Forty Guns
Performance & Direction: Forty Guns Review
Last updated: January 26, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Forty Guns (1957) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.5/10. 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 Forty Guns features a noteworthy lineup led by Barbara Stanwyck . Supported by the likes of Barry Sullivan and Dean Jagger , 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 Forty Guns (1957) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 6.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Forty Guns
Quick Plot Summary: Forty Guns 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.
Ending Explained: Forty Guns
Ending Breakdown: Forty Guns concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. 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 Forty Guns reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Forty Guns?
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
Box Office Collection: Forty Guns
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $300.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $6.3K |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Forty Guns Budget
The estimated production budget for Forty Guns is $300.0K. 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.
Top Cast: Forty Guns
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Forty Guns Online?
Streaming HubForty Guns Parents Guide & Age Rating
1957 AdvisoryWondering about Forty Guns age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Forty Guns is 80 minutes (1h 20m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.5/10, and global performance metrics, Forty Guns is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1957 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Forty Guns worth watching?
Forty Guns is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Western movies. It has a verified rating of 6.5/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Forty Guns parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Forty Guns identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Forty Guns?
The total duration of Forty Guns is 80 minutes, which is approximately 1h 20m long.
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Critic Reviews for Forty Guns
I was born upset. Forty Guns is written and directed by Sam Fuller. It stars Barbara Stanwyck, Barry Sullivan, Dean Jagger, John Ericson, Gene Barry, Robert Dix, Eve Brent and Ziva Rodann. Music is by Harry Sukman and cinematography by Joseph F. Biroc. It's all going to kick off in Arizona between the Bonnell brothers, U.S.Marshals, and Jessica Drummond - the tough no nonsense lady rancher who controls the territory. So what do we have here then? Just another recycled Western plot that is basically the Earp's/Clanton's feud that culminated in the Gunfight At The O.K. Corral? Well no, not really, for this is Sam Fuller on devilishly twisty form. Fuller gives this particular Western a film noir make over, both in look and dialogue innuendo. Pic is filled with outstanding sequences, be it shocking deaths, bravado pumped show downs or chiaroscuro framing of key characters, no frame is wasted in this piece - visually or aurally. From a psychological stand point it's a right hornets nest, a meaty broth of cynical observations on love, power and that bastion of American cinema - the Western. The action construction on offer is electrifying, if Fuller isn't dallying with various camera techniques to keep the story on the hop, he's being kinetic with is action filming. All of which is in the Scope format, with the ace Biroc weaving some monochrome magic. Probably now it has risen above being just a cult Western classic, Fuller's standing in the decades that would follow this release have ensured that to be the case. Yet it is noted that this holds no surprises in how story eventually pans out, which is disappointing given the noir pulse beats driving it forward. In fact a charge of schmaltz at pics end is justified and stops this being the masterpiece many of us yearn it to be. Still, tis a superb genre piece of some considerable substance. A film that begs to be revisited on more than one occasion. Thank You Samuel. 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.
