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Poster for Bad Day at Black Rock

Bad Day at Black Rock

Seen it?

1955 | 81 min | Western, Drama, Crime, Mystery, Thriller

Saturday Special

Why it’s a Saturday Special

Critics loved it (97% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest. 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 crime-drama fans and anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved Rio Bravo or News of the World, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Tense, dark and gritty.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 21 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1955: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

One-armed war veteran John J. Macreedy steps off a train at the sleepy little town of Black Rock. Once there, he begins to unravel a web of lies, secrecy, and murder.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    97% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.3 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Nominated for 3 Oscars.

  • Box office & staying powerSolid

    $4 million worldwide on a $1 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 126K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by John Sturges

  • Spencer TracyJohn J. Macreedy
  • Robert RyanReno Smith
  • Walter BrennanDoc T.R. Velie Jr.
  • Lee MarvinHector David
  • Dean JaggerTim Horn
  • Anne FrancisLiz Wirth
  • John EricsonPete Wirth
  • Ernest BorgnineColey Trimble
  • Russell CollinsMr. Hastings
  • Walter SandeSam