A poignant and powerful farewell to the era of the Old West, The Shootist (1976) is a gripping Western drama that serves as the final film of legendary actor John Wayne. Directed by Don Siegel, the film follows J.B. Books (Wayne), an aging gunfighter who arrives in Carson City, Nevada, in 1901, seeking solace in his final days. Diagnosed with terminal cancer, Books wishes to live out his last moments in peace. However, his reputation as a feared and deadly gunslinger refuses to let him fade quietly into obscurity.As word spreads of his presence, old enemies and young guns eager to make a name for themselves begin circling, each hoping to be the one to take down the infamous shootist. While staying at a boarding house run by a kind widow (Lauren Bacall) and her impressionable son (Ron Howard), Books contemplates the meaning of his legacy and how he will face his inevitable end.With a stellar supporting cast including James Stewart, Richard Boone, and Harry Morgan, The Shootist is more than just a Western—it is a reflective, deeply emotional story about a man coming to terms with his mortality. Wayne’s performance, mirroring his own real-life battle with cancer, lends the film an added layer of authenticity and gravitas, making it one of the most memorable and touching Westerns ever made.

A must-watch for fans of classic cinema and Westerns, The Shootist is a fitting and dignified send-off for both its protagonist and the legendary actor who brought him to life.