Rio Bravo (1959): Full list of cast in the movie

Rio Bravo, a 1959 American Western directed by Howard Hawks, is a classic that has greatly influenced the genre. Starring John Wayne, Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, Angie Dickinson, Walter Brennan, and Ward Bond, the film is known for its compelling story and memorable characters.

Set in a small Texas town, it tells a tale of courage, friendship, and conflict, capturing the essence of the American West. In 2014, it was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.

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Exploring the full cast list of Rio Bravo (1959)

1) John Wayne as John T. Chance

John Wayne (Image Via John Wayne.com)

John Wayne, one of Hollywood's most iconic actors, played the role of Sheriff John T. Chance in Rio Bravo. Stagecoach (1939), The Searchers (1956), and True Grit (1969) are some of his notable films.

In this movie, Sheriff Chance is assigned to keep a dangerous prisoner in safe custody even while defending against a gang that wants to free him; it shows how Wayne could play stoic and strong characters.

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2) Ricky Nelson as Colorado Ryan

Ricky Nelson

Colorado Ryan, a young and expert gunslinger was portrayed by Ricky Nelson, a teenage idol and rock ‘n’ roll star. Even before appearing in Rio Bravo, Nelson had become popularly known through his involvement in The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet TV series plus his successful music career epitomized by Poor Little Fool and Hello Mary Lou singles.

Initially reluctant to be drawn into the conflict in Rio Bravo, Colorado eventually becomes an important ally for Sheriff Chance. Thereby breathing new life into it. Throughout the movie, Dude undergoes a transformation from brokenness in search of forgiveness into heroism that are among its main themes.

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3) Angie Dickinson as Feathers

2023 TCM Classic Film Festival - Opening Night Gala And World Premiere Of 4k Restoration Of "Rio Bravo"

Angie Dickinson plays Feathers in Rio Bravo. Before this, she appeared in Gun the Man Down (1956) and China Gate (1957). In Rio Bravo, Feathers becomes interested in Sheriff Chance, adding romance and complexity to the story. This role helped make Angie Dickinson famous.

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4) Ward Bond as Pat Wheeler

Pat Wheeler is Chance's friend and associate and was played by Ward Bond. Wand Bond acted in over 200 films during his career. His notable works include The Quiet Man (1952), The Searchers (1956), and It’s A Wonderful Life (1946).

Sheriff Chance is visited at intervals by Wheeler who brings essential supplies. This shows Bond’s strength in playing reliable people.

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5) Walter Brennan as Stumpy

Walter Andrew Brennan was an actor and singer, who won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the movie, Come and Get It.

In Rio, Stumpy takes care of the jailhouse for Chance, although crippled in the movie, was the most loyal to Chance. Apart from being a loyal confidant, Stumpy's character also served as a comic relief for the fans.

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Supporting Cast

• John Russell as Nathan Burdette: The powerful and antagonistic rancher.
• Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez as Carlos Robante: The hotel owner who supports Chance.
• Estelita Rodriguez as Consuela Robante: Carlos' supportive wife.
• Claude Akins as Joe Burdette: Nathan's spoiled and murderous younger brother.
• Bing Russell: Uncredited as the cowboy killed by Joe Burdette at the start of the movie.
• Nesdon Booth as Clark
• Walter Barnes as Charlie the Bartender (uncredited)
• James B. Leong as Burt (uncredited)
• Malcolm Atterbury and Harry Carey Jr.: Credited but their scenes were deleted from the final film.

Nesdon Booth portrayed Clark, while Walter Barnes took on Charlie the Bartender's (uncredited) part alongside James B. Leong, who acted as Burt (uncredited).

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What is Rio Bravo about?

Rio Bravo centers around Sheriff John T. Chance, who arrests Joe Burdette, the brother of a powerful rancher, for murder. To keep him incarcerated before the federal marshal comes down, John must get support from his friends such as Dude, a one-time deputy turned alcoholic.

Stumpy, an old cripple, and Colorado Ryan, a young and skilled gunfighter. To stop Nathan Burdette’s henchmen from freeing Joe they have to fight together.

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The movie examines friendship through loyalty, redemption, and justice in the backdrop of old Westernized America.