John Ford’s McLintock!, a comedic Western produced by Batjac Productions and released by United Artists in 1963, is a raucous, sometimes problematic, but ultimately enjoyable romp through the fictional town of McLintock. It’s a film that uses broad humor and slapstick, typical of Ford’s later work in the genre, while also attempting to grapple with themes of societal change and individual responsibility, although often falling into dated tropes. The movie stars the legendary John Wayne as the titular George Washington McLintock, a cattle baron with a heart of gold, who controls a vast amount of land and seemingly the entire town.
The story centres on McLintock’s attempts to reconcile with his estranged wife, Katherine, played with fiery spirit by Maureen O’Hara. She returns after years away, seeking a divorce, but their underlying affection keeps bubbling to the surface, which fuels much of the film’s comedic conflict. Their relationship is a constant battle of wills, packed with witty banter and physical comedy, from the famous mudslide scene to a spirited brawl where Katherine eventually joins in the ruckus. Their verbal sparring provides much of the entertainment, however, the underlying theme of male dominance within marriage is a problematic aspect of the film that can’t be overlooked.
The film’s narrative also follows McLintock’s struggles with his headstrong daughter, Becky, portrayed by Stefanie Powers, who returns from the East with modern ideas that clash with her father’s old-fashioned ways. Add to this the corrupt government agent, Governor Cuthbert, played with slimy charm by Robert Lowery, who tries to undermine McLintock’s authority and take land from the Native American population, and you have a story with plenty of conflict and drama.
The film also incorporates themes of social responsibility, especially through McLintock’s defense of the local Native American population led by Chief Puma, portrayed by Michael Pate. He provides a moral counterpoint to the prejudiced attitudes of some of the white settlers, which is a notable, if somewhat simplified, positive aspect of the film’s exploration of frontier life. Wayne’s son Patrick also appears as Devlin Warren, a young man seeking both a job and the hand of McLintock’s daughter, contributing to the story’s romantic subplots and family tensions. The humor is often very broad, relying on physical gags, but it’s clear that Ford was intentionally pushing the boundaries of the Western genre, trying something different from his typical dramas.
McLintock! is a movie that doesn’t always hold up to modern sensibilities, particularly its portrayal of women and the somewhat stereotypical depictions of certain characters. However, as a piece of filmmaking history, it provides a fascinating look at Ford’s attempts to blend comedy with the Western and the on-screen chemistry between Wayne and O’Hara is undeniable. It’s a film that’s best enjoyed for what it is: a lighthearted and occasionally thought-provoking comedy that features some great performances and some classic Western set pieces, albeit with some problematic elements. It’s worth a watch for those interested in the evolution of the genre and for fans of the stars involved.
McLintock! is a Batjac Productions production, released by United Artists.
Release Date: 1963
Director: John Ford
Cast: John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara, Stefanie Powers, Robert Lowery, Michael Pate
