Rio Bravo is a classic Western film released in 1959, directed by Howard Hawks and starring John Wayne, Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, and Angie Dickinson. The story is set in a small town in Texas and revolves around the sheriff, John T. Chance (John Wayne), who is aided by his drunken deputy, Dude (Dean Martin), and a crippled old man, Stumpy (Walter Brennan).
The film begins with Joe Burdette (Claude Akins), the brother of a wealthy rancher, being arrested by Sheriff Chance for murdering a man in the town. Joe's brother, Nathan Burdette (John Russell), is determined to free his brother and sends his henchmen to intimidate the sheriff and his men.
As the situation worsens, a young gunslinger named Colorado (Ricky Nelson) and a beautiful woman named Feathers (Angie Dickinson) arrive in town. Colorado is hired by the sheriff to help defend the town, while Feathers flirts with both the sheriff and Dude.
The tension between the rancher's men and the sheriff's men increases, leading to a final showdown where the sheriff and his deputies are outnumbered and outgunned. However, with the help of Colorado and a local townsman, they are able to overcome the odds and ultimately defeat Nathan Burdette and his men.
Rio Bravo is considered one of the best Westerns of all time, known for its intense action, iconic cast, and memorable dialogue. Its success led Howard Hawks to make two more similar films, El Dorado (1966) and Rio Lobo (1970), both starring John Wayne.