THE UNDEFEATED (1969) *** When this came out it was my favorite movie ever, but I was, like, six years old. It's aged well, though. They give John Wayne some whoppers of droll lines, and he delivers 'em that way because he knew that no one else would ever be able to do it. Absolutely brilliant, I wouldn't argue with anyone who says that it's his greatest performance ever. Ever. Course, you figure you might get somethin' what with John Wayne bein' a cowboy an' all, but who ever would have thought that Rock Hudson could be such a great southern gentleman/warrior? He doesn't let Mr. Wayne take over the screen at any point in the proceedings and I don't know that anyone could do better than that. It's surprising that this film hasn't received more enthusiastic attention from the people who are supposed to remind us what's great about the history of cinema, unless you think about what else they do. There's a plot, there's great action, there are great actors acting greatly, it's a good looking film. Oh, sure there's a stupid and unnecessary plot tributary about a love triangle involving Roman Gabriel and Jan-Michael Vincent, but it's not that.well, other ones have been stupider and even more unnecessary. I sent Roman a fan letter once when I was a little kid and he was quarterback of the Rams. He sent me back an autographed picture inscribed "A champion never quits." Then his career took a downswing so the Rams dumped him, old age and injuries and such I think, but he hung in there and won Comeback of the Year award. Kids notice things like that. And remember.
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