As True Grit was arguably the most entertaining of John Wayne's latter-day films (and with a strong main character besides), it is not surprising that a sequel was made. Unfortunately, this sequel, entitled, simply, Rooster Cogburn, is no True Grit. But it does have a kind of sweetness that will endear it to those not hoping for the more rousing action pace of the original.

Wayne's co-star is Katharine Hepburn; the combination suggests such wonders that it's a minor miracle the two weren't paired up sooner. True to expectations, Wayne and Hepburn have an engrossing chemistry together; the strength of their characters and performances highlight this otherwise ordinary western adventure story.