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The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean

Play trailer Poster for The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean PG 1972 2h 0m Western Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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80% Tomatometer 10 Reviews 72% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
Saved from near death by a young Mexican girl, a former outlaw sets himself up as sole arbiter of the law in a small town. The town prospers as Judge Bean robs and hangs anyone with money that comes through it, but his haven becomes less secure when his Mexican companion dies and the townsfolk begin to turn against him.
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The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean

Critics Reviews

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Pauline Kael The New Yorker Sep 29, 2023
It might have been better if Huston and Newman hadn’t softened the viciousness; then they’d have had to face the disgrace of what they were working on. Go to Full Review Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times Oct 23, 2004
2.5/4
The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean sets out to be an elegy to the passing of the Old West, and ends up being an elegy to the passing of bad manners. Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Jun 16, 2021
2.5/4
This ragged film never amounts to much, but it's at least consistent in its eccentricities. Go to Full Review Judith Crist Texas Monthly Jun 11, 2020
It's all very movie-movie, with even that happy ending we schmaltz-lovers love so well. Go to Full Review Alberto Abuín Espinof Apr 16, 2020
Above all, a self-assured Paul Newman stands out, offering a whole recital full of very funny and very emotional moments. [Full Review in Spanish] Go to Full Review Fernando F. Croce CinePassion Sep 25, 2009
Milius' screenplay is acridly flavorful, Huston gives it a mellow reading Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jim A @asbigas2251 Jul 3, 2026 The most emotional moment was the death of the bear. See more Dallas H. @FozzieMcFly Dec 25, 2025 So, this movie features a beer-drinking black bear? The film is okay. However, it didn't really connect with me on the first viewing. See more Lanfranco C @Lanfrancobz Aug 26, 2025 Without lawyes life would be better See more CDM192 T @RT65289818 Jul 21, 2025 This is a quirky and offbeat movie about a Western figure and his escapades with taking over a town in Texas. I'm not sure how much of this depiction is factual, but I find the story's validity doubtful. Paul Newman was capable of playing brave characters with some grit. But he isn't credible of passing for a Rambo-esque renegade which is shown here. This was also Victoria Principal's screen debut, and the pairing of Principal and Newman is correct and electric. I read that he even paid her half of his salary to get her cast. Their scenes are memorable, and the chemistry was interesting. I read later that V.P commented on their scenes stating, " I looked too short there, because Paul was much taller than me. See more CodyZamboni @CodyZamboni Sep 2, 2023 A mostly successful comic Western, that takes the life of Judge Bean and goes crazy with it. Paul Newman is clearly having good time. I like the wacky, colorful characters, the film's goofy charm, and dark humor. And at times, the movie is quite poignant. I also like the epic feel of movie, as we watch Bean's wealth and influence grow, as his small skanky desert brothel, becomes a boomtown. Lots of famous faces in supporting roles, with some of them narrating the story, sometimes speaking directly to the camera. Best and funniest slapstick sequences, involve a beer drinking bear. Directed by John Huston, written by John Millius, and Andy Williams sings theme song !!!! See more Steve D @RT35616104 Mar 18, 2023 The cast is all it has. See more Read all reviews
The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean

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Cast & Crew

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John Huston

Director

Paul Newman

Judge Roy Bean

Victoria Principal

Maria Elena

Anthony Perkins

Reverend LaSalle

Jacqueline Bisset

Rose Bean

Ava Gardner

Lily Langtry

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The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean

The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean (1972) The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean (1972) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Saved from near death by a young Mexican girl, a former outlaw sets himself up as sole arbiter of the law in a small town. The town prospers as Judge Bean robs and hangs anyone with money that comes through it, but his haven becomes less secure when his Mexican companion dies and the townsfolk begin to turn against him.
Director
John Huston
Producer
John Foreman
Distributor
National General Pictures
Production Co
First Artists
Rating
PG
Genre
Western, Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 18, 1972, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 10, 2017
Runtime
2h 0m
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