Once Upon a Time in a Western

Red river (1988).

James Arness is Thomas Dunston; Bruce Boxleitner plays Matthew Garth in this remake of the 1948 John Ford / John Wayne classic.

Garth is taken in by Dunston as a young boy after the rest of his family is killed in the same Indian raid that claimed the life of Dunston’s lady love.

Years pass, and Garth returns from the Civil War to find Dunston with a large herd of cattle, but no market, except for a railhead 1,000 miles away in Missouri.

Dunston’s determined to make that drive and begins assembling a crew of cowboys, including fast gun Cherry Valance (Gregory Harrison) and expert horseman Sims (L.Q. Jones), who happens to be black.

But this is a tough trail and a tough journey plagued by bad weather, stampedes and a shortage of supplies. Dunston’s demanding demeanor only makes the trip tougher.

With the men near mutiny, Dunston threatens to hang a couple of cowboys who snuck off in the middle of the night.

It’s at that point that Garth decides to take the herd to a rumored, much closer railhead in Kansas, leaving Dunston behind.

Dunston isn’t a man to be treated like that. He sets out on Garth’s trail, determined to kill the man he’s considered a son should he catch up.

James Arness as Thomas Dunston, determined to recover his herd and settle a score in Red River (1988)

James Arness as Thomas Dunston, determined to recover his herd and settle a score in Red River (1988)

Bruce Boxleitner as Matthew Garth, taking a chance on Kansas in Red River (1988)

Bruce Boxleitner as Matthew Garth, taking a chance on Kansas in Red River (1988)

red river 1988 movie review

Director Richard Michaels, Arness and Boxleitner bite off a big challenge trying to remake the 1948 classic.

You know what? They don’t do too badly.

Oh, budget constrictions downsize the scale of some of the bigger scenes in the John Ford version. And the climatic showdown is something of a letdown.

But James Arness in particular does a nice job with a role that’s less sympathetic than he was used to playing, especially in the five Gunsmoke films that followed the conclusion of that TV series.

Laura Johnson plays the wagon train passenger who turns the head of Garth and Valance, setting them against one another.

The only real deviation from this film and the original was the inclusion of Stan Shaw as the black cowboy, allowing producers to inject a lesson in racism into the plot.

You’ll notice the cast includes former Western stars Ty Hardin and Guy Madison. Both are one scene cameo roles.

Gregory Harrison as Cherry Valance, the fast gun who hires on with Dunston in Red River (1988)

Gregory Harrison as Cherry Valance, the fast gun who hires on with Dunston in Red River (1988)

Laura Johnson as Kate, the settler who turns the head of Matthew Garth and Cherry Valance in Red River (1988)

Laura Johnson as Kate, the settler who turns the head of Matthew Garth and Cherry Valance in Red River (1988)

Directed by: Richard Michaels

Cast: James Arness … Thomas Dunston Bruce Boxleitner … Matthew Garth Gregory Harrison … Cherry Valance Stan Shaw … Jack Bryd Laura Johnson … Kate Ray Walston … Groot Ty Hardin … Cotton Grogan Robert Horton … Mr. Melville Guy Madison … Bill Meeker L.Q. Jones … Sims Zachary Ansley … Cal Jerry Potter … Teeler Burton Gilliam … Buster

Runtime: 96 min.

Ray Walston as Groot, cook for the Dunston outfit in Red River (1988)

Ray Walston as Groot, cook for the Dunston outfit in Red River (1988)

Stan Shaw as Jack Bryd, the black cowboy hired on by Thomas Dunston in Red River (1988)

Stan Shaw as Jack Bryd, the black cowboy hired on by Thomas Dunston in Red River (1988)

Memorable lines:

Cook: “Well just don’t stand there after four years, Dunston. Say something.” Dunston: “Why? You used up all the words.”

Cherry Valance: “Nothing more beautiful than a good gun. Except a Swiss watch. And a woman from anywhere.”

Cherry Valance, of Dunston: “I suppose if I was to tangle with him, I’d have to take you on too?” Matthew Garth: “You’d find him enough himself.”

