The Sons of Katie Elder
The four sons of Katie Elder reunite in their hometown of Clearwater, Texas for her funeral and discover that the family ranch is now in the hands of Morgan Hastings, a corrupt businessman who wants to exploit the area around the town.
Critics Sentiment
John shoots a gunpowder cask blowing up Hastings' shop
Angry townspeople form a mob to lynch the Elder brothers
The film jumps dramatically from the lynch mob tension to the explosive bridge ambush sequence, rising from 6.5 to 8.2 as the action escalates.
The film follows a steady upward trajectory from its somber opening through escalating mystery and conflict to an explosive climax. While critics noted some casting and pacing issues in the first half, most praised Wayne's performance and the increasingly intense action sequences, culminating in a highly satisfying finale.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 30
John Wayne
John Elder
Dean Martin
Tom Elder
Martha Hyer
Mary Gordon
Michael Anderson Jr.
Bud Elder
Earl Holliman
Matt Elder
Jeremy Slate
Ben Latta
James Gregory
Morgan Hastings
Paul Fix
Sheriff Billy Wilson
George Kennedy
Curley
Dennis Hopper
Dave Hastings
Sheldon Allman
Harry Evers
John Litel
Minister
John Doucette
Henry Hyselman
James Westerfield
Mr. Vennar
Rhys Williams
Charlie Bob Striker
John Qualen
Charlie Biller
Rodolfo Acosta
Bondie Adams
Strother Martin
Ned Ross
Percy Helton
Mr. Peevey
Karl Swenson
Doc Isdell
Crew
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