Performance & Direction: Dragoon Wells Massacre Review
Last updated: January 26, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Dragoon Wells Massacre (1957) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.9/10. 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 Dragoon Wells Massacre features a noteworthy lineup led by Barry Sullivan . Supported by the likes of Dennis O'Keefe and Mona Freeman , 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 Dragoon Wells Massacre (1957) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 6.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Dragoon Wells Massacre
Quick Plot Summary: Dragoon Wells Massacre 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: Dragoon Wells Massacre
Ending Breakdown: Dragoon Wells Massacre concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents 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 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 Dragoon Wells Massacre reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Dragoon Wells Massacre?
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: Dragoon Wells Massacre
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Where to Watch Dragoon Wells Massacre Online?
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Fandango At HomeDragoon Wells Massacre Parents Guide & Age Rating
1957 AdvisoryWondering about Dragoon Wells Massacre age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Dragoon Wells Massacre is 88 minutes (1h 28m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.9/10, and global performance metrics, Dragoon Wells Massacre is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1957 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dragoon Wells Massacre worth watching?
Dragoon Wells Massacre is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Western movies. It has a verified rating of 6.9/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Dragoon Wells Massacre parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Dragoon Wells Massacre identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Dragoon Wells Massacre?
The total duration of Dragoon Wells Massacre is 88 minutes, which is approximately 1h 28m long.
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Critic Reviews for Dragoon Wells Massacre
We all have a little savage in us. Marshal Bill Haney, his assistant Tom and driver Jud are transporting prisoners Link Ferris and Tioga through Apache Indian territory and hopefully on to Fort Smith, Arkansas. On an adjacent trail, shifty Indian trader Jonah McAdam happens upon a cavalry troop that has been massacred by the Yellow Claw lead Apaches, the only survivor of the attack is Capt. Riordan, who orders McAdam to take him to Fort Dragoon Wells. Before they set off they are met by the prison wagon and not too long after that a stagecoach carrying Ann Bradley, Phillip Scott and Mexican entertainer Mara Fay also arrives on the scene. All of them now under serious threat of attacks by the Apaches. So Riordan orders the two prisoners to be unshackled so they can aid the defence of the group as they attempt to make it to Fort Dragoon Wells. But the Apache are not the only problem facing them, not all in the group are quite what they seem and with food and water at a premium, the odds are heavily stacked against them making it to safety. As it was directed by journeyman Harold D. Schuster and coming out of B-studio Allied Artists, the omens weren't that great for Dragoon Wells Massacre being anything other than a poor B Western picture. That it breaks free from budgetary restrains and becomes a fine genre entry is largely down to three key points. First is the screenplay by Warren Douglas, secondly is a few fine acting performances and thirdly is having William Clothier on cinematography duties. Though very similar in plotting to a number of other Westerns, this boasts a great script that gives weighty substance to the characters, and with Schuster effectively not letting the pace sag, the pic is both entertaining and intriguing. It would have been easy for this to turn out as a bunch of stereotypical caricatures meandering across the plains, but thanks to Douglas these become real people in very real peril. They not only must survive the constant attacks as the Indians try to pick them off at opportune moments, they must also survive each other. Thus with twists and surprising developments popping up during the journey, story doesn't lack for inventiveness. Casting aside Mona Freeman's awful and grating on the nerves turn as Ann Bradley, the cast deliver some quality characterisations, particularly notable are Barry Sullivan (Ferris), Dennis O'Keefe (Riordan), Jack Elam (Tioga) & Katy Jurado (Mara Fay). While Sebastian Cabot is weasel personified as Jonah McAdam. William Clothier is no strange name to Western fans, his work with John Ford, Howard Hawks & Budd Boetticher ensures he's a name to be excited about on a Western credit list. As usual, he doesn't disappoint. Superbly photographing the rugged terrain (Kanab, Utah) as it imposes on our under duress group, he also does fine work with the close up shots as well. Shot in CinemaScope with De Luxe Color, it's a shame that the print is of average quality. This is a film that is crying out to be remastered, but its lesser known status lends one to believe that that is unlikely to ever happen. However, it's a testament to Clothier's ability that the piece still manages to look fabulous. There's some bad editing in the mix, and in truth Schuster is no skilled craftsman when it comes to action set pieces. Yet the faults are easily forgiven, for this is all about character emphasis, as nobody on this journey is merely canon fodder, they all are given time and thought to involve the audience. So that coupled with Clothier's work makes this a strong Western that's recommended with confidence to the serious Western fan. 7.5/10
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.