Dunston cowboy: “We’re to get to hell sooner than Missoura.”

Matthew Garth, to two quarreling hands: “You think this is a game like when you’re little. Slap leather and go ‘bang.’ Get up and fall down again. Well, it ain’t the way in real like. It’s kill or be killed. And you’re a damn long time dead.”

Matthew Garth to Dunston: “I’ll do your work. I’ll take your orders. Don’t tell me how to feel.”

Matthew Garth to Kate: “I don’t know what you did to Cherry to make him crazy. But no woman is worth dying for.” Whereupon they grab one another and start kissing.

Kate: “He hated what he did to you. But he did it out of love.” Dunston: “Like hell he did. I raised him as my own son in all but name. Everything was going to be his — land, cattle, all of it. And he spit on it. And he spit on me. Now, a man does that to me, I’m gonna kill him. It’s just that simple.”

Guy Madison as Bill Meeker, a fellow Texas rancher in Red River (1988)

Guy Madison as Bill Meeker, a fellow Texas rancher in Red River (1988)

Ty Hardin as Cotton Grogan, who tried to get a herd to Missouri and failed in Red River (1988)

Ty Hardin as Cotton Grogan, who tried to get a herd to Missouri and failed in Red River (1988)

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red river 1988 movie review

Red River de 1948 es un clásico de Howard Hawks y no de John Ford.

red river 1988 movie review

the original 1948 movie is the better of the two movies at least they didn’t cut out parts of the important things that happened in the original story Howard Hawks did a much better job on this movie

red river 1988 movie review

I thought Doug McClure was the cattle buyer in this…did not see him mentioned…or did I miss?

red river 1988 movie review

I liked em both. And I don’t think James Arness was too old at 65 to play the lead.

red river 1988 movie review

Although the original film was far better in both story and explanation, this is not too bad. But the antagonism between Cherry and Matt is poorly contrived and unnecessary and the manner of Tess Malloy’s involvement is vague – unlike the original film. Two stars out of four only.

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No one has ever clamored for a remake of director Howard Hawks' "Red River". The 1948 film is routinely considered to be one of the great American westerns, although Hawks was never completely satisfied with the end result. Between changes he made to the film and some changes imposed by the studio, the result was that film scholars are still debating which version should be considered as the final cut.  However, the film's impact is indisputable. It afforded John Wayne the best role of his career up to that time and elevated up-and-coming Montgomery Clift to major stardom. I must admit that I was surprised to learn of a 1988 television remake of the film when I saw it is now streaming on ScreenPix, an optional subscription channel, which is available for a nominal monthly fee to Amazon Prime subscribers. It would take a big man to step into Duke Wayne's shoes but James Arness filled the bill. In fact, Wayne was a mentor to Arness and made several films with him before he convinced the young actor to accept CBS's offer to star as Marshall Matt Dillon in the TV series "Gunsmoke", an adaptation of the popular radio program. Arness plays Thomas Dunson, who was on a wagon train to Texas along his fiancee. Dunson and his sidekick Groot (Ray Walston in a role originally played by Walter Brennan), leave the wagon train to scout for appropriate land to settle on. While they are away, the wagon train is attacked by Indians. The begins with Dunson and Groot discovering that all of the pioneers have been killed except for a young boy, Matt Garth (Mickey Kuhn), who Dunson unofficially adopts as a son. The gesture proves to be mutually beneficial, as it helps both grief-stricken people cope with their losses. Ultimately, the headstrong Dunson finds the perfect land to claim for his own and it stretches as far as the eye can see. The film then jumps ahead a number of years. Dunson's spread, known as the Red River D, has been a major success and he is getting ready to move his enormous herd to Sedalia, Missouri to sell the steers for a considerable profit. He is heartened by the return of Matt (now played by Bruce Boxleitner), who has been away fighting with Southern forces in the Civil War. With Matt and Groot as his trusted right-hand men, Dunson assembles a major company of experienced drovers for the perilous journey that lies ahead. 

