Rio Bravo

Rio Bravo

Year: 1959

Runtime: 141 min

Language: English

Director: Howard Hawks

ActionDramaWestern

In the small town of Rio Bravo, Sheriff John T. Chance finds himself facing a formidable challenge when ruthless outlaw Joe Burdette commits a violent crime. With Burdette's powerful brother, Nathan, orchestrating his escape, Chance refuses to back down. He assembles an unconventional group of men – including the resourceful Dude, the loyal Stumpy, and the eager Colorado Ryan – to defend the town and maintain order until reinforcements can arrive, leading to a tense standoff.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Rio Bravo (1959)

Trace every key event in Rio Bravo (1959) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Dude's Arrival

Dude, a down-and-out former deputy sheriff, stumbles into a dusty town's saloon in a disheveled state. He is dirty, unshaven, and utterly broke, setting the stage for his desperate circumstances.

Saloon
2

Confrontation with Joe Burdette

Inside the saloon, Dude encounters Joe Burdette, who takes pleasure in his misery. Joe tosses a coin into the spittoon, igniting Dude's intense desire for a drink, provoking a pivotal moment in their interaction.

Saloon
3

Sheriff Chance Intervenes

Just as Dude reaches for the coin, Sheriff John T. Chance kicks it away, heightening the tension between the two men. This act of humiliation leads to an explosive reaction from Dude, marking the beginning of a chaotic confrontation.

Saloon
4

Brawl Breaks Out

Feeling insulted, Dude strikes Chance with a piece of wood, leading to a brutal brawl between them. In the ensuing chaos, Joe opens fire and kills an unarmed customer, demonstrating the lawlessness in the town.

Saloon
5

The Arrival of the Wagon Train

Amidst the turmoil, a wagon train led by Pat Wheeler arrives in town, only to find themselves amidst the brewing chaos. This sets up a new layer of conflict as the townsfolk grapple with the situation.

Town
6

Chance's Strategy

Realizing the urgency to act before the marshal's arrival, Sheriff Chance begins strategizing to bring Joe to justice. He seeks support from Dude and the elderly Stumpy, hoping to regain control.

Saloon
7

Introduction of Feathers

The narrative takes a turn with the arrival of Feathers, who becomes a significant figure in Chance's life. Her charisma adds depth to the unfolding drama, complicating Chance's decisions.

8

Dude's Struggle

Dude confronts his internal battles as he attempts to stay sober while proving his worth. A tense card game reveals Feathers' past and motivations, marking a critical point for Dude's redemption.

Saloon
9

Tragedy Strikes

The tension escalates when Pat Wheeler is fatally shot by an unseen gunman, shocking the residents and driving Dude and Chance into a frenzied pursuit of the responsible parties. This pivotal event heightens the stakes for all involved.

Town
10

Duel in the Saloon

In a dramatic confrontation, Dude uncovers a secret plot linked to a bloody drink, culminating in a fateful duel against Joe Burdette. This showdown encapsulates the struggle between good and evil in the town.

Saloon
11

Dangerous Negotiations

As the climax approaches, Chance engages in hazardous negotiations with Nathan, Joe's corrupt brother, to ensure Dude's safety. The tension mounts as the stakes grow increasingly dire.

12

Final Gunfight

The story reaches its peak with an intense gunfight involving Dude, Chance, and the newcomer Colorado. This confrontation tests their resolve and showcases the themes of loyalty and redemption amidst chaos.

Town
13

Restoring Peace

Following the climactic showdown, the town slowly begins to heal as the remaining characters finally confront their pasts. This resolution signifies a turning point as peace is restored and hope reigns.

Town
14

A Fresh Start

As the narrative concludes, characters, including Dude, embrace their new beginnings and leave behind their troubled past. The townsfolk’s laughter embodies resilience, marking a hopeful culmination of their journey.

Town

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 15:15

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Rio Bravo Summary

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Rio Bravo Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Rio Bravo

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Rio Bravo

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