The Shootist is a 1976 American Western film directed by Don Siegel. It stars John Wayne in his last film appearance before his death in 1979, along with Lauren Bacall, Ron Howard, James Stewart, Richard Boone, John Carradine, Scatman Crothers, Rick Lenz, Harry Morgan, Sheree North, and Hugh O'Brian. The film is based on Glendon Swarthout's 1975 novel, written for the screen by Miles Hood Swarthout (the son of the author) and Scott Hale. The film was released by Paramount Pictures on July 21, 1976.