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Okay so John Wayne will forever be remembered as "The Duke" in a countless string of westerns, but watching him play an honorable and tough as nails cop named Police Lieutenant Lon McQ, is worth every penny watching him do "his thing". Some of the other IMDb reviewers have compared this film to the Dirty Harry (Clint Eastwood) films but in fact The Duke, is just playing himself and rather than seeing him riding a big horse The Duke is seen cruising and shooting in his extremely rare Brewster Green 1973 Pontiac Trans Am SD-455 (Super Duty). I could not imagine the Hollywood heavyweight John Wayne squeezing into a two (2) door 1974 Ford Pinto so of course if he is playing a cop out to revenge his friends murder and defending himself against a mob and drug cartel, the director has to put The Duke behind a muscle car.

Honestly, I have NEVER seen a bad John Wayne film and this is no exception. In fact I quite enjoyed the storyline, and John Wayne was perfectly cast as the lone detective out seeking justice with a big, big gun and two big fists. You will not be disappointed.

I give McQ a solid 7 out of 10 IMDb rating.

I've always felt that John Wayne did his two police films McQ and Brannigan for a combination of reasons. Some of his last westerns before these like The Train Robbers and Cahill were really not up to standard and didn't get the reception at the box office Wayne films could usually expect. I also think those rugged western locations were becoming a problem healthwise. And of course Wayne was bowing to the public's new taste in heroes.

In McQ Wayne is investigating the death of his partner, the way Humphrey Bogart investigated the shooting death of Jerome Cowan in the Maltese Falcon. He has to go private to do it, he actually resigns from the Seattle PD and gets a private license, courtesy of a friend, David Huddleston. The investigation leads him to some surprising and not welcome conclusions.

John Wayne is always the great symbol of law and order and at first glance you would think this might not be a role for him, investigating crooked cops. But when you think about it in films like Tall in the Saddle and Rio Lobo he dealt with crooked sheriffs in the usual Wayne manner. In fact the whole point of Rio Lobo is Wayne putting his whole life on hold to find a couple of guys who betrayed him and their country during the Civil War. So McQ is definitely in line with both of those films.

In the supporting cast my favorite is Al Lettieri the drug kingpin of Seattle. Lettieri's death a few years after this film was a great loss to cinema. During the first half of the Seventies, ever since playing Virgil Sollozzo in The Godfather, Lettieri created some really outstanding villains and Manny Santiago here is one of them.

The ending will surprise you and its more Maltese Falcon than you would think.

McQ was one of John Wayne's efforts to move into a new era. McQ was not the best of Wayne's movies, but it wasn't the worst (an old friend who is no longer around once said there were no bad John Wayne movies). Just turning 50 myself, I remember the John Wayne movies of my youth, and Wayne was always "tops" on my list. McQ was "Classic Wayne" in a new era. The 70s were a time when men were starting to become different in the movies. Not like the men of my youth. Wayne kept that "macho" image going. In another post, a comment was made the Wayne used "big weapons" to foil the bad guys long before Rambo did. That is exactly right. It is great to sit and watch an action movie with so many great starts of the past (Wayne, Eddie Albert, Diana Muldaur, Colleen Dewhurst, Clu Gulager, and a young Roger E. Mosley). Another thing that is of interest is these so called "movie experts" that watch movies, and don't understand one thing about the movie they comment one. McQ's car was a Trans Am, not an AMC Hornet. It was referred to at a "Green Hornet" in reference to the TV show "The Green Hornet." It was the nickname of his car, not the made or model of the car. His Trans Am was the same color as the Green Hornet's car. This is a good John Wayne movie. Good music, good car chases, good story line. It is a good movie to sit and watch on an rainy afternoon. Enjoy it for what it is. A nice chance to relive some moments from your youth, and see the Duke in action. Enjoy yourself, and have fun. That was the purpose of the movie.

I just saw McQ for the first time in a while and I still don't understand where all the harsh criticism comes from. Was John Wayne such an incredible actor that if he comes out with an ok effort it's looked at as crap? I'll admit this movie was not an academy award winner, but it really was quite enjoyable. I liked seeing Wayne in something different. He actually did a decent job as the tough cop who went up against drugs and corruption. In contrast to reviews I've read I really don't see as much sameness to some other movies of the time e.g. "Dirty Harry." It dealt with its own issues and had a fine supporting cast. As far as actioners go I think this one holds its own and turns out to be a pretty fun "Duker."

