Is Sierra Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Sierra is likely a skip if you enjoy Western movies.
It features a runtime of 83 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Sierra Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1950, Sierra emerges as a significant entry in the Western domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Ring Hassard and his father Jeff, wild horse breakers, live in a hidden mountain eyrie as Jeff is wanted for a murder he didn't commit. Unlike standard genre fare, Sierra attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Western is often anchored by its ensemble, and Sierra features a noteworthy lineup led by Audie Murphy . Supported by the likes of Wanda Hendrix and Burl Ives , 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 Sierra (1950) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Sierra Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Sierra 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.
Sierra Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Sierra 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 Sierra reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Sierra?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Western films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Sierra
- Audie Murphy – Ring Hassard
- Wanda Hendrix – Riley Martin
- Burl Ives – Lonesome
- Dean Jagger – Jeff Hassard
- Richard Rober – Big Matt
Top Highlights
Audie MurphyRing Hassard
Wanda HendrixRiley Martin
Burl IvesLonesome
Dean JaggerJeff Hassard
Richard RoberBig Matt
Tony CurtisBrent Coulter
Houseley StevensonSam Coulter
Elliott ReidDuke Lafferty
Griff BarnettDr. Robbins
Elisabeth RisdonAunt Susan
Where to Watch Sierra Online?
Streaming HubParents Guide & Age Rating
Sierra is rated NR.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.3/10, and global collection metrics, Sierra stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1950 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sierra movie hit or flop?
Sierra has received mixed reviews with a 5.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Sierra worth watching?
Sierra is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Western movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Sierra online?
Sierra may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Sierra Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Sierra
It will be like bedding down in a nest of rattlers! Sierra is directed by Alfred E. Green and adapted to screenplay by Edna Anhalt from the novel "Mountains Are My Kingdom" written by Stuart Hardy. It stars Audie Murphy, Wanda Hendrix, Burl Ives, Dean Jagger and Richard Rober. Music is by Walter Scharf and the Technicolor cinematography is by Russell Metty. 1950 is right at the beginning of Audie Murphy's film career and it's a big indicator of where his genre staples were laid. Of the three Westerns he made in 1950, Sierra is the weakest, but even then it's above average and shows enough of why Murphy was such an engaging star to his fans. Plot has Murphy and Jagger as a Son and Father living in the mountains due to Pops being on the run from the law. They survive by trapping and breaking wild horses and then use Burl Ives' prospecting troubadour type as an intermediate salesman. One day a lost lawyer from town in the form of Hendrix gets involved in the lives of the mountain duo, where a series of events then lead to Murphy having to go into town and from there things become dangerously interesting for all involved. The location photography is outstanding, with Metty bringing visual joys from Cedar City and Cedar Breaks in Utah. The costuming (Yvonne Wood) is top draw, and how nice to see Ives in a jolly role where he warbles and strums at various junctures in the play. Murphy and Hendrix have the chemistry, even though their ill fated marriage would end this same year, and the legal axis of the narrative (intriguing court sequences with Hendrix as the defence) adds some thought into proceedings. Unfortunately for action junkies this is not the one for you, there's some nifty horse play and stampedes, and of course some macho posturing in sync, but it's with the smart story (greenhorn young man meets city life for the first time/lady lawyer trying to make it in the male dominated West) where the pic gets its strength. In the support slots you find Tony Curtis (billed as Anthony) and James Arness, who add a bit of colour to an already lively frontline cast. 6/10
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
