The Shootist (1976)

In the twilight of his life, John Books, a legendary gunfighter, rides into Carson City in 1901. Books, whose deeds have been both feared and revered, is grappling with the harsh reality of his impending demise - a lethal cancer that offers him but two months of borrowed time. A seasoned warrior of many battles, Books seeks the counsel of a familiar doctor, hoping for a different prognosis than the one he's received. Yet, the doctor's confirmation of his terminal condition simply adds a stroke of cruel certainty to his fate. As the sands of time slip through his fingers, Books takes refuge in a local boarding house run by a stern woman and her young son. Recognized by the spirited boy, Books' notorious identity is revealed, evoking a mixture of dread and empathy from the boarding house matron. Despite her initial disdain for his violent past, she offers him compassion upon learning of his grim fate. Her son, eager yet naive, implores Books to teach him the art of wielding a gun, idolizing the infamous gunfighter. Books finds himself in a moral quandary, trying to convey the haunting toll that a life of bloodshed can take on a man's soul. He attempts to dissuade the young boy from a path of violence, even as he contemplates his own end. Stricken by the unbearable thought of a slow, painful death, Books begins to contemplate a swifter exit. One that aligns with the violent rhythm of his life, promising a dignified departure shrouded in the legacy of his infamous deeds. As Books navigates the final chapter of his life, he faces the challenge of reconciling his past, influencing the future, and determining the terms of his own mortality.

The Shootist is a drama movie featuring John Wayne.

The Shootist is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Pluto TV and it's also available on Hoopla and Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel .

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