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Poster for Winchester '73

Winchester '73

Seen it?

1950 | 92 min | Western

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

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

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for most people. If you loved The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance or The Wild Bunch, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Easygoing.
The pace
Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 32 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1950: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Lin McAdam rides into town on the trail of Dutch Henry Brown, only to find himself in a shooting competition against him. McAdam wins the prize, a one-in-a-thousand Winchester rifle, but Dutch steals it and leaves town. McAdam follows, intent on settling his old quarrel, while the rifle keeps changing hands and touching a number of lives.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    100% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.3 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $2 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 76K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Anthony Mann

  • James StewartLin McAdam
  • Shelley WintersLola Manners
  • Dan DuryeaWaco Johnnie Dean
  • Stephen McNallyDutch Henry Brown
  • Millard MitchellHigh Spade
  • Charles DrakeSteve Miller
  • John McIntireJoe Lamont
  • Will GeerWyatt Earp
  • Jay C. FlippenSergeant Wilkes
  • Rock HudsonYoung Bull