In 1959, there was a virtual stampede of popular Westerns. Five of the top six TV shows were Westerns. And at the movies 21 percent of the movies released were Westerns. The top Western of this fabulous year for the genre is the Classic Film Series' annual visit to the old corral, RIO BRAVO.

RIO BRAVO is about a small group of good guys facing a hoard of bad guys all for a love of law and order. There's plenty of gunplay. There's plenty of other good stuff too as we sit around the good old Western movie campfire. There's three songs; there's a love story; there's funny scenes.

Hot movie stars also ride tall in the movie saddle. John Wayne was the third most popular star in all the movies. Riding side-saddle to the Duke, is Dean Martin in a breakaway dramatic role. And, surprise, there's Ricky Nelson, fresh from his long haul as a kid TV star. There's bronc bustin' supporting players too. Angie Dickinson is Wayne's love-hate interest. And crotchety old Walter Brennan drives everyone nuts.

All the fun and excitement in RIO BRAVO was directed by Howard Hawks, one of the greatest directors of the 20th century. His earlier Western, RED RIVER (1948) is still on some lists as the best oater of all time.

RIO BRAVO will be shown at 6:30pm at the Edge Center Theater in Bigfork on November 13.  FREE to all cowpunchers and those who dream to be.