John Wayne is Lieutenant Lon McQ (yes, that is his actual name) who finds himself in trouble. Several cops are murdered, by another cop who happens to be McQ's partner, who is then himself murdered. Thrown off the case he proceeds to investigate himself and uncovers a plot of corruption and formerly seized narcotics.

The film is quite dated by today's standards as the "lone cop" formula has all but been beaten into the ground. So to enjoy this film one must realize it is in fact from 1974 when cop flicks were as typical as teen comedies are now. Also despite having many similarities to 'Bullitt' and 'Dirty Harry' this is still an enjoyable action movie in its own right. It is not a classic since the story is a lot less inventive as the aforementioned films, but it is pretty cool to see John Wayne as a cop - he is no less tough then when sporting six shooters and riding a horse. Inevitably, the film would have prospered more if Wayne was a bit younger, but he is still good as the lead pretty much as he always has been in previous roles.

Also, there are several car chases - all are very different. From the typical driving down the road, to down alleyways, and even on a beach! Also for you car chase fans, this film supposedly contains the first ever cannon-roll car stunt on film. So, story department aside, the film has an edge that is quite fun and enjoyable. 7/10

Rated PG for violence

If you don't particularly like John Wayne, then I doubt if this film will change your opinion. But, if you do like his films and want to watch some mindless action, it's not a bad bet at all--though the film is awfully derivative. That's because only a short time before this, the Dirty Harry films debuted and were VERY successful. John Wayne must have been really ticked, as he was first offered the part as Inspector Callahan ("Dirty Harry"). McQ is his attempt to cash in on the genre, though the results were definitely very mixed.

First, let's talk about the bad. The overall tone of the film is pretty dark and depressing. A plot involving stolen drugs and dirty cops was a far cry from the usual John Wayne fare. Plus I was pretty shocked when this newer and "hipper" Wayne gave drugs to Colleen Dewhurst to elicit her assistance AND THEN he slept with her! This just seemed rather gross. Occasionally, the Duke's reasoning abilities seemed a bit "super-human"--such as how did he know what he knew when the film was about to end??!! Also, unlike Dirty Harry and Wayne's next film (BRANNIGAN), there are no great lines from the film such as "you feelin' lucky, punk". Also, the story itself is just okay.

As for the good, there are some wonderful action scenes--ones that a 60-something Wayne couldn't have really done if his life had depended on it! And the final confrontation was really exciting and about what you'd hope for in the film.

By the way, while I only see this as a slightly better than average time-passer, his next film, BRANNIGAN, is a much better film. While not exactly a sequel, he plays a very similar role but the writing, locale and acting is just a whole lot better--and aside from THE SHOOTIST, is probably the best film of the final decade of Wayne's career.

OK, so what do you watch a John Wayne movie for anyway? Good action, nice plot, the Duke doing HIS thing; this time with a badge and a cool car instead of his trusty horse. I just watched this movie again on Speed Channel's lost drive in......Very enjoyable. Good supporting cast, great location and poor ol' Al Littieri gets wasted again! How many bad guys did he play in the 70's? Another good John Wayne movie.... How about that Firebird... was that a '74 Trans Am? Dark green too, hmmmm, maybe more than just a little "Bullit" brought into this film? There are a couple of scenes and the music occasionally really reminds me of Bullit. The Duke is no where as cool as McQueen (hmm, there's a "McQ"there too) but he certainly has the muscle, even at this age.

While the opening credits roll, several Seattle cops are shot dead. Awakened fully-clothed on his boat, groggy policeman John Wayne (as Lon "McQ" McHugh) learns one of the cops killed was his partner. Complicating matters, his partner looks like the one who killed the others. An assassin also tries to shoot Mr. Wayne, but Wayne is too quick to be killed and guns down the assailant. Wayne decides to track down the killers, who are involved in drug-trafficking. He viciously beats one suspect and deposits him in a men's room urinal. His violent outburst gets Wayne in trouble with superior police officer Eddie Albert (as Kosterman). Wayne won't accept his transfer to a desk job, quits his job, and becomes a vigilante...

