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Poster for The Left Handed Gun

The Left Handed Gun

Seen it?

1958 | 102 min | Western

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (83% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a lukewarm 6.0 out of 10 from audiences and 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 Open Range or My Darling Clementine, 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 42 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1958: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

When a crooked sheriff murders his employer, William "Billy the Kid" Bonney decides to avenge the death by killing the man responsible, throwing the lives of everyone around him into turmoil, and endangering the General Amnesty set up by Governor Wallace to bring peace to the New Mexico Territory.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    83% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesBelow par

    6.0 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 21K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Arthur Penn

  • Paul NewmanBilly The Kid
  • Lita MilanCelsa
  • John DehnerPat Garrett
  • Hurd HatfieldMoultrie
  • James CongdonCharlie Boudre
  • James BestTom Folliard
  • Colin Keith-JohnstonJohn Tunstall
  • John DierkesAlexander McSween
  • Robert AndersonHill
  • Wally BrownDeputy Moon