in favor of this great American and great actor!

However the other day I watched The Sons of Katie Elder for the 50th. time.... or was that the 55th. time.... or perhaps the 60th. time for all I know. It's one of those rare movies that I can personally watch every six months and not be bored.

A few of those other highly "watchable" John Wayne features are Donovan's Reef, In Harm's Way, and El Dorado. Most of the Duke's movies I consider easily viewable every 12-18 months under normal "Duke-view" conditions.(LOL)

Sorry folks, they just don't make movies like this any longer. Some may say thank God, but I say why not! Movies/films are suppose to be above all about pure entertainment value. Movies aren't suppose to be reality based but should have a strong surrealistic nature to them with some fantasy overtones. FUN! That's why it's called acting.

In this movie John Wayne is well, John Wayne!....at his best! Dean Martin plays a very low-key but important part. James Gregory, Paul Fix, Jeremy Slate, Dennis Hopper, George Kennedy and the rest of the cast are all at their best in this real good Henry Hathaway minor western classic.

It was also the first movie John Wayne completed starring-in following his cancer surgery that removed one of his lungs. You will notice him "huffing and puffing" at certain times during many of the movie scenes. Especially when the script called for him to ride a horse and/or get active with other cast members. An oxygen tank followed the Duke wherever he went during filming for obvious reasons. The scene under the bridge when the brothers are being fired on by the bad guys, was a very demanding physical point for John Wayne in the movie.

At times no one thought the Duke would ever finish this film. As Ethan Edwards said, "That'll be the day!"...pilgrim!