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Poster for Junior Bonner

Junior Bonner

Seen it?

1972 | 100 min | Western, Drama

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (92% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a lukewarm 6.1 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 anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Hud or True Grit, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 40 min.
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.

With his bronco-busting career on its last legs, Junior Bonner heads to his hometown to try his luck in the annual rodeo. But his fond childhood memories are shattered when he finds his family torn apart by his greedy brother and hard-drinking father.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    92% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesBelow par

    6.1 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $3 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 34K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Sam Peckinpah

  • Steve McQueenJunior Bonner
  • Robert PrestonAce Bonner
  • Ida LupinoElvira Bonner
  • Ben JohnsonBuck Roan
  • Joe Don BakerCurly Bonner
  • Barbara LeighCharmagne
  • Mary MurphyRuth Bonner
  • Bill McKinneyRed Terwiliger
  • Dub TaylorDel
  • Sandra DeelNurse Arlis