El Dorado
Seen it?1966 | 126 min | Western, Drama
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
Critics loved it (96% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest, 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 Rio Bravo or Shane, 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 2 hr 6 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1966: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Cole Thornton, a gunfighter for hire, joins forces with an old friend, Sheriff J.P. Harrah. Together with a fighter and a gambler, they help a rancher and his family fight a rival rancher that is trying to steal their water.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
96% on Rotten Tomatoes, 85 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.4 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$6 million worldwide on a $5 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 174K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Howard Hawks
- John WayneCole Thornton
- Robert MitchumSheriff J.P. Harrah
- James CaanMississippi
- Charlene HoltMaudie
- Paul FixDr. Miller
- Arthur HunnicuttBull Harris
- Michele CareyJosephine (Joey) MacDonald
- R.G. ArmstrongKevin MacDonald
- Ed AsnerBart Jason
- Christopher GeorgeNelse McLeod