My book Club just read True Grit. We agreed the book was at least as much about the grit of the girl as about Rooster Cogburn. Of those who had also viewed both films, the recent one was judged “more real”.
I would say of course “True Grit” was about the girl. And Kim Darby’s verbal wrangling with both Martin and Cambell was great. But Duke and the rat scene was the best. Recent version good, first one better.