Is Cimarron Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Cimarron is likely a skip if you enjoy Western movies.
It features a runtime of 123 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Cimarron Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1931, Cimarron emerges as a significant entry in the Western, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of When the government opens up the Oklahoma territory for settlement, restless Yancey Cravat claims a plot of the free land for himself and moves his family there from Wichita. Unlike standard genre fare, Cimarron attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Western is often anchored by its ensemble, and Cimarron features a noteworthy lineup led by Richard Dix . Supported by the likes of Irene Dunne and Estelle Taylor , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Cimarron (1931) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Cimarron Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Cimarron is a Western, Drama film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Cimarron Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Cimarron attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to western resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the western themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Cimarron reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Cimarron?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Western films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Cimarron Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.4M |
| Worldwide Gross | $1.4M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Cimarron Budget
The estimated production budget for Cimarron is $1.4M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Cimarron
- Richard Dix – Yancey Cravat
- Irene Dunne – Sabra Cravat
- Estelle Taylor – Dixie Lee
- Nance O'Neil – Felice Venable
- William Collier Jr. – The Kid
Top Highlights
Richard DixYancey Cravat
Irene DunneSabra Cravat
Estelle TaylorDixie Lee
Nance O'NeilFelice Venable
William Collier Jr.The Kid
Roscoe AtesJesse Rickey (as Rosco Ates)
George E. StoneSol Levy
Stanley FieldsLes Yountis
Robert McWadeLouis Hefner
Edna May OliverMrs. Tracy Wyatt
Where to Watch Cimarron Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Cimarron is rated NR.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.6/10, and global collection metrics, Cimarron stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1931 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cimarron movie hit or flop?
Cimarron has received mixed reviews with a 5.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Cimarron worth watching?
Cimarron is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Western, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Cimarron online?
Cimarron may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Cimarron Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Cimarron
I know this gets VERY maligned these days as one of the very worst winners ever of the Best Picture Oscar, especially considering 'The Front Page' was the definitive best of those nominated that year, at the 4th Academy Awards ceremony (and that great films such as 'City Lights', 'Morocco' and 'Frankenstein' didn't even get nominated), but if you can take away Richard Dix's horrible overacting (I can't believe he was even nominated for Best Actor that year!) and uneven, sometimes lethargic or indifferent pacing and direction, certain scenes really pack a wallop, I'm glad that I watched it, and it's certainly not the worst Best Picture Oscar-winner I have seen thus far (that would probably be 'Shakespeare in Love', if I recall correctly, but I would love to watch all of them, just to be sure), and in some ways, I even tend to prefer it to the 1960 remake by Anthony Mann, even though I adore films I have seen that he's directed (although I'm not the biggest Glenn Ford fan in the world, so that probably evens things out). Irene Dunne is a delight, as always. Though it certainly could have used a better editor (a good 30-40 minutes could have been sliced off, and no one would be the wiser), it certainly deserves at least one watch, especially if you're a history buff and want to see a decent depiction of how the Midwest was won.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
