Dawn at Socorro
Performance & Direction: Dawn at Socorro Review
Last updated: January 30, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Dawn at Socorro (1954) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Western.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Western is often anchored by its ensemble, and Dawn at Socorro features a noteworthy lineup led by Rory Calhoun . Supported by the likes of Piper Laurie and David Brian , 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?
Story & Plot Summary: Dawn at Socorro
Quick Plot Summary: Dawn at Socorro is a Western 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.
Ending Explained: Dawn at Socorro
Ending Breakdown: Dawn at Socorro resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to western resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the western themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Dawn at Socorro reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Dawn at Socorro?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Western films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Top Cast: Dawn at Socorro
All Cast & Crew →











Where to Watch Dawn at Socorro Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeDawn at Socorro Parents Guide & Age Rating
1954 AdvisoryWondering about Dawn at Socorro age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Dawn at Socorro is 81 minutes (1h 21m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.2/10, and global performance metrics, Dawn at Socorro is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1954 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dawn at Socorro worth watching?
Dawn at Socorro is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Western movies. It has a verified rating of 7.2/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Dawn at Socorro parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Dawn at Socorro identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Dawn at Socorro?
The total duration of Dawn at Socorro is 81 minutes, which is approximately 1h 21m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Dawn at Socorro
How Dawn at Socorro Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Dawn at Socorro
All my friends are my enemies. Dawn at Socorro is directed by George Sherman and written by George Zuckerman. It stars Rory Calhoun, Piper Laurie, David Brian, Kathleen Hughes, Alex Nicol and Edgar Buchanan. Music is by Joseph Gershenson and cinematography by Carl Guthrie. One Night In Socorro. A cracker-jack Western this. Plot essentially has Calhoun as Brett Wade, a tough gunfighter who is suffering badly from ill health. Taking advice from his doctor he decides to retire to healthier pastures, but his past and new enemies refuse to let him go. OK! So it's very much a composite of a number of famous Westerns, but to dismiss this as a cheap knock off would be foolish. The script is very literate and the screenplay never gets tired or preposterous. From an action stand point it scores favourably, right from the opening in Lordsburgh where we get a stockyard shoot-out, pic is never dull. I wont arrest you for being naked. There's good black humour in here as well, and some outstanding scenes such as Brett playing Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata at his own funeral (you will understand when you see it) and a poker game where the stake is the fetching Piper Laurie! There's a constant running feud between Wade and Jimmy Rapp (Nicol), a well written part of the film as it brings in codes and ethics that play opposite another character. The tech credits are bang on the money. Location photography out of Apple Valley and Victorville is gorgeous, as is Guthrie's colour lensing for the interiors. Props and set design is hugely appealing, including a super locomotive for the train enthusiasts to gorge on. While the front line cast members (Lee Van Cleef & Skip Homeier have small roles) turn in very good work, with Calhoun once again showing his qualities in the genre. My past - every dark miserable day of it! But it's with the characterisations where the film strikes the finest. Laurie's Rannah Hayes has been cast out the family home for apparently being a hussy, she's constantly carrying that baggage with her. She finds a soul mate in Wade, a man dragged down by his life, and the weight of such could be his downfall - and he knows it. Buchanan is wonderfully ebullient as the lawman trying to get Wade out of town ASAP, Nicol is hopped up on booze and a thirst for vengeance, whilst David Brian is entrepreneur Dick Braden, a devious man with no code or honour. Highly recommended to Western fans. 8/10
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.