Wayne as a modern action hero does not work; the legendary actor appears old and uncomfortable in a role likely considered for Steve McQueen...

While the script does make appreciated adjustments for Wayne's age, he sometimes seems stiff and labored. Conversely, he dashes around town in a little speedster called the "Green Hornet". In one of the most interesting sequences, Wayne immorally uses sex and drugs to obtain information from recovering addict Colleen Dewhurst (as Myra). It's incredible that Wayne prostitutes himself, albeit secondarily (to drugs), but Ms. Dewhurst's delicate performance carries the day. Directed by John Sturges, "McQ" does manage to maintain Wayne's screen presence. Often, Wayne teamed-up with a much younger actor, usually resulting in a great western film. It would have been better to see him similarly co-star, in a modern drama...

Wayne does get to kick a "hippie" early in the running time; to boot, the lad has a full head of natural, fuzzy hair.

***** McQ (1974-01-04) John Sturges ~ John Wayne, Diana Muldaur, Eddie Albert, Colleen Dewhurst

This thrilling movie is a genuine ripping yarn with intrigue , mystery , tension and outstanding twists plots . An agreeable all action seventies nostalgia trip , being fast paced and rightly developed . The picture is packed with a stuffed ragbag of drugs , heavy arms and cars . Seattle cop Lon McQ (aging Wayne , he was 66 when he played a cop for the first time) investigates the murder of his best friend , Stan Boyle (William Bryant) , and the corruption within the police department . McQ believes Manuel Santiago (Al Lettieri) is behind this killing . McQ is a peculiar cop who lives on a boat (this boat McQ lives on actually belonged to John Wayne) and using mercilessly weapons (introducing the MAC-10 submachine gun to the general public and creating a demand for it) against enemy . As defying the orders of his superior , Captain Ed Kosterman (Eddie Albert) , lieutenant McQ takes justice on his own hands , he resigns to track them down . McQ enlists the help of private detective "Pinky" (David Huddleston) and J . C. (Jordan Christopher) . Meanwhile , McQ becomes involved with a twisted intrigue filled with narcotics , corrupt people , big dope dealers , shotguns and traitors . McQ driving his car Brewster Green 1973 Pontiac pursues and shoots nasties , mobsters and corrupt police officers . Including an exciting and breathtaking finale car chase .

One of Duke's last movies with a more work modern day assignment than most . Stepping out of his ordinary Westerns and into the character of a Seattle police man , here Big Duke goes in search of revenge on the gangsters who killed his best friend . Although , it was originally intended as a vehicle for Steve McQueen , it was heavily rewritten for John Wayne . John Wayne starred in this film , along with Brannigan (1975) , because he missed out on starring in Dirty Harry (1971). Stirring film in which there are nail-biting action scenes , intrigue , blasts , suspenseful set pieces and a big star as well as an excellent plethora of secondaries such as : Eddie Albert , Colleen Dewhurst , Clu Gulager , David Huddleston , Al Lettieri , Roger E. Mosley , Julian Christopher , and Julie Adams . This thrilling film is just a rip-off of Bullit (1968) and Dirty Harry , taking parts here and there . Colorful and atmospheric cinematography by Harry Stradling . Including the spectacular ending sequence in which McQ (Wayne) and Lois (Diana Muldaur) driving along the coast , it was filmed on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State ; there were filming delays when the beach was foggy . Original musical score by the classic Elmer Bernstein , including a catching leitmotif .

The motion picture was compelling and forcefully directed , thanks capable hands of filmmaker John Sturges , if not much continuity , though at the beginning he was opposed to the casting of John Wayne in the title role , due to the actor's age . This is the only movie westerns director John Sturges and westerns film actor John Wayne made together . The redoubtable John demonstrates his skill and mettle here . Sturges was a warlike genre expert (Great escape , Never so few , The Eagle has landed) and Western master (Gunfight OK Corral , Last train of Gun Hill , The law and Jake Wade , Magnificent Seven , Escape from Fort Bravo ). McQ rating: 6.5/10 , Acceptable and passable. It is like Dirty Harry done with a veteran Big Duke . Well worth seeing , the movie will appeal to John Wayne fans .

