Enjoyable, albeit resonably breezy and lighter than 'High Noon'.

I thoroughly enjoyed Rio Bravo, however it contains not close to the amount of tension as that of its oft compared counterpart High Noon. Rio Bravo is frequently humorous however, and is not as gravely serious as the Gary Cooper classic.

I also believe it exceptionally well-cast - Wayne is comfortable, Martin convinces as a man who quite obviously feels extreme shame over his drunkenness, and ever-reliable character actors Ward Bond and John Russell provide solid support. The set design was a highlight too, it had a much brighter, optimistic feel which in itself is a nice contrast.

For me the key moment in the film, and it's a credit to the adept direction of Hawks, is when Dude and Chance pursue Wheeler's shooter into a bar and confront the patrons, before Dude fells the perpetrator who is hiding in the rafters. Littered with great moments, be them comic or tense. The script is great, underlying themes are there too.

It's a completely different look at lawmen of the Old West under extreme duress than High Noon- much more optimistic, and arguably more macho, and both serve as fascinating films in their own distinct ways.

"I never feel so much myself as when I'm in a hot bath"
- Sylvia Plath