‘Classic’ John Wayne Western on Channel 4 today | Films | Entertainment

A sweeping black-and-white Western directed by John Ford, is on Channel 4 today.

The film is the final instalment in his unofficial “Cavalry Trilogy” following Fort Apache (1948) and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949), and it pairs Ford once again with his long-time collaborator John Wayne, delivering a measured, character-driven story set against the backdrop of the American frontier.

Set after the Civil War, Rio Grande (1950) follows Lieutenant Colonel Kirby Yorke, played by Wayne, as he commands a remote U.S. Cavalry outpost near the Rio Grande river. His duties involve defending settlers from Apache attacks and keeping order in a volatile border region.

When his estranged son, Jefferson Yorke (Claude Jarman Jr.), is assigned to his command after enlisting in the army, personal and professional worlds collide.

Yorke’s estranged wife Kathleen, played by Maureen O’Hara, soon arrives at the fort, reigniting old emotions and forcing the family to confront years of separation and resentment.

The story balances action and introspection, offering less of the large-scale combat typical of Westerns at the time and more of an exploration of duty, pride, and reconciliation. As one reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes said: “This is a lot more of a relationship-based movie than the other two – maybe that’s what makes it so powerful. John Wayne’s performance is even stronger this time around… The father/son storyline is such a classic representation, but so well done that it doesn’t feel stale.”

Wayne’s portrayal of Yorke stands among his most nuanced roles for Ford, showing not only the stoic officer but also the emotional weight of a man torn between loyalty to his command and love for his family.

O’Hara brings poise and quiet strength to the part of Kathleen, her chemistry with Wayne balancing the film’s harder edges with tenderness and restraint. One audience member praised the pair’s subtle dynamic, writing: “The acting between Wayne and O’Hara is subtle, poignant and endearing. Much more believable than the volatile relationship in The Quiet Man.”

Rio Grande also benefits from the presence of the Sons of the Pioneers, whose harmonised songs are woven naturally into the narrative, adding warmth and a sense of camaraderie to the regiment’s daily life. The musical interludes, combined with the sweeping location shots of Moab, Utah, help convey the film’s gentler tone – a portrait of community and endurance in a harsh, changing landscape.

A Rotten Tomatoes user described it as “a tender portrait of the bygone era American cavalry. Well-defined characters and a progressive view on race make this minor classic enjoyable to contemporary audiences.”

Despite initial concerns that the lack of colour might dull the Western’s visual impact, critics have since praised how the monochrome palette enhances the atmosphere. One reviewer said: “Shooting a western in black-and-white does not sound like the best idea, but Ford makes it work. Great performance by John Wayne. He gets to show off a bit more acting range in this movie.”

The supporting cast includes Chill Wills as Sergeant Major Quincannon, offering moments of humour and humanity, and J. Carroll Naish as General Philip Sheridan – whose appearance was singled out for historical accuracy. As one fan wrote, “J Carroll Naish gets the award for looking exactly like the historical figure he is portraying.”

It was the first of Ford’s films to pair Wayne and O’Hara – a partnership that would later deliver classics such as The Quiet Man and McLintock! – and has been praised for its depiction of military honour, restraint, and family bonds amid the hardship of frontier life.

Another viewer said”: “The film presents the gentlemanly courtesy of those in the military… The film projects a sense of honour among members of the Cavalry. Well done.”

Rio Grande will be on Channel 4 today (Monday) at 12:55pm.