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The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean

Name: The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean
Genre: Western, Comedy
Released: 1972-12-01
Cast: Paul Newman, Victoria Principal, Ned Beatty, Matt Clark, Roddy McDowall

1972 | 120 min | Western, Comedy

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (80% 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 anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance or Blazing Saddles, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood: Light and funny.
The pace: Breezy, at 2 hr.
What might put you off: Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
Made in 1972: an older pace and style.
Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Outlaw and self-appointed lawmaker Judge Roy Bean rules over an empty stretch of the West that gradually grows, under his iron fist, into a thriving town, while dispensing his his own quirky brand of frontier justice upon strangers passing by.

How it earned its rating

CriticsStrong
80% on Rotten Tomatoes
AudiencesSolid
6.5 out of 10
AwardsSolid
Nominated for 1 Oscar and 1 Golden Globe.
Box office & staying powerBelow par
$17 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 75K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by John Huston

Paul NewmanJudge Roy Bean
Victoria PrincipalMaria Elena
Ned BeattyTector Crites
Matt ClarkNick the Grub
Roddy McDowallFrank Gass
Jacqueline BissetRose Bean
Bill McKinneyFermel Parlee
Anthony PerkinsReverend LaSalle
Tab HunterSam Dodd
Stacy KeachBad Bob