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Comes a Horseman

Play trailer Poster for Comes a Horseman PG Released Oct 25, 1978 1h 58m Western Play Trailer Watchlist
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67% Tomatometer 12 Reviews 54% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
Determined single woman Ella Connors (Jane Fonda) struggles to maintain her ranch despite constant attempts by Jacob "J.W." Ewing (Jason Robards), the aging owner of the neighboring ranch, to coerce her into selling. When oil companies begin pressuring both ranchers to allow drilling, Ella's position becomes even more perilous. Though Ella thinks she's scrappy enough to fight them on her own, her chances get better with the arrival of hunky war veteran Frank "Buck" Athearn (James Caan).

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Comes a Horseman

Critics Reviews

View All (12) Critics Reviews
Jay Scott Globe and Mail The entire film is a technical travesty. Aug 11, 2022 Full Review Bob Thomas Associated Press No reason old formulas can't be reworked. But director Alan J. Pakula maintains such a somber mood that the whole thing is a downer except for the stunning photography of Gordon Willis. Jul 17, 2019 Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy An unusual Western. Rated: 3/4 Dec 23, 2022 Full Review Fernando Trueba El Pais (Spain) Comes a Horseman is one of the most exciting and elliptical love stories that we have been given to think about in a very long time. [Full Review in Spanish] Aug 7, 2019 Full Review Mattie Lucas From the Front Row Moves in fits and starts, and the ending, while a stark reminder of the resilience of the American west, comes out of left field Rated: 2.5/4 Jun 4, 2019 Full Review Fernando F. Croce CinePassion Pakula approaches the open spaces of the frontier to escape from urban claustrophobia and instead finds reflections of it Nov 17, 2009 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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nick s Great performances and impressive stuntwork with the animals. It was a bit of a slow burn with an uncomplicated story so it hardly fits into the category of riveting. However, if you're in the mood to immerse yourself in that world then it's beautifully done. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/14/24 Full Review Lola K Outstanding photography, acting, story. Didn’t rely on violence. There was some violence, but the directing was thoughtful subtle. I enjoyed the movie. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/12/24 Full Review Audience Member A slower, calmer western. James Caan and Janfe Fonda make the picture bearable. The scenery is beautiful and so is the music. I expected some more thrills and shoot ‘em ups though. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 10/27/23 Full Review Jelisije J A nice little western film about cattle ranching and two neighbors fighting over the land they seek to protect. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 10/18/23 Full Review Audience Member Set in the 1940's west, 'Comes a Horseman' is about a rancher trying to save the family ranch from the local robber barons. With a hackneyed plot line, the movie sets itself apart with excellent acting performances from the lead actors, Caan, Fonda, Farnsworth and Robards. The Directing and film editing are both outstanding. Some critics have said it's a little slow (possibly), while other critics claim the slower segments are critical for character development and overall ambiance (possibly). Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/15/23 Full Review Audience Member A rancher movie based in the 40s when that livelihood was being limited by land barons attempting to cash in on big oil. Well acted but a rather bland and lifeless script, lots of solumn stares and mumbled words. It's the typical ruthless rich guy doing anything to earn more money fighting some land loving traditionalists who you've just got to root for, right? Of course the bad guy gets it in the end. Personally, i'm waiting for that movie where the pragmatists says, ya know, my dad struggled all his life busting his ass and now me. I'm hitting middle age, screw this. You can have the damn land, give me my retirement dream money. Funny that many in Hollywood are nothing near ethical but all their movies end on an ethical up note. Maybe it's time to turn that bs around too. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/03/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Comes a Horseman

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Cast & Crew

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Alan J. Pakula

Director

Jane Fonda

Ella Connors

James Caan

Frank "Buck" Athearn

Jason Robards

Jacob "J.W." Ewing

George Grizzard

Neil Atkinson

Richard Farnsworth

Dodger

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Movie Info

Synopsis Determined single woman Ella Connors (Jane Fonda) struggles to maintain her ranch despite constant attempts by Jacob "J.W." Ewing (Jason Robards), the aging owner of the neighboring ranch, to coerce her into selling. When oil companies begin pressuring both ranchers to allow drilling, Ella's position becomes even more perilous. Though Ella thinks she's scrappy enough to fight them on her own, her chances get better with the arrival of hunky war veteran Frank "Buck" Athearn (James Caan).
Director
Alan J. Pakula
Producer
Gene Kirkwood, Dan Paulson
Screenwriter
Dennis Lynton Clark
Distributor
United Artists
Production Co
United Artists, Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS)
Rating
PG
Genre
Western
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 25, 1978, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 1, 2016
Runtime
1h 58m
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