Lt. Col. Kirby Yorke is posted on the Texas frontier to defend settlers against depredations of marauding Apaches. Col. Yorke is under considerable stress by a serious shortage of troops of his command. Tension is added when Yorke's son (whom he hasn't seen in fifteen years), Trooper Jeff Yorke, is one of 18 recruits sent to the regiment.
Where to Watch Rio Grande
- Mister ArnJune 15, 2025“Rio Grande” is the final chapter in John Ford’s cavalry films, with John Wayne as Lt. Col. Kirby Yorke, a seasoned officer torn between his duty to the military and his family. Maureen O’Hara plays his estranged wife with strength and pride, refusing to fade into the background. Their scenes together simmer with old wounds and unspoken affection. The Sons of the Pioneers appear in the film, but their musical interludes slow the momentum and feel more like filler than substance. Still, anytime Wayne and O’Hara share the screen with Ford directing, it’s a film worth seeing.
Rio Grande Trivia
Rio Grande was released on November 15, 1950.
Rio Grande was directed by John Ford.
Rio Grande has a runtime of 1h 45m.
Rio Grande was produced by John Ford, Merian C. Cooper.
Lt. Col. Kirby Yorke is posted on the Texas frontier to defend settlers against depredations of marauding Apaches. Col. Yorke is under considerable stress by a serious shortage of troops of his command. Tension is added when Yorke's son (whom he hasn't seen in fifteen years), Trooper Jeff Yorke, is one of 18 recruits sent to the regiment.
The key characters in Rio Grande are Lt. Col. Kirby Yorke (John Wayne), Mrs. Kathleen Yorke (Maureen O'Hara), Trooper Travis Tyree (Ben Johnson).
Rio Grande is rated Passed.
Rio Grande is a Western, Romance, Drama film.
Rio Grande has an audience rating of 7 out of 10.