A man shoots a policeman. The man turns out to be police detective Sgt. Stan Boyle and he in turn is also killed by a co-conspirator. Captain Edward Kosterman (Eddie Albert) directs the investigation to militants. Boyle's former partner Lieutenant Lon 'McQ' McHugh (John Wayne) believes it to be drug lord Manny Santiago. McQ is reprimanded for beating him up. Instead of accepting desk duty, McQ quits the force. He continues his investigation leading to Santiago planning a heist of a police drug evidence shipment.
This is the era of police drama after Bullitt. John Wayne is still smarting from not getting Dirty Harry and this is his take. Despite being only three years later, Wayne is way too old to play the role this way. He is not this type of action star. He has spent a lifetime moseying on the range and director John Sturges is much more known for his westerns. Every time Wayne goes into action, there is an old fashion stiffness about him. He's over 65 and should play much more into the retirement aspect of this character. He should be saying I'm too old for this. There are a couple of nice car chases although they are not better than their competitors. I do love the scene where Santiago catches McQ in his office. That's a nice twist although better misdirection would actually make it shocking. The plot is a bit too meandering. At least, this is a nice what-if movie.
This is the era of police drama after Bullitt. John Wayne is still smarting from not getting Dirty Harry and this is his take. Despite being only three years later, Wayne is way too old to play the role this way. He is not this type of action star. He has spent a lifetime moseying on the range and director John Sturges is much more known for his westerns. Every time Wayne goes into action, there is an old fashion stiffness about him. He's over 65 and should play much more into the retirement aspect of this character. He should be saying I'm too old for this. There are a couple of nice car chases although they are not better than their competitors. I do love the scene where Santiago catches McQ in his office. That's a nice twist although better misdirection would actually make it shocking. The plot is a bit too meandering. At least, this is a nice what-if movie.