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Poster for Union Pacific

Union Pacific

Seen it?

1939 | 135 min | Drama, Western

Saturday Specialearly rating

Why it’s a Saturday Special

It earned strong reviews (83% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite soft box office. 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 anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved True Grit or 3:10 to Yuma, start here.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 15 min.
What might put you off
Made in 1939: an older pace and style.

One of the last bills signed by President Lincoln authorizes pushing the Union Pacific Railroad across the wilderness to California. But financial opportunist Asa Barrows hopes to profit from obstructing it. Chief troubleshooter Jeff Butler has his hands full fighting Barrows' agent, gambler Sid Campeau; Campeau's partner Dick Allen is Jeff's war buddy and rival suitor for engineer's daughter Molly Monahan. Who will survive the effort to push the railroad through at any cost?

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    83% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsBelow par

    Nominated for 1 Oscar.

  • 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 23K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Cecil B. DeMille

  • Barbara StanwyckMollie Monahan
  • Joel McCreaJeff Butler
  • Akim TamiroffFiesta
  • Robert PrestonDick Allen
  • Lynne OvermanLeach Overmile
  • Brian DonlevySid Campeau
  • Robert BarratDuke Ring
  • Anthony QuinnCordray
  • Stanley RidgesGen. Casement
  • Henry KolkerAsa M. Barrows