He was supposed to be Dirty Harry, but he turned it down. Then Dirty Harry became a huge hit, and the old cowboy had to leave the ranch to prove that he could still handle the punks of today (1975). Because of that, we have Brannigan - in which 68 year old John Wayne plays a tough as nails Chicago cop sent to London to bring back a gangster named Larkin (John Vernon).
Since that would be a boring and short movie, hijinks ensue, and Brannigan, his Scotland Yard boss Sir Charles (Richard Attenborough), and driver Jenny (Judy Geeson) have to find Larkin before other bad guys kill him. It really doesn't matter, though. The whole movie is just an excuse to have The Duke amble through London insulting everyone and causing property damage. I actually think that this movie is a huge reason for the "Ugly American" stereotype. John Wayne thinks all English people are simple, and goddamn it, he's not giving up his gun! He's from Chicago! He needs his gun! He still speaks like this is a western! He does what he wants! USA! USA! USA!
Probably the most famous sequence of the movie happens when Brannigan goes into a pub to talk to a suspect. Through his very special John Wayne powers, he causes a brawl. Not just any brawl, but a full fledged saloon brawl! He's punching people and calling them "Pardner". People are being thrown at the piano player, and one guy even falls through the breakaway railing on the upper level. The only things missing are cowboy hats.
It's not that bad of a movie - it's just a little sad to see John Wayne look so out of place. He has the same problem as Kiera Knightley - he just doesn't look like he belongs in the present. John Wayne should never be in a car. Or a pub. Or a bathroom. It just feels wrong. But he is still likeable, and through it all, you really want to see him catch the bad guy, even if he is visibly loaded in a few scenes (especially the showdown with Larkin's kidnappers - I could smell the booze through my TV!). Don't go thinking he's too old for this, though. Sylvester Stallone's making The Expendables 2, and when that comes out, he'll be a ripe, old 66. Food for thought, isn't it?
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