Big Bob got popped with a fresh crop in the early 50's. Since, The New Book of Duderonomy had not been translated or transcribed from ancient stone tablets, we should honor Big Bob for breaking the ground that unearthed the seeds of our dudeness.
You know, I originally thought Mitch was too bad-ass to be a dude. If the Coens made movies in the 50s, he would have been a terrific Walter.
But The Grifter's argument is solid, sharp, and concise. I second Robert Mitchum as a truly Great Dude!
Mark it third dude!
Mitchum was an important forerunner of the bowling-noir film genre...