John Wayne’s Dirty Harry-Style Action Thriller Is One Of His Best Non-Western Movies – SlashFilm

John Wayne made a number of nice motion pictures throughout his profession, however he is primarily identified for struggle movies and Westerns. Each of those genres sometimes contain a number of gunplay, so it is hardly shocking that The Duke additionally excelled in motion thrillers like Douglas Hickox’s “Brannigan.” Sadly, not sufficient individuals speak about this gem when assessing Wayne’s filmography, however followers of laborious-boiled cinema could have a blast with it.

“Brannigan” is one among many actioners that got here out within the Seventies that seemingly aimed to capitalize on the success of the “Dirty Harry” film franchise. In it, Wayne performs the eponymous Chicago cop who travels to merry previous London to convey again a mobster. Nonetheless, Brannigan’s renegade fashion of policing would not go down effectively with London’s best, inflicting him to butt heads with Richard Attenborough’s Commander Charles Swann. The Brits are a civilized bunch, whereas Wayne’s detective is a set off-completely satisfied rogue who will get into the odd bar combat.

Think about a extra lighthearted Harry Callahan (Clint Eastwood) wreaking havoc in the UK, and that is “Brannigan” in a nutshell. However a “Dirty Harry” knockoff actually fits Wayne’s tough-and-tumble sensibilities, and the dynamic between his and Attenborough’s characters makes for a fantastic unusual bedfellows pairing. What’s extra, it is not the one Wayne flick of this ilk if followers are within the temper for a double invoice of underrated machismo motion pictures.

John Wayne famously turned down “Dirty Harry” — due to Frank Sinatra. Wayne was upset that the “My Approach” hitmaker was supplied the position of Harry Callahan first, so he rejected it when the chance arose. On the time, Wayne and Sinatra had been lengthy-time period enemies, so The Duke was by no means going to just accept a component that his nemesis deemed unworthy.

Thankfully, “Dirty Harry” knockoffs have been en vogue within the ’70s, so Wayne bought to strut his stuff in some fairly nice cop motion pictures all the identical. Previous to “Brannigan,” he graced “McQ,” which sees him play a detective who uncovers corruption within the pressure whereas investigating his companion’s assassination. “McQ” boasts extra twists and turns than “Brannigan,” however each movies simply hand around in the identical wheelhouse.

Sadly, “McQ” and “Brannigan” have been amongst Wayne’s last roles, because the actor handed away in 1979. Nonetheless, these flicks proved that there’s extra to his oeuvre than sporting stetsons and driving horses, so examine them out in the event you’re within the temper for an excellent time.