Even getting into a drive-in theater to see this for free wasn't enough for me to like it. From what I can remember - and I can remember only seeing this movie once in it's entirety almost 50 years ago - John Wayne screamed old man, which my girlfriend at the time mentioned a lot as we watched this flick. It was laughable watching him try to squeeze himself in and out of that Pontiac, walk or even run for more than a few seconds and act like a 'ladies man' which is the one thing he could never do, even in his 20's let alone in this movie when he was at medicare age. At any rate, you should always know when to 'hang it up' whether you're a pro sports figure, singer or old cowboy movie star. Wayne was operating on one lung by this time from decades of his 3 pack a day habit and the other lung was wracked with COPD. If he wanted to continue working, or trying to work, while his body was basically falling apart that's his business. Unfortunately for his fans, and I was sort of one when I was younger, watching this ultimate macho man try to act like he did decades before was kind of sad. The shoot out at the end is the best part of the film as far I'm concerned, so keep that FF button handy, because the rest of this movie is just 'meh'

By the early seventies the western genre was in severe decline, and with the exception of Clint Eastwood the only other bankable actor within the genre who could return a sure fire hit was John Wayne. However having made a string or westerns in succession John Wayne was eager to broaden his horizons and undertake a new project, the project was to be a contemporary detective drama titled 'McQ'.

McQ is set in Seattle and follows Lon McQ (Duke) in his pursuit of the gangsters whom murdered his friend and colleague Stan Boyle. As the quest intensifies McQ uncovers the motive behind his friends killing and uncovers corruption that stems right to the top of the police hierarchy.

While the movie was slammed by critics and some anti Wayne elements its impossible to deny that John Wayne is well cast in this movie as a tough cop who is something of an outsider in a world of changing values. The Duke gives a fine performance with some good supporting players most notably Eddie Albert, Al Lettieri, Colleen Dewhurst and Diana Muldaur There are some well-staged action scenes including two high-speed car chases and an exciting climatic shootout. One notable if somewhat improbable action scene involves two lorries playing a large-scale version of dodgems with McQ's car that would have been very akin to a scene from a James Bond movie.

The movie delves into several interesting areas including corruption, family breakdowns and the shadowy underworld of drugs, one brilliantly directed and acted scene involves McQ exchanging drugs for vital information about an imminent drugs heist, this scene illustrates just how complex the drug underworld actually is and the chemistry between McQ and Myra is very evident.

The overall tone of the movie is notably grim and gritty and while the movie would have benefited from a larger budget, tighter direction and greater character development, nevertheless McQ was an undeniable hit at the box office and is a worthy entry into John Wayne's impressive portfolio.

Okay, this isn't exactly high art, but it has a few things going for it if you're in the mood. A cool music score a little reminiscent of "The Taking Of Pelham 123", a plethora of killings at the start which are the nastiest the movie gets, and John Wayne his usual likeable self. He manages some very funny reactions and strolls through seattle with the air of a man to whom this is child's play. The influence of The French Connection is obvious, as is the Dirty Harry mould of tough cop, but there are little dtails that make things refreshing, like the background characters, and Lon's character itself, who genuinelty seems to be motivated by a desire to do justice, not act out his own fantasies. The scenes with Myra and with Diana Muldaur are particularly good, and the hatred between McQ and Santiago is teriffic. The beach chase at the end is pure hokum, and unlike Dirty Harry, a movie which deserves to be seen as more than just a thriller, McQ is purely a thriller, not trying to change the world, but just pass a couple of hours. And why not!

The elderly John Wayne as a Dirty Harry type renegade cop? It's hard to accept him in the seedy underworld of the 1970's - he seems a creature from another world, certainly another time. But this incongruity is the most interesting thing about this tired, cliched "corrupt cops and drugs" yarn, with its obligatory car chases and violence.

There is one scene though that shows how good an actor the Duke had become, and how well he may have responded to better material. That is the superb scene he has with the magnificent Colleen Dewhurst - a scene heavy with sexual tension and sub-text. Did he ever make a straight drama? This scene shows that he certainly could have. I am thankful that they cut away before the sex though - I don't think I could have taken seeing Wayne humiliate himself with the usual bare-assed seventies gratuitous sex scene!

