The Electric Horseman
Seen it?1979 | 122 min | Romance, Comedy, Western
Weeknight Watchearly ratingWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
It made about 24 times its budget, but a lukewarm 6.1 out of 10 from audiences held it back. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics and anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved It Happened One Night, start here.
- The mood
- Light and funny, romantic.
- The pace
- Breezy, at 2 hr 2 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- Made in 1979: an older pace and style.
A former champion rodeo rider is reduced to using his saddle skills to promote a breakfast cereal in a gaudy Las Vegas show. When he's asked to perform with a $12 million horse, he discovers it is being doped to remain docile. He flees into the desert astride the beast in an act of defiance. A story-hungry female reporter gives chase.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsSolid
62% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesBelow par
6.1 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 Oscar.
- Box office & staying powerVery strong
$300 million worldwide on a $13 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 86K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
It Happened One Night
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed romantic comedy.
McLintock! Weeknight WatchAnother western, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
A Perfect Pairing Weeknight WatchAnother romantic comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
People We Meet on Vacation
Sunday Safe BetAnother romantic comedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Yes Man Weeknight WatchAnother romantic comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Sydney Pollack
- Robert RedfordSonny
- Jane FondaHallie
- Valerie PerrineCharlotta
- Willie NelsonWendell
- John SaxonHunt Sears
- Nicolas CosterFitzgerald
- Allan ArbusDanny
- Wilford BrimleyFarmer
- Will HareGus
- Basil HoffmanToland