In The Undefeated we are treated to a jumble of history, in your face social issues but with dandified relics of American iconoclasm... Rock Hudson and John Wayne? Really! You can't tell by the bragadocio, over-the-top masculinity that somebody is hiding his sexual orientation? John "Marion" Wayne leaves me suspect.

But nobody fits those descriptions. 60's more-editorial-than reality gives way to the ultimate test: True Grit.

jmcc--gotta love Kim Darby wandering around on principle, timeless hairstyle and, er more principles. Unlike Jimmy, Mattie "will not put a thief in my mouth to steal my brain"

wintergnat--know-it-all from the East (well, Texas) struts around prompting Mattie to say, "I'd give you my regards but you seem to have enough for yourself already" Glen "Send-me-the-head-of-Bobbie-Gentry" Campbell as "La Boeuf"

Maneki Neko--irrascable, drunk, still able to whoop some butt even though he/she has arthritis, Rooster Cogburn, of course. I don't know what 'true grit' is but if it means poppin' a cap in 24 men then I guess MN's got it. (this is the movie which coined that phrase) (JW's only Oscar, stolen from Midnight Cowboy)

mantisgod--Judge Parker, Watch that gavel, please

marlfoxprince--the 'touched' kid who crows, barks and ba-a-a-a's like a sheep. Nice workup for Deliverance

me--Dennis Hopper as another crazieeee..........

LF--so mean he throws girls into snake pits (Tom Chaney, no relation)

ewm--Chin, "shoo-ting is for outside!"

Ragdrazi--Robert Duvall as Ned Pepper, one of Rooster's many, needless casualties

Percy--prissy Lawyer Dagget rhymes with, oh nevermind. Teaches us the writ is mightier than the sword