My opinion of John Sturges' McQ has evolved over the years. I saw it thirty years ago on NBC (with only a few bullet holes and mild curse words eliminated) and thought it was a flabby, but relatively decent little cops and robbers flick. It had the additional enjoyment of being filmed, in part, in Seattle, an exotic city some 280 miles from my home, Spokane.

John Wayne was something of a cartoon to me when I was a teenager. I didn't understand or appreciate his body of work and that he was a unique performer--to paraphrase his words, "not an actor, but a re-actor." His screen persona was simple and subtle, very human yet heroic. I didn't see any of this; McQ was just John Wayne putting on a business suit (as the reviewer in Time said, "Seems like putting Cary Grant in bib overalls"), strapping on an exotic weapon, and sliding behind the wheel of a Trans Am to go kick drug-dealer butt. McQ wasn't anything special. Just a cop movie with an old guy playing young.

As I got older--and saw McQ uncut on WTBS or KSTW--I began to appreciate both the film and its star even more. Yet I knew that the conventional wisdom of McQ was that it was a ridiculous attempt to modernize Wayne's image, to cash in on his stardom (which it didn't; McQ flopped at the box office). I declared McQ to be my official "Sinful Pleasure," a really bad movie that is truly lovable.

Think of a dog so ugly it's cute.

I taped a keeper copy of it off Cinemax, watched it every year or so. A DVD came a couple of years ago. I realized I never get tired of this movie. It's got lots to complain about--the looping of the dialogue is atrocious, the geography is laughable, the clichés are stacked like cord-wood, and the thought of all the better things John Sturges did in his career keeps popping into my mind.

Yet . . .

Wayne is at his most comfortable, maybe his best work since In Harm's Way. The crime drama itself plays out nicely, with clues being offered out at just the right pace, Seattle and the Olympic Penninsula are beautifully sun-washed and crisp-looking, and Wayne's costars give real weight to the movie--Colleen Dewhurst, Eddie Albert, Diana Muldaur, and David Huddleston, to name a few. There are a few over-the-top scenes that stretch credulity (his confiscation of a MAC-10 machine pistol from a gun dealer and talking Ebonics to Roger E. Mosley come to mind), but our affection for Wayne, and his professionalism, allow him to tame the gamier moments. You actually can believe his call for help to Seattle patrolmen when his car is demolished by a couple of semis, "Get some foam on this thing. I'm up to my butt in gas!" His embarrassment when asking for money from ex-wife Julie Adams and her moneybags husband is one of the best moments in the movie. And, of course, his being seduced by Dewhurst, at first, is so off-putting that you may want to make a Mystery Science Theater 3000 comment at the screen.

But if you're anywhere near adulthood, realize this: Middle aged people (Wayne's character is in his fifties and so is Dewhurst's) have sex. Wayne is the gentleman, here. He's being approached by Dewhurst and he doesn't want his saying no to be hurtful or condescending. If you watch the scene more than once, I believe you will see it as a sweet and decent moment and not some sort of dirty joke about old folks.

This brings us back to the evolution of my opinion of McQ. First it was an okay shootemup, then a sinful indulgence, and now, a set of good performances that lift up an otherwise pedestrian crime drama. It's easy to brand a movie a "sinful pleasure" because you can trash it while enjoying it. Sort of a cheap shot; cowardice comes to mind. McQ is no longer a sin for me to enjoy. It's a pretty good movie with really good people.

I recommend it, warts, jive, and all.

Not a great movie but a good one. The Duke is too old for his part, he was much better served by the following year's Brannigan, but he gruffs his way through. The story is standard and not too difficult to figure out but if you are a fan of crime movies this is an acceptable time filler. Where it fails is in the wasting of three talented actresses Diana Muldaur, underused, Colleen Dewhurst, although she comes across the most strongly it is more the power of her personality and presence than anything she's given to work with in a throwaway part, and Julie Adams, she and Wayne have a good rapport in their one scene and you have a feeling there is more to their story but then she is gone from the film.

