Chisum
A principled New Mexico rancher battles a monopolistic rival whose control of commerce and law threatens the town he helped build.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- nostalgic
- sturdy
- heroic
- classic western night
- john wayne marathon
What critics said
Critics and audiences generally regard Chisum as an entertaining, traditional John Wayne western strengthened by his commanding presence and an appealing frontier setting.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
John Chisum and Henry Tunstall discover that Lawrence Murphy controls stores, banking, land dealings, and the law in Lincoln.
The film draws on the Lincoln County conflict and presents Chisum, Billy Bonney, and Pat Garrett within a nostalgic western legend.
Chisum's enormous cattle empire, wagon movement, posse activity, and open New Mexico terrain establish the film's visual identity.
Murphy expands his control over stores, the bank, and land while using compromised law enforcement against rivals.
Films like Chisum, and why
The Searchers
classic western atmosphere, charismatic rancher protagonist, and a conflict over land and local power
Rio Bravo
john wayne western persona, frontier justice, and escalating gun violence amid competing interests
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
historical western setting, outlaw figures, ranching conflict, and a nostalgic treatment of the old west
Movie Details
- Director
- Andrew V. McLaglen
- Release Date
- 1970-07-23
- Runtime
- 111 min
- Rating
- 6.6 / 10 (212)
Cast
- John Wayne
- Forrest Tucker
- Christopher George
- Ben Johnson
- Glenn Corbett
- Andrew Prine
- Bruce Cabot
- Patric Knowles
- Richard Jaeckel
- Lynda Day George
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Howdy Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Chisum about?
- A principled New Mexico rancher battles a monopolistic rival whose control of commerce and law threatens the town he helped build.
- What is Chisum like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Chisum as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Chisum violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Chisum as moderate.
- What did critics think of Chisum?
- Critics and audiences generally regard Chisum as an entertaining, traditional John Wayne western strengthened by his commanding presence and an appealing frontier setting.
- Which films are like Chisum?
- Films with a similar feel include The Searchers, Rio Bravo, and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.
- How long is Chisum?
- Chisum runs 111 minutes.
- Where can I watch Chisum?
- In United States, Chisum streams on Howdy Amazon Channel.
