John Wayne is, well, John Wayne. In McQ (1974) he's a cop. Yet he's still the same loose cannon but honest, anything-goes-to-get-the-job-done character. This is definitely a shoot-em-up, and McQ has no trouble replacing one gun after another when one is taken away from him. John Wayne and Western fans will both enjoy this DVD.

During the opening credits we see McQ's partner kill two cops and then get shot himself (he soon dies). McQ trusts his partner, and the rest of the film follows the policeman as he sets out to find the murderer.

In his quest for the truth, McQ deals with a variety of interesting characters, including the his partner's grieving widow, (Diana Muldaur); the police captain, elegantly played by Eddie Albert; the fading femme fatale (Colleen Dewhurst); the pimp/snitch (Roger S. Mosley); and the Teflon coated drug dealer (Al Lettieri) that McQ is convinced is behind all the mayhem.

This action packed film tosses off an occasional quip that adds to the enjoyment, but the real fun comes from the classic chase scenes. There are three. In the first two, McQ accomplishes the requisite fishtails, bounces down hills, cuts off cars and even dumps a motorcyclist. The third has McQ being chased along the beach. While dodging bullets he manages to splash the car through water at the shoreline, cut through pilings and stone formations and cause one of the chase cars to roll. It's hold-your-breath action all the way.

Rated PG, McQ is very violent but not gory. Sex is implied, not explicit, and there is no nudity. None of the characters, not even the "bad guys" light up a cigarette!

Director: John Sturges

Writer: Lawrence Roman

Cast: John Wayne, Eddie Albert, Diana Muldaur, Colleen Dewhurst, Clu Gulager, David Huddleston, Al Lettieri

Rating: PG

Classic Movie Guide Rating: 4 our of 5 stars

DVD Release Date: 5/03/2005

Run Time: 111

Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

Format: Color, Widescreen

Special Features

—¸ English, French  and Spanish subtitles      

Photos © Warner Home Video