I have watched this film three times and have always found it entertaining. John Wayne was perhaps slightly too old for the part, however, I thought he did a pretty good job as the Dirty Harry type cop who wants to know why is partner was killed. There are shootings and car chases along with warnings by his immediate boss (played by Eddie Albert)to curb his unconventional ways of policing. Of course, The Duke takes no notice and carries on his investigations in his own style. As many reviewers have stated, a stand out scene features Colleen Dewhurst as a somewhat burnt out ex-girlfriend of his partner. For me, it was an enjoyable and entertaining film.

A man shoots a policeman. The man turns out to be police detective Sgt. Stan Boyle and he in turn is also killed by a co-conspirator. Captain Edward Kosterman (Eddie Albert) directs the investigation to militants. Boyle's former partner Lieutenant Lon 'McQ' McHugh (John Wayne) believes it to be drug lord Manny Santiago. McQ is reprimanded for beating him up. Instead of accepting desk duty, McQ quits the force. He continues his investigation leading to Santiago planning a heist of a police drug evidence shipment.

This is the era of police drama after Bullitt. John Wayne is still smarting from not getting Dirty Harry and this is his take. Despite being only three years later, Wayne is way too old to play the role this way. He is not this type of action star. He has spent a lifetime moseying on the range and director John Sturges is much more known for his westerns. Every time Wayne goes into action, there is an old fashion stiffness about him. He's over 65 and should play much more into the retirement aspect of this character. He should be saying I'm too old for this. There are a couple of nice car chases although they are not better than their competitors. I do love the scene where Santiago catches McQ in his office. That's a nice twist although better misdirection would actually make it shocking. The plot is a bit too meandering. At least, this is a nice what-if movie.

I remember seeing this film when I was in college in 1974, and thinking the same thing then as I do now - John Wayne was way past playing these Steve McQueen or Clint Eastwood cop rolls. His acting is spot on, and if you like John Wayne you'll like this movie. However you will join me with being a little embarrassed for him. Unlike Sean Connery and Clint Eastwood he did not bother staying in shape for his movies he looks winded and tired.

McQ, once you suspend disbelief, is entertaining nd fun to watch. Wayne, in his 60 when he made the film, is a tough cop in search of his partner's murder. Wayne was a little slower and the lines were a little corny, but he was still fun to watch.

McQ is somewhat of a change of pace for John Wayne, as he trades in his horse for a Trans Am and plays a Seattle cop looking for the men who gunned down his partner. Wayne brings his trademark style into the role of Lon McQ, a no-nonsense type who is not above smacking around suspects in order to get to the truth. While it's kind of an odd fit, Wayne does deliver a credible performance, and he's assisted by a strong supporting cast, with Diana Muldaur and Colleen Dewhurst delivering standout performances in particular.

The plot of McQ is filled with twists and turns, but it's also kind of thin in certain parts. I will say that the cinematography is top-notch, and really gets the most out of its location of Seattle. There are a couple of good chase scenes, which while obviously borrowing from Bullitt and The French Connection, still add quite a bit to the movie as a whole.

Overall, while McQ may not be as good as say, Dirty Harry, it's still a good movie which provides a different type of role for one of Hollywood's most legendary actors.

John Wayne had a long,productive career to be proud of. He'd paid his dues many times-over,and he had established himself as a legend,decades before this movie was made. There was no pressing need for Mr. Wayne to make this movie or any of the other 5 or 6 last films he made. By the time this film was made,Mr. Wayne was getting on in the years and he was in poor health. There was nobody in Hollywood or anywhere else that would have denied that Mr Wayne deserved to relax,retire in style and enjoy the time he had left,doing something,anything besides making more movies.

But,instead,Mr. Wayne continued on,making more movies.

Not just any movies,but several very-crummy movies in a row. Several bona-fide,honest-to-God howlers,bombs,and stinkers, in-fact. This movie here is just one good example of those several terrible last movies.

This is a very-crummy movie,for many reasons. Watch it if you must,watch it if you don't believe me,but if you do watch it you will regret it. Do yourself a favor, keep and hold onto all the good thoughts you still have about Mr Wayne by skipping this bomb entirely.