As with Hawks' version of "Red River", the TV production chronicles the increased hardships the cattlemen endure and the slow breakdown in morale as food supplies become skimpy and the dangers increase from inclement weather and the threat of hostile Indians. Dunson rules the company with an iron fist and tells the men that he is financially broke, as he's put all of his money into the cattle drive. He reminds them that the only way they will get paid is if they get the herd to Sedalia, where it can be sold. Some cowhands encounter the drovers and say there is a rumor that the rail line has now reach Abilene, Kansas. If true, it will make for a lucrative market to sell the cattle in order to feed the booming population. It's also a shorter and safer journey for the drovers to make. However, Dunson will have not risk changing direction on the basis of an unfounded rumor. Ultimately, some men choose to leave the drive. However, when a couple of drovers also steal some precious food before absconding, Dunson has them hunted down and captured. Enraged, he tells them he will lynch them. When Matt can't convince him that he is going to far, a major rift occurs and Matt informs Dunson that he is taking control of the herd and gambling on taking the cattle to Abilene. Dunson refuses to go along and promises to hunt Matt down and personally kill him, despite the fact that Matt intends to turn any proceeds over to his adoptive father. 

The story continues to follow events in the film, albeit in truncated fashion since the film runs 96 minutes compared to the 133 minutes of the original version. Matt and flashy gunslinger Cherry Valance (Gregory Harrison) encounter a wagon train besieged by Indians. They ultimately rescue the survivors which include Kate Millay (Laura Johnson), a Civil War widow with a young son. Both Matt and Cherry are smitten by her, which introduces an element of sexual tension as both men become antagonistic towards each other in increasingly dangerous ways. Ultimately, Matt gets the herd to Abilene and finds that the rumors were true. The town is booming and anxious to buy the herd for top dollar. Matt's joy is short-lived, however, as Dunson arrives with his personal posse of hired gunmen- and he's intent on keeping his vow to kill Matt.

There is nothing in the TV version of "Red River" that improves on Hawks's original in any meaningful way. However, it does offer some fine performances. It's interesting to see Arness, who gives a commanding performance, finally play a character whose judgment is flawed and whose actions border on the reckless. He has good chemistry with Bruce Boxleitner, possibly because the two were old friends who had co-starred in Arness's post-"Gunsmoke" TV series "How the West Was Won". Gregory Harrison has a meatier role as Cherry Valance than John Ireland did in the original version, possibly because Harrison was an executive producer on this production. He provides ample doses of both charm and reckless behavior. There are plenty of familiar Western stars who make brief appearances including Ty Hardin, Robert Horton, L.Q. Jones and Guy Madison, in his final screen appearance. The script has been updated with some new characters added, most notably Stan Shaw, very good as Jack Byrd, an ex-slave who must endure bigotry before winning the respect of the drovers with his skills. The film is crisply directed by Richard Michaels, who keeps the balance between action and personal dramas well-balanced.

I viewed the film with the expectation that it would be simply a pale imitation of the 1948 classic. However, while the original reigns supreme, I'm happy to say that if the TV version is viewed as a stand-alone production, it's actually surprisingly good.

I can find no record of this film having been released on home video aside from an early VHS version, so the Screenpix option is the best way to view it.

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red river 1988 movie review

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red river 1988 movie review

James Arness (Thomas Dunson) Bruce Boxleitner (Matthew Garth) Gregory Harrison (Cherry Valance) Ray Walston (Nadine Groot) Laura Johnson (Kate Millay) Zachary Ansley (Cal) L.Q. Jones (Sims) Jerry Potter (Teeler) Burton Gilliam (Buster) Stan Shaw (Jack Byrd)

Richard Michaels

Thomas Dunson is a rancher at odds with his adopted son.

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Red River

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Directed by Richard Michaels

A tempestuous cattle drive across 1000 dangerous miles of Texas landscape.

Remake of the 1948 John Wayne feature about a man who rebels against his tyrannical guardian during a crucial cattle drive.

