The Kentuckian
Performance & Direction: The Kentuckian Review
Last updated: January 26, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Kentuckian (1955) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.7/10. 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 The Kentuckian features a noteworthy lineup led by Burt Lancaster . Supported by the likes of Dianne Foster and Walter Matthau , 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 The Kentuckian (1955) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.7/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Story & Plot Summary: The Kentuckian
Quick Plot Summary: The Kentuckian 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: The Kentuckian
Ending Breakdown: The Kentuckian 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 The Kentuckian reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Kentuckian?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Western films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: The Kentuckian
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Kentuckian Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
fuboTV
MGM+ Amazon Channel
MGM Plus
Philo
ScreenPix Apple TV Channel
ScreenPix Amazon Channel 🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThe Kentuckian Parents Guide & Age Rating
1955 AdvisoryWondering about The Kentuckian age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Kentuckian is 104 minutes (1h 44m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.7/10, and global performance metrics, The Kentuckian is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1955 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Kentuckian worth watching?
The Kentuckian is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Western movies. It has a verified rating of 5.7/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Kentuckian parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Kentuckian identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Kentuckian?
The total duration of The Kentuckian is 104 minutes, which is approximately 1h 44m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked The Kentuckian
How The Kentuckian Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Kentuckian
Burt Lancaster starred in, and directed, this story of a well meaning traveller ("Big Eli") and his young son "Little Eli" (Donald MacDonald) heading to Texas hoping to make a decent living for him and his son. Along the way he encounters (and buys) an indentured slave "Susie" (Diana Lynn) who only complicates their already interesting journey as he fights his own demons with women, booze and a particularly nasty Walter Matthau ("Bodine"). It's a beautifully shot piece of cinema, this, and the mischievous charm of the star is writ large. It's too long, though - frequently sagging as the romantic elements go quickly from humorously hostile to schmaltzy just a bit too quickly. Matthau and his whip are the stuff of cinema legend though, and the young MacDomald plays his part well. Fans of Burt will love this, but I found I was bored by the half way mark as what pace it does have it doesn't really sustain.
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.
