A Classic with “Grit”: The Duke’s TRUE GRIT Returns to U.S. Theaters May 5th and 8th

” You can’t serve papers on a rat, baby sister. You gotta kill him or let him be. “

Saddle up with one-eyed “Rooster” Cogburn (John Wayne), young Mattie Ross (Kim Darby) and Texas Ranger La Boeuf (Glen Campbell) as they embark on an epic mission of revenge set in the awe-inspiring expanse of the American Old West. The original screen version of TRUE GRIT celebrates its 50th anniversary at more than 600 nationwide theaters for two days only: May 5 and May 8.

TCM Primetime host Ben Mankiewicz will offer pre- and post-film commentary, providing a special look at one of the most celebrated Westerns in film history, as well as the only performance that garnered movie legend John Wayne an Academy Award for his role as a grizzled, trigger-happy U.S. Marshal with “true grit.” This May, marvel at the original iconic classic that inspired the acclaimed remake by Joel and Ethan Coen in 2010. 

The 50th anniversary presentation of TRUE GRIT is the latest film in Fathom Events’ TCM Big Screen Classics series, which will also include STEEL MAGNOLIAS in May, a Father’s Day screening of FIELD OF DREAMS in June, and the Civil War epic GLORY in July.

Roger Ebert hailed it as “a masterpiece … the Western you should see if you only see one Western,” and in honor of its 50th anniversary, Fathom Events is bringing the original True Grit back to movie theaters this May for just two days: May 5 and May 8, as part of the yearlong TCM Big Screen Classics series. The film will be accompanied by specially produced introductory and closing commentary from TCM Primetime Host Ben Mankiewicz.

Known by many movie fans as the film that finally won an Oscar for screen icon John Wayne, True Grit begins when ambitious but naïve teenager Mattie Ross (Kim Darby) sets out on a mission to avenge the murder of her father. On her way, she hires Rooster Cogburn (John Wayne, in one of his most recognizable roles), an aging town marshal who has a reputation for having “true grit.” Their journey to catch the outlaw responsible for her father’s death proves more dangerous than Mattie ever imagined, but along the way, she learns that she may have more courage than she ever thought. Also nominated for Best Original Song, True Grit is a classic Western about justice, loyalty and what it takes to truly have an unwavering bravery known as “grit.”

*Sunday, May 5, 2019 – 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. (local time)

* Wednesday, May 8, 2019 – 12:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. (local time)

Tickets for True Grit can be purchased at www.FathomEvents.com or participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in more than 600 movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network (DBN). For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).