Glen Campbell Is Awful - True Grit (1969) Discussion

[–] 13 years ago

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I cut Glenn Campbell some slack because he wasn't an actor. If I had been in charge back in 1969 I would have used a TV cowboy. Doug McClure is my ideal LaBeouf.

"Madame meets many people, but she usually avoids the mad ones."

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[–] sirsalon 13 years ago

There ya go! I was trying to think of someone who would have fit and you nailed it. Doug McClure would have been perfect.

I know why they picked Glen. He was a rising star at the time. Well, he was actually established as an entertainer and they wanted him to bring his audience to the film. And they didn't want the supporting actor to outshine Wayne.

But for critical value, McClure would have been great.

Now what about Mattie Ross? I found Kim Darby to be so annoying that I still cannot watch this film without cringing. Hailee Steinfeld, who delvers the same lines, does so with much more depth and credibility and with much less condescending arrogance. So who would you have chosen to replace Darby?

(Even if you liked Darby, don't say it. Just humor me and cast another Mattie Ross - lol)

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[–] misspaddylee 13 years ago

(Even if you liked Darby, don't say it. Just humor me and cast another Mattie Ross - lol)

What would you think about Glynis O'Connor, who was 13 at the time?

"Madame meets many people, but she usually avoids the mad ones."

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[–] sirsalon 13 years ago

Ya know, I can see that. Self-assured, quietly demanding, and not one to suffer fools lightly.

I think you missed your calling!

A woman with a beautifully coiffed hairdo will never be lonely.

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[–] misspaddylee 13 years ago

Thanks. "Armchair casting director" - I think I'll have cards made up.

"Madame meets many people, but she usually avoids the mad ones."

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[–] 13 years ago

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[–] 13 years ago

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[–] darkness_surroundz 8 years ago

old Hollywood up until 1970 liked to use the days pop stars in a movie-to rope in the younger female viewers-and also to sing the theme song-listen to Frankie Avalon warble the improbable theme to VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA in that film

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[–] Wuchakk 13 years ago

I just watched the film last night and Glen Campbell reminded me of an uglier Lee Majors.

Anyway, I've heard the criticism of Campbell's performance many times over the years and, after just seeing the film, I don't think it's near as bad as the ridiculously bad hype suggests. These critics have all made a mountain out of a molehill.

Although I did feel there was too much Disney-goes-West syndrome that wasn't Campbell's fault. It was the spirit of the day.

Ultimately the viewer came to like La Beouf and, like mattie, felt sorry that his body was just left behind to rot (something Rooster had to do, of course, to save Mattie). Not to mention there was good interaction-camaraderie between the three protagonists. This is to Campbell's credit.

Sit back and enjoy the movie. Campbell was just fine.

(And, no, I'm not a Campbell devotee or Country music fan)

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[–] bradford-1 13 years ago

Has anyone actually seen NORWOOD, the follow-up film starring Darby and Campbell? I would assume they were allowed to act on the sexual tension that was taboo in TG.
"We're fighting for this woman's honor, which is more than she ever did."

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[–] franzkabuki 13 years ago

In a film featuring a creature such as that Matty-woman, all bets are off. But yes, Campbell was horrendous as well. Gets a well deserved second prize.

"facts are stupid things" - Ronald Reagan

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[–] wingman883-1 12 years ago

He did a great job .

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[–] acaciajules 12 years ago

Glen Campbell was one of the few I didn't mind! Wayne and Darby overacted their parts, and were painful to watch. I had to take breaks while watching it on Netflix last night. I was laughing half the time at their performances, it was awful!

Chase: Wow. Yeah, I get it. House is adorable. I just want to hold him and never let go.

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[–] yahmez 12 years ago

Glen Campbell delivered a performance so wooden you could build an outhouse out of it, and crap in it.

Sincerely, yahmez the mad.

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[–] Tresix 11 years ago

I had always been hearing negative things about Campbell's performance in this movie. Not only do I think he did a good job, I think he did much better than Matt Damon in the same role in the remake! Damon, to me, came across like a city slicker visiting a dude ranch. Campbell acted like an actual cowboy.

"I'm in such bad shape, I'm wearing prescription underwear." Phyllis Diller 1917-2012

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[–] star_in_the_zenith_79 10 years ago

I honestly can't figure why people hate Campbell's performance so much. He actually seemed halfway believable. I have nothing against Matt Damon, normally he's a good actor but in this he seemed to wooden.

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[–] dtducharme-1 10 years ago

One of the best movies ever made. As for Glen Campbell, his portrayal of LaBoeuf was very telling. A very young lawman whom a lot was expected of, especially by himself tried very hard to conceal his vulnerability. It was touched by the plight of a young girl seeking justice for her murdered father. Matty's desire for revenge finally came through when she accidentally came face to face with Tom Chaney and tried to kill him. Mr. Campbell was never a seasoned actor and I believe that lent itself well to his portrayal of his character. Give him his props already.

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[–] dtducharme-1 10 years ago

One of the best movies ever made. As for Glen Campbell, his portrayal of LaBoeuf was very telling. A very young lawman whom a lot was expected of, especially by himself tried very hard to conceal his vulnerability. It was touched by the plight of a young girl seeking justice for her murdered father. Matty's desire for revenge finally came through when she accidentally came face to face with Tom Chaney and tried to kill him. Mr. Campbell was never a seasoned actor and I believe that lent itself well to his portrayal of his character. Give him his props already.

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[–] wvsarafan 9 years ago

Kill yourself. Soon.

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[–] WTNMovieFan 9 years ago

I watched this movie last night, saw it as a kid in the first release. Campbell and Darby do ok. Tough to read about what went on behind the scenes. Given her attitude, no wonder Darby didn't have a better career.

This movie was made very well, I'm sure the goal of the filmmakers was to help John Wayne get that elusive Oscar with this role. He should have won another from The Shootist.

I serve a risen Savior! John 3:16

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