John Elder — The Sons of Katie Elder Character Profile

About John Elder

Eldest Elder brother and a famous professional gunman. Returns for his mother's funeral and leads his brothers in reclaiming their ranch. Kills the hired gun Curley during an ambush, pursues and ultimately kills the villainous Morgan Hastings in a final gunfight.

John Elder — Character Profile

Character Facts

Played by

John Wayne

Appears in

The Sons of Katie Elder (1965)

Role

Protagonist

Relationships (3)

• John Elder — Family Siblings — Matt Elder (Earl Holliman)

  Eldest brother witnesses the tragic death of his sibling during the ambush.

• John Elder — Family Siblings — Bud Elder (Michael Anderson Jr.)

  Younger brother looks up to the eldest, who acts as a protective figure.

• John Elder — Family Siblings — Tom Elder (Dean Martin)

  Eldest brothers who coordinate their efforts to clear their family name.

Explore the full interactive character relationship map of The Sons of Katie Elder

More characters from The Sons of Katie Elder

• Tom Elder (Dean Martin)
• Mary Gordon (Martha Hyer)
• Bud Elder (Michael Anderson Jr.)
• Harry Evers (Sheldon Allman)
• Matt Elder (Earl Holliman)
• Mr. Peevey (Percy Helton)
• Ben Latta (Jeremy Slate)
• Minister (John Litel)
• Charlie Bob Striker (Rhys Williams)
• Bondie Adams (Rodolfo Acosta)
• (uncredited) (Glen Anderson)
• Henry Hyselman (John Doucette)