Review of Red River

This has been one of John Wayne's most beloved and critically acclaimed movies. And, for the first 95% of the film, I would agree. It's a great film about a stubborn man who eventually alienates everyone around him. The acting is excellent and the script is full of action and suspense until the really dumb ending. I'm actually very surprised that no one seemed to notice that one minute John Wayne was seeking revenge against Montgomery Clift and the next Wayne kills Clift's friend who tries to stop the maniacal Wayne--and then, only minutes later Wayne and Clift make up and live happily ever after--but what about Clift's dead friend?! I mean, only seconds before he was brutally murdered by Wayne!! This makes zero sense why this happened and then suddenly Wayne sees the error of his ways and all is forgiven. BUT, what about this murdered friend?! Clift doesn't seem to even remember this as the music fades!! Hello?! What about the dead guy? I know life was cheap in the Hollywood version of the old west, but this is ridiculous!