Quality Duke western from tail end of career
Late in his career, John Wayne did a handful of westerns that while not classics, were and are always reliable entertainment for his fans. Cahill US Marshal is one of those westerns, almost like comfort food in movie form. JD Cahill is a tough as nails US Marshal who always get his prey and isn't afraid to go up against a gang all by himself. But returning home after a long time on the trail, Cahill finds out the local bank has been robbed, but there's no tracks anywhere in or out of the town that the robbers left. As he begins to investigate, Cahill begins to wonder exactly what's going on and who's involved. At the same time, the Marshal is trying to reconnect with his sons who since his wife died have almost raised themselves. Nothing too different here, but it's a quality western with some good action and beautiful locations around Durango. The town location from The Train Robbers has been expanded to a much bigger town. All in all, a worthwhile pick for John Wayne fans and westerns in general.

The Duke stars as U.S. Marshal J.D. Cahill, the peace officer trying to right a wrong with his sons while also bringing a gang of four bank robbers to justice. John Wayne late in his career was still a great presence, and his role here as a bigger than life US Marshal doesn't disappoint. Gary Grimes is good as Cahill's 17-year old son, Danny, who angry at his father for not being around gets caught up in the wrong crowd, bringing his 13-year old brother, Billy Joe (Clay O'Brien), into the mix as well. Neville Brand has some good moments as Lightfoot, a half-breed Comanche who tracks for Cahill and serves as a sidekick of sorts. George Kennedy may be remembered as a great character actor who played sidekicks and supporting roles, but he's very good here as the villian, Fraser, the gang leader who knocks off the bank with some special help. Morgan Paull as Struther and Dan Vadis as Brownie are members of the gang. With a Wayne western, there's got to be some stock company appearances and there's a plenty, including Paul Fix, Harry Carey JR, Royal Dano, Denver Pyle, Hank Worden, and Chuck Roberson to round out the cast.

Along with a very nice looking widescreen presentation, the DVD offers some pretty cool features, including a director commentary from Andrew V. McLaglen, a director who worked with Wayne many times in the actor's later years. Also added on is an 8-minute featurette, The Man Behind the Star, about peace officers in the west and how the movie portrays them, a trailer, some cast and crew info, and a little recap of Wayne's later westerns. So overall, this isn't a classic western like The Searchers or Liberty Valance, but Cahill US Marshal is an enjoyable western from Duke's later years that fans will like. Check out Cahill US Marshal!

Weak script, good action, good performances.
"CAHILL - UNITED STATES MARSHAL" is one of those movies that is somewhat frustrating. It succeeds on a few levels, but fails on so many others that makes it nowhere near one of the best films of John Wayne. The script is a horror within itself, the action is near perfect, the performances are great. The main plot is of U.S. Marshal J.D. Cahill (Wayne) trying to get his sons out of a gang of outlaws alive. His oldest son Daniel (Gary Grimes) being in an outlaw gang is believable, because he is very rebellious. But not his youngest son Billy Joe (Clay O'Brien). Billy Joe is basically a good kid who loves his pa. The audience assumes that Billy Joe threw in with the outlaws because he followed his brother, but the film never shows or says that. Not to mention that the sight of little O'Brien holding that shotgun that is bigger than he is not at all convincing. However, I do enjoy most films that are unbelievable, such as "NATIONAL TREASURE", "CHISUM", etc. But those films do not care about the believability factor and just move along with amazing pace. This movie does not. It is unbelievable, but it never decides if it knows that or not. It just seems to stay in the same gear the whole time and as a result, is bogged down in mediocre stage the entire film. There is no bad acting, just bad acting choices. The film casts several veterans of movies, such as Jackie Coogan, Harry Carey Jr., Marie Windsor, Royal Dano, Denver Pyle, and Paul Fix, but the script unfortunately only gives them unimportant roles. Their acting is not at all bad, but the characters are unnecessary, such as Harry Carey Jr., who seems to only be on the screen to sleep, and Royal Dano, who gives Cahill a mule and saddle. On the positive side, the other actors are great in their roles, like George Kennedy as Fraser. Also, the action scenes are almost perfect, and the script seems to pick up the slightest bit in the last half hour. Overall, a fair movie, but if it was not for The Duke, it would have been a complete disaster.





SPECIAL FEATURES
Feature-length audio commentary by Director Andrew V. McLaglen
Making-of-Documentary: The Man Behind The Star
Theatrical Trailer






THIS REVIEW IS DEDICATED TO ANYONE, LIVING OR DEAD, INVOLVED IN THE MAKING OF "CAHILL - UNITED STATES MARSHAL".

The ever great John Wayne
As usual, John Wayne shines in this movie. He teaches his children a lesson and shows his consistent courage in all situations. You can never go wrong with one of his movies. He is the greatest western actor that ever lived.

Cahill
I purchased this for an elderly relative and she absolutely loved the video. She was totally satisfied and genuinely pleased to received it delivered to her door without me having to bring it to her. The video was in great condition. She's happy. Me too.

John Wayne-- Never a bad movie
I have never seen a bad John Wayne movie. There maybe some that are not as great as others, but nothing I won't see 50 times given the chance. This movie is no exception. I have seen it so many times I know a great deal of the movie by heart. Neville Brand is great as the Indian/Tracker/Friend of Cahill. Clay O'Brian got the part in the movie because John Wayne specfically asked for him after playing with him in "The Cowboys". Wayne had a great appreciation for talent on the screen and in life. Clay was a true cowboy and Wayne liked that. Gary Grimes hits just a right notes as the son who resents dad for not being there 24/7. George Kennedy plays and even better bad guy in this movie than he does in "The Sons of Katie Elder". I would recommend any movie involving John Wayne to anyone. John Wayne never acted in his movies... he played himself. A true, blue American.