Bruce Boxleitner James Arness Gregory Harrison Stan Shaw Ray Walston Ty Hardin Robert Horton John Lupton Guy Madison Laura Johnson Zachary Ansley Donnie Jeffcoat

Director Director

Richard Michaels

Writer Writer

Richard Fielder

Casting Casting

Mary Jo Slater

Editor Editor

Michael Eliot

Cinematography Cinematography

Shelly Johnson

Production Design Production Design

Victoria Paul

Composer Composer

Kenneth Wannberg

Costume Design Costume Design

Madeline Ann Graneto

MGM/UA Television The Catalina Production Group

Alternative Titles

Treck nach Missouri, Río rojo, Vörös folyó, 红河

Releases by Date

10 apr 1988, 19 may 1999, releases by country.

96 mins   More at IMDb TMDb Report this page

Popular reviews

giant13

Review by giant13 ★½

Absolutely flat remake of the classic Hawks/Wayne picture. A snooze-fest. Music is alright though.

Incognito Mode

Review by Incognito Mode

Still processing...

Okay, I'm done now. I just wanted to make sure the only reason Stan Shaw's character was added to this remake was so he could be called the N-word relentlessly by the rest of the cast.

joelnox

Review by joelnox ★★½

Taken on its own merits this is a passable cattle drive drama with decent performances but it's a mere shadow of the John Wayne/Montgomery Clift classic original.

Doffy99

Review by Doffy99 ★★½ 1

Obviously a remake of the original John Wayne movie of the same name. This version stars James Arness as Dunston with Bruce Boxleitner as Matt Garth and Gregory Harrison as Cherry Valance and Laura Johnson as Tess Milay.

They changed things in this version. Amazingly, I'd say seventy percent of the movie is almost word for word the same as the 1948 version with Wayne in it.

They added a former slave who is hired as a horse fighter (he breaks and trains wild horses). They changed Cherry Valance a little,, but I won't go into how so I don't give any spoilers. And they changed the back story on Tess Milay.

Honestly, this version probably tells a better story…

Michael_Elliott

Review by Michael_Elliott ★★

Watered-down remake of Howard Hawks' 1948 classic has James Arness stepping in for John Wayne and Bruce Boxleitner doing the Montgomery Clift part. Once again we see tyrant Arness taking a cattle drive 1,000 miles and battling a wide range of things.

I always found it interesting when these made-for-TV flicks would come along and remake classics from the past. I think sometimes they worked to minor entertainment (STAGECOACH) but at other times you really have to wonder what the entire point was. This remake runs nearly thirty-minutes shorter and everything missing is pretty much the heart and soul to the original movie. It really does seem like the filmmakers and cast simply sat down, watched the original and then…

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red river 1988 movie review

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When Peter Bogdanovich needed a movie to play as the final feature in the doomed small-town theater in “ The Last Picture Show ,” he chose Howard Hawks' “Red River” (1948). He selected the scene where John Wayne tells Montgomery Clift , “Take 'em to Missouri, Matt!” And then there is Hawks' famous montage of weathered cowboy faces in closeup and exaltation, as they cry “Hee-yaw!” and wave their hats in the air.

The moment is as quintessentially Western as any ever filmed, capturing the exhilaration of being on a horse under the big sky with a job to do and a paycheck at the other end. And “Red River” is one of the greatest of all Westerns when it stays with its central story about an older man and a younger one, and the first cattle drive down the Chisholm Trail. It is only in its few scenes involving women that it goes wrong.

The film's hero and villain is Tom Dunson (Wayne), who heads West with a wagon train in 1851 and then peels off for Texas to start a cattle ranch. He takes along only his wagon driver, Groot Nadine ( Walter Brennan ). Dunson's sweetheart, Fen ( Coleen Gray ), wants to join them, but he rejects her almost absentmindedly, promising to send for her later. Later, from miles away, Tom and Groot see smoke rising: Indians have destroyed the wagon train. Groot, a grizzled codger, fulminates about how Indians “always want to be burning up good wagons,” and Tom observes that it would take them too long to go back and try to help. Their manner is surprisingly distant, considering that Dunson has just lost the woman he loved.

