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Poster for High Plains Drifter

High Plains Drifter

Seen it?

1973 | 106 min | Western, Drama, Mystery

Saturday Special

Why it’s a Saturday Special

People are still talking about it and it earned strong reviews (94% on Rotten Tomatoes). A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved Deadwood: The Movie or Mississippi Burning, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Tense.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 46 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: meant for adults.
  • Made in 1973: an older pace and style.

A gunfighting stranger comes to the small settlement of Lago. After gunning down three gunmen who tried to kill him, the townsfolk decide to hire the Stranger to hold off three outlaws who are on their way.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    94% on Rotten Tomatoes, 69 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.3 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerSolid

    $16 million worldwide on a $6 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactVery strong

    About 332K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Clint Eastwood

  • Clint EastwoodThe Stranger
  • Verna BloomSarah Belding
  • Marianna HillCallie Travers
  • Mitchell RyanDave Drake
  • Jack GingMorgan Allen
  • Stefan GieraschMayor Jason Hobart
  • Ted HartleyLewis Belding
  • Billy CurtisMordecai
  • Geoffrey LewisStacey Bridges
  • Scott WalkerBill Borders