The Covered Wagon

Released Sep 8, 1924

1h 38m

Western

List

91%

Tomatometer

11 Reviews

50%

Audience Score

100+ Ratings

Based on Emerson Hough's book about the hardships faced by pioneers during their westward trek across America.

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Variety Staff

Variety

Through it all a very pretty and simple love tale runs, as well as an element of intrigue, which together with the thrills that have been devised makes this production a real picture of pictures.

Mar 26, 2009

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Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

This epic silent western by the now forgotten James Cruze is memorable for its pictorial distinction and overall narrative sweep, which helps to overcome the relatively slow pacing.

Jan 10, 2004

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Jules Caldeira

Film Inquiry

Diehard Western fans will find it worth their time, but for the casual film fan there may be more enjoyable films from this year to check out.

Sep 30, 2023

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Robert E. Sherwood

LIFE

The Covered Wagon is a great picture, not so much because it is based upon a magnificent theme as because it has been produced with genuine skill.

Oct 7, 2021

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Nathanael Hood

Unseen Films

All but forgotten today, James Cruze's The Covered Wagon was one of the most popular American Westerns of the silent era.

Rated: 8/10

Apr 28, 2020

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Sunday Times Staff

Sunday Times (Australia)

The Covered Wagon is one of the most realistic pictures ever made.

Feb 27, 2020

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Audience Member

The best thrilling movie ever made!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/26/23

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Audience Member

the first epic western definately worth a look.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

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david l

The Covered Wagon has some impressive action sequences, interesting plot, fine acting and cinematography, but that interesting plot is unfortunately not that well executed thanks to dull pacing, some uninteresting sequences, boring characters and the movie definitely wastes its intriguing setting and story never making it exciting or particularly engaging. It is a solid film, but the one which is ultimately a very flawed and forgettable excursion.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

One of the earlier Western Epics directed by Silent Filmmaking Master James Cruze (who also that year directed Hollywood 1923 america's most sort after lost film). It's got a bit of everything in it to be honest. The story of the largest wagon trail that tracked from Kansas City to Oregon and focuses on the trials & tribulations on the way. I think this film was a big player in re-inventing the western genre which by that stage had been butchered by many B Grade Westerns. It's cliche but none the less entertaining.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/31/23

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Audience Member

The pioneering western. Story of a caravan travelling to Oregon. Of course the way is filled with rough country and indians, not to forget a romance. Boy, those silent actors had eyes!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/06/23

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James Cruze

Director

J. Warren Kerrigan

Will Banion

Lois Wilson

Molly Wingate

Alan Hale

Sam Woodhull

Charles Ogle

Jesse Wingate

Ethel Wales

Mrs. Wingate

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Synopsis

Based on Emerson Hough's book about the hardships faced by pioneers during their westward trek across America.

Director: James Cruze
Screenwriter: Jack Cunningham
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Paramount
Genre: Western
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 8, 1924, Original
Runtime: 1h 38m
Sound Mix: Stereo