Invitation to a Gunfighter
Performance & Direction: Invitation to a Gunfighter Review
Last updated: January 31, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Invitation to a Gunfighter (1964) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.9/10. 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 Invitation to a Gunfighter features a noteworthy lineup led by Yul Brynner . Supported by the likes of Janice Rule and George Segal , 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: Invitation to a Gunfighter
Quick Plot Summary: Invitation to a Gunfighter 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: Invitation to a Gunfighter
Ending Breakdown: Invitation to a Gunfighter attempts to tie together its various plot elements. 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 Invitation to a Gunfighter reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Invitation to a Gunfighter?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Western films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Invitation to a Gunfighter
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.8M |
| Worldwide Gross | $3.1M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Invitation to a Gunfighter Budget
The estimated production budget for Invitation to a Gunfighter is $1.8M. 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: Invitation to a Gunfighter
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Where to Watch Invitation to a Gunfighter Online?
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Apple TV StoreInvitation to a Gunfighter Parents Guide & Age Rating
1964 AdvisoryWondering about Invitation to a Gunfighter age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Invitation to a Gunfighter is 92 minutes (1h 32m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.9/10, and global performance metrics, Invitation to a Gunfighter is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1964 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Invitation to a Gunfighter worth watching?
Invitation to a Gunfighter is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Western movies. It has a verified rating of 5.9/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Invitation to a Gunfighter parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Invitation to a Gunfighter identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Invitation to a Gunfighter?
The total duration of Invitation to a Gunfighter is 92 minutes, which is approximately 1h 32m long.
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Critic Reviews for Invitation to a Gunfighter
Thematically fine but executed with very little skill. Rebel soldier Matt Weaver returns to town after the Civil War, only to find that his home has been sold by unscrupulous town boss, Sam Brewster. Brewster, fearing for his safety, hires gunfighter Jules Gaspard d'Estaing to eradicate Weaver. But as d'Estaing's settles in to town it becomes clear to him just what a corrupt and morally bankrupt bunch the townsfolk are. It grieves me to mark a film like this, with so many good people involved with it, down so low. The thematic heart of this picture is fabulous, nothing none of us haven't seen before, but tales of hired gunmen straightening out dirty towns are always of interest if handled with care and a commitment to the moral essence. Invitation To A Gunfighter, in spite of starring Yul Brynner, George Segal, Brad Dexter, Pat Hingle and Strother Martin, and being directed by Orson Welles collaborator Richard Wilson, is ploddingly paced and acted like a low budget C movie. The score from David Raksin is intrusive and completely out of sync with the nature of the piece, whilst the back lot location is all too evident. The piece briefly picks up entering the final third, where thankfully Brynner is asked to earn his pay outside of walking around glumly, but it's a false dawn as the finale has all the excitement of a runny nose. I'm in the minority judging by the comments written for this film thus far, so maybe it caught me at a bad time, but the chances of me ever seeking this one out again are remote to say the least. 3/10
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.
