Cowboy
Chicago hotel clerk Frank Harris dreams of life as a cowboy, and he gets his chance when, jilted by the father of the woman he loves, he joins Tom Reece and his cattle-driving outfit. Soon, though, the tenderfoot finds out life on the range is neither what he expected nor what he's been looking for...
Critics Sentiment
Reece saves Harris from being trampled in crowded cattle car
Former US marshal kills friend while drinking then takes own life
The film's largest drop occurs when Harris becomes callous as trail boss, then rebounds when Reece saves his life and restores their partnership
The film follows a classic arc of initial promise giving way to harsh realities and character transformation, before ultimately finding redemption. Reviewers consistently praise the character development and Ford-Lemmon chemistry while noting the film's uncommonly dark tone for a western. The emotional journey from optimistic greenhorn through callous hardening to mature partnership resonated with audiences despite some weak romantic elements.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 25
Glenn Ford
Tom Reese
Jack Lemmon
Frank Harris
Anna Kashfi
Maria Vidal / Arriega
Brian Donlevy
Doc Bender, Trailhand
Dick York
Charlie, Trailhand
Víctor Manuel Mendoza
Paco Mendoza, Ramrod
Richard Jaeckel
Paul Curtis
King Donovan
Joe Capper, Trailhand
Vaughn Taylor
Mr. Fowler, Chicago Hotel Manager
Donald Randolph
Senor Vidal, Maria's Father
James Westerfield
Mike Adams
Eugene Iglesias
Don Manuel Arriega
Frank De Kova
Alcaide
Russ Bender
Joe (uncredited)
Joan Bradshaw
Reese's Girl (uncredited)
Don Carlos
Jose (uncredited)
John Cason
Trail Hand (uncredited)
Robert "Buzz" Henry
Slim Barrett
William Leslie
Tucker
Strother Martin
Trailhand Bitten by Rattlesnake
Crew
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