The Covered Wagon

Play trailer

The Covered Wagon

Released Sep 8, 1924

1h 38m

Western

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

100%

Tomatometer

9 Reviews

46%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

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

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

Sunday Times Staff

Sunday Times (Australia)

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

Feb 27, 2020

Full Review

Read all reviews

Audience Member

The best thrilling movie ever made!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/26/23

Full Review

Audience Member

the first epic western definately worth a look.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

James Cruze

Director

J. Warren Kerrigan

Will Banion

Lois Wilson

Molly Wingate

Alan Hale

Sam Woodhull

Charles Ogle

Jesse Wingate

Ethel Wales

Mrs. Wingate

The Plainsman

100%

52%

The Plainsman

Watchlist

The Virginian

100%

76%

The Virginian

Watchlist

The Iron Horse

75%

78%

The Iron Horse

Watchlist

Branded

80%

57%

Branded

Watchlist

The Big Trail

100%

71%

The Big Trail

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Synopsis

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

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