Who'd of thought that a Howard Hawks western starring John Wayne and Robert Mitchum could be so mediocre?  Wayne who went on to snare a deserved Oscar for "True Grit", looked ancient and ill suited to portray one of the fastest draws in the west, gunfighter Cole Thornton.  He seemed even more unbelieveable in winning the affections of attractive widow Maudie played by Charlene Holt.

Wayne joins forces with alcoholic El Dorado sheriff J.P. Harrah, not much of a stretch for Robert Mitchum who seemed half asleep at times in the film.  Wayne had been recruited by land baron Bart Jason played by a snotty Ed Asner to evict the rightful owner of a tract of land that he desired, which Wayne ultimately declined to do.  Together they fight off an Asner sponsored gang led by facially scarred actor Christopher George.

Unfortunately "El Dorado"'s tired theme had been done before and in much better fashion in films such as "Shane" for example.  The aged pair of Wayne and Mitchum didn't do it for me.  James Caan in one of his first major roles was not well cast in this movie.  Arthur Hunnicutt playing deputy Bull Harris was the acting highlight of the film.  Charlene Holt parading around in negligee was pretty good as well.
Who'd of thought that a Howard Hawks western starring John Wayne and Robert Mitchum could be so mediocre? Wayne who went on to snare a deserved Oscar for "True Grit", looked ancient and ill suited to portray one of the fastest draws in the west, gunfighter Cole Thornton. He seemed even more unbelieveable in winning the affections of attractive widow Maudie played by Charlene Holt. Wayne joins forces with alcoholic El Dorado sheriff J. P. Harrah, not much of a stretch for Robert Mitchum who seemed half asleep at times in the film. Wayne had been recruited by land baron Bart Jason played by a snotty Ed Asner to evict the rightful owner of a tract of land that he desired, which Wayne ultimately declined to do. Together they fight off an Asner sponsored gang led by facially scarred actor Christopher George. Unfortunately "El Dorado"'s tired theme had been done before and in much better fashion in films such as "Shane" for example. The aged pair of Wayne and Mitchum didn't do it for me. James Caan in one of his first major roles was not well cast in this movie. Arthur Hunnicutt playing deputy Bull Harris was the acting highlight of the film. Charlene Holt parading around in negligee was pretty good as well.