The Sons of Katie Elder
Seen it?1965 | 122 min | Western
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes). 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 Outlaw Josey Wales, 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 2 hr 2 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
- Made in 1965: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
The four sons of Katie Elder reunite in their hometown of Clearwater, Texas for her funeral and discover that the family ranch is now in the hands of Morgan Hastings, a corrupt businessman who wants to exploit the area around the town.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.0 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$23 million worldwide on a $7 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 82K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Henry Hathaway
- John WayneJohn Elder
- Dean MartinTom Elder
- Martha HyerMary Gordon
- Michael Anderson Jr.Bud Elder
- Earl HollimanMatt Elder
- Jeremy SlateBen Latta
- James GregoryMorgan Hastings
- Paul FixSheriff Billy Wilson
- George KennedyCurley
- Dennis HopperDave Hastings