John Wayne's Secret War Movie: The 55-Year-Old Western You've Overlooked

The 1970s marked a period of evolution for the film industry in Hollywood. This decade functioned as a bridge connecting the traditional filmmaking era to a more contemporary style, leading studios to unveil groundbreaking classics such as “A Clockwork Orange” (1971), “Rocky” (1976), and “Alien” (1979). Even the iconic “Star Wars” franchise began in the 1970s, with “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope,” originally titled simply “Star Wars,” premiering in 1977. The entire Hollywood scene was undergoing a transformation, as innovative directors, producers, and concepts were gaining popularity within the industry.

In the 70s, traditional Western narratives started undergoing changes. This trend persisted throughout the decade, with Spaghetti Westerns gaining prominence and even finding a place on television. A notable example is the long-running drama “Little House on the Prairie,” which premiered on NBC in 1974 and ran for nine seasons until 1983. However, despite the genre’s evolution, it appears that audiences in the U.S. were gradually losing their fascination with classic Western tales. The 80s marked a gradual decline of the genre, but not before John Wayne produced one of the least recognized masterpieces within the Western genre.

John Wayne Is a Western Legend

He Was Active From 1926 To 1979

John Wayne, who passed away in 1979, is a name widely recognized by many audiences. Born Marion Robert Morrison, this versatile actor appeared in close to 200 films, but it was his roles in Western movies that truly earned him fame, with standout performances in movies such as “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” (1962), “Stagecoach” (1939), and “El Dorado” (1966). Although he ventured into other film genres too, like the World War II epic “The Longest Day” (1962), his affection for Westerns, which first brought him to stardom, remained undiminished.

Without a doubt, Wayne amassed numerous accolades during his tenure as a prominent leading actor in Hollywood. He garnered two Best Actor nominations at the Oscars and even clinched an Oscar for his exceptional performance in [movie title]. Moreover, he bagged two Golden Globe awards and was nominated for a third. Remarkably, the actor also secured awards from the American government, receiving the Congressional Gold Medal, followed by the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously. Regrettably, despite having one of his finest roles in his long career, he received little recognition for it.

Chisum Was John Wayne’s Greatest War Movie

It Blended Westerns and War

However, the movie “Chisum” marked the occasion where John Wayne combined the genres of battles and Westerns. This film narrated the Lincoln County War, during which Billy the Kid engaged in conflict over a store selling goods in New Mexico. It’s said that 23 individuals perished in this historical clash, and many more were injured. In this cinematic rendition, John Chisum, portrayed by John Wayne, teams up with Geoffrey Deuel’s Billy the Kid in an intriguing reinterpretation of real events. The movie hit theaters on July 29, 1970, boasting a large cast and a substantial budget of $4 million ($34 million adjusted for inflation).

The film titled “Chisum” was a costly production, yet it didn’t captivate viewers significantly during its debut. Its box office earnings amounted to only $6 million ($51 million in current value), falling far behind the year’s top-grossing movie, “Love Story” with its $106 million domestic gross ($897 million today). However, despite its initial underperformance, the film has left an enduring mark, as it signified the commencement of a new phase in Wayne’s career. The movie was intensely emotional, bridging the gap between the growing genres and the timeless Westerns, a trend that subsequent 1970s productions would adopt. Moreover, it boasted breathtaking visuals, an engaging narrative, and acting performances that rivaled Wayne’s finest.

Chisum Remains Highly Renowned Today

The Film Is a Fan-Favorite Among Movie Buffs

In recent times, Chisum has built an exceptionally notable reputation that hasn’t been matched by major awards or widespread recognition among a broader audience due to its relative obscurity. However, it stands out as one of Wayne’s more remarkable Western films, despite being largely unknown to many dedicated viewers. Despite its lackluster box office performance when initially released, time and critical acclaim have been favorable to the movie, particularly 55 years after its debut. In essence, Chisum continues to be underestimated.

Title	Tomatometer Score	Popcornmeter Score
Chisum	83%	74%

The film garnered a 74% rating on the Popcornmeter, based on feedback from more than 5,000 general viewers. While this isn’t Wayne’s highest-rated work, it’s still generally positive, suggesting that audiences have been increasingly appreciative since its premiere. Critics also weighed in favorably, awarding an 83% Tomatometer score and commending Wayne’s acting. Many spectators even claimed that this film served as additional evidence of Wayne’s talent for blending contemporary elements with the fantastical, thereby making seemingly unrealistic tales seem authentic and relatable.

Chisum Stands Out Against Other ’70s War Movies

It Lives Beside Apocalypse Now and The Inglorious Basterds

In the 1970s, I found myself immersed in an era that was rich with war-themed films, which perhaps explains why the western film, Chisum, didn’t quite capture the limelight following its release. The decade gifted us masterpieces like Apocalypse Now (1979), The Inglorious Bastards (1978), and The Deer Hunter (1978). Interestingly, each of these groundbreaking films delved into conflicts that were far removed from the Wild West’s time. To be specific, Apocalypse Now and Deer Hunter depicted the tumultuous Vietnam War, while Inglorious and Midway (1976) tackled different warfronts. Even the science fiction phenomenon Star Wars showcased a unique take on warfare. Despite the enjoyment I derived from Chisum, it was overshadowed by this wave of contemporary films, making it difficult for its Western narrative to captivate as effectively.

Nowadays, World War II and Vietnam War films may not offer much novelty anymore. However, since the pace of Western genre productions decelerated in the early 2000s, the recent revival of Western series provides an opening for audiences to delve into a timeless classic from this genre. Watching Chisum, which often goes unnoticed, offers viewers a chance to appreciate John Wayne’s exceptional performance in a Western war film that still leaves a lasting impression today. It is certainly worth a watch.

2025-04-21 00:21

John Wayne’s Secret War Movie: The 55-Year-Old Western You’ve Overlooked