JP "Rooster Cogburn"

Rooster Cogburn was directed by Stuart Millar in 1975. This is a time where the feminist movement was in full swing and women were getting more and more respect from the country. Katherine Hepburn plays the role of Eula Goodnight, she is a confident, very religious woman who lives with her father on settled land, where she is a teacher to their Indian friends.

Eula's character represents the exact attitude women had and were given during the 1970s. This was a time where women were starting to gain prominent roles in the country. She stands up to Hawk, a bad cowboy who rides into their land with his crew, showing she has no fear for what men can do women. She repeatedly recites religious prayers, showing she has her own beliefs and will not change her tone or presence because of the ignorant man in front of her. Eula stands up for herself and exemplifies how women of the 1970’s have finally gained the respect they deserve, and can handle their own.

When Rooster Cogburn, the alpha male cowboy of the film, rides into Eula’s land, he confronts Eula and her Indian friend while they are putting their father’s to rest. Cogburn was sent out to catch Hawk and his crew, and stop them from a rumored robbery. After giving his sympathy for their loss, Cogburn tells them not to worry and that he will make sure they are hung. Eula doubts him right away, and questions his ability of making sure the cowboys are caught. Cogburn voices his concern about leaving Eula alone, and wants to take her with him; he believes women can’t take care of themselves as a typical Western man would think.

As Cogburn, Eula, and Wolf travel to find Hawk and his crew, the audience watches the representation of women role growth in our country through the character of Eula. She embodies individual views and can act in the same way of a Western man, while maintaining the “classic” view of women; taking on the responsibility of the care taker and tending to the children. The audience observes this through multiple scenes throughout the film. One example is when Hawk and his crew are attacking Eula’s Indian friends. Eula's first instinct is to take care of the children, once they are safe she is able to make moves towards the fighting situation that is at hand. Eula is exemplifying how women still inhabit many “classic” qualities, but have the new opportunities to speak up when necessary.