The Kentuckian
The Kentuckian

Movie spotlight

The Kentuckian

1955
Movie
104 min
English

A frontiersman and his son fight to build a new home in Texas.

Insights

IMDb6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes50%
Google Users75%
Director: Burt LancasterGenres: Western, Drama

Plot Summary

In 1820s Kentucky, frontiersman Eli Wyatt lives a simple life, clashing with wealthy landowner Glascow who seeks to displace settlers like Wyatt. When Glascow's men threaten his land and family, Wyatt is forced to confront the injustice. He embarks on a journey to Texas, seeking a new life, but finds himself drawn back to defend his home and his principles.

Critical Reception

The Kentuckian was met with a mixed reception. While Burt Lancaster's directorial debut was praised for its visual style and the lead performance, some critics found the pacing slow and the narrative somewhat conventional for the Western genre. Audience reception was similarly divided, with some appreciating its more thoughtful approach compared to typical action-heavy Westerns.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its stunning cinematography and the rugged performance of Burt Lancaster.

  • Criticized by some for a meandering plot and lack of consistent tension.

  • Appreciated as a more character-driven and visually artistic Western.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's scenic beauty and Burt Lancaster's performance. Many found it to be a solid, if not groundbreaking, Western that offered a more character-focused narrative. Some noted it felt a bit dated in its storytelling compared to later genre entries.

Fun Fact

The film marked the directorial debut of its star, Burt Lancaster, who took over directing duties from Frank Lloyd after only a few days of shooting due to creative differences.

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1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Burt Lancaster starred in, and directed, this story of a well meaning traveller ("Big Eli") and his young son "Little Eli" (Donald MacDonald) heading to Texas hoping to make a decent living for him and his son. Along the way he encounters (...

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