Performance & Direction: Ride the Man Down Review
Last updated: January 23, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Ride the Man Down (1952) 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 Ride the Man Down features a noteworthy lineup led by Brian Donlevy . Supported by the likes of Rod Cameron and Ella Raines , 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 Ride the Man Down (1952) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 6.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Ride the Man Down
Quick Plot Summary: Ride the Man Down 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: Ride the Man Down
Ending Breakdown: Ride the Man Down 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 Ride the Man Down reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Ride the Man Down?
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: Ride the Man Down
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Ride the Man Down Online?
Streaming HubRide the Man Down Parents Guide & Age Rating
1952 AdvisoryWondering about Ride the Man Down age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Ride the Man Down is 90 minutes (1h 30m). 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, Ride the Man Down is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1952 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ride the Man Down worth watching?
Ride the Man Down 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 Ride the Man Down parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Ride the Man Down identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Ride the Man Down?
The total duration of Ride the Man Down is 90 minutes, which is approximately 1h 30m long.
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Critic Reviews for Ride the Man Down
**_A complicated story, but this Western finds its footing and touches greatness_** In 1892, a foreman of a huge ranch in southern Utah (Rod Cameron) tries to stave off land grabbers (Brian Donlevy) and rustlers (Jim Davis) after the death of the patriarch. Curiously, the fiancé (Forrest Tucker) of the heir of the ranch (Ella Raines) seems to oppose the foreman’s efforts. Based on the Luke Short novel, “Ride the Man Down” (1952) starts out convoluted with a dozen key characters introduced in the first act. They tend to speak in that rat-a-tat-tat way which was in vogue back then. The flick needed another 30 more minutes of runtime to breath. If you pay attention, however, you’ll eventually figure out who’s who and the details thereof. More than that, you’ll discover a great little old Western that’s undeservedly obscure. You can’t beat the awesome Southwest locations in living color and Cameron makes for a stalwart, noble protagonist. Raines works well as the heroine and I enjoyed the human interest of the romantic possibilities with quality dialogues/acting. If you appreciate old Westerns like “Albuquerque,” “Whispering Smith,” The Sundowners” (1950), “Shane” and “The Hangman,” this is just as worthwhile in its unique way. It runs 1 hour, 29 minutes, and was shot in Kanab, Utah, which is in the southwest region of the state by the border of Arizona. GRADE: B+/A-
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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.