Soon after, the men encounter a boy who survived the Indian attack. This is Matt Garth, who is adopted by Dunson and brought up as the eventual heir to his ranch. Played as an adult by Montgomery Clift (his first screen role), Matt goes away to school, but returns in 1866 just as Dunson is preparing an epic drive to take 9,000 head of cattle north to Missouri.

I mentioned that Dunson is both hero and villain. It's a sign of the movie's complexity that John Wayne, often typecast, is given a tortured, conflicted character to play. He starts with “a boy with a cow and a man with a bull,” and builds up a great herd. But then he faces ruin; he must drive the cattle north or go bankrupt.

He's a stubborn man; all through the movie people tell him he's wrong, and usually they're right. They're especially right in wanting to take the cattle to Abilene, which is closer and reportedly has a railroad line, instead of on the longer trek to Missouri. As the cattle drive grows grueling, Dunson grows irascible, and finally whiskey and lack of sleep drive him a little mad; there are attempted mutinies before Matt finally rebels and takes the cattle to Abilene.

The critic Tim Dirks has pointed out the parallels between their conflict and the standoff between Capt. Bligh and Fletcher Christian in “Mutiny on the Bounty.” And indeed, the Borden Chase screenplay makes much of the older man's pride and the younger one's need to prove himself.

Also established, but never really developed, is a rivalry between young Matt and a tough cowboy named Cherry Valance ( John Ireland ), who signs up for the cattle drive and becomes Matt's rival. There's gonna be trouble between those two, old Groot predicts, but the film never delivers, leaving them stranded in the middle of a peculiar ambivalence that drew the attention of “The Celluloid Closet,” a documentary about hidden homosexuality in the movies. (“You know,” Cherry says, handling Matt's gun, “there are only two things more beautiful than a good gun: a Swiss watch or a woman from anywhere. You ever had a Swiss watch?”)

The shifting emotional attachments are tracked by a silver bracelet, which Dunson gives to Fen before leaving her. It later turns up on the wrist of an Indian he kills, and Dunson then gives it to Matt, who later gives it to Tess Millay (Joanne Dru), a woman he rescues and falls in love with. The three scenes with Tess are the movie's low points, in part because of her prattle (listen to how she chats distractingly with Matt during an Indian attack), in part because she is all too obviously the deus ex machina the plot needs to avoid an unhappy ending. The final scene is the weakest in the film, and Borden Chase reportedly hated it, with good reason: Two men act out a fierce psychological rivalry for two hours, only to cave in instantly to a female's glib tongue-lashing.

What we remember with “Red River” is not, however, the silly ending, but the setup and the majestic central portions. The tragic rivalry is so well established that somehow it keeps its weight and dignity in our memories, even though the ending undercuts it.

Just as memorable are the scenes of the cattle drive itself, as a handful of men control a herd so large it takes all night to ford a river. Russell Harlan's cinematography finds classical compositions in the drive, arrangements of men, sky and trees, and then in the famous stampede scene he shows a river of cattle flowing down a hill. It is an outdoor movie (we never go inside the ranch house Dunson must have built), and when young Matt steps inside the cattle buyer's office in Abilene, he ducks, observing how long it's been since he was under a roof.

Hawks is wonderful at setting moods. Notice the ominous atmosphere he brews on the night of the stampede--the silence, the restlessness of the cattle, the lowered voices. Notice Matt's nervousness during a night of thick fog, when every shadow may be Tom, come to kill him. And the tension earlier, when Dunson holds a kangaroo court.

And watch the subtle way Hawks modulates Tom Dunson's gradual collapse. John Wayne is tall and steady at the beginning of the picture, but by the end his hair is gray and lank, and his eyes are haunted; the transition is so gradual we might not even notice he wears a white hat at the outset but a black one at the end. Wayne is sometimes considered more of a natural force than an actor, but here his understated acting is right on the money; the critic Joseph McBride says John Ford , who had directed Wayne many times, saw “Red River” and told Hawks, “I never knew the big son of a bitch could act.”

Between Wayne and Clift there is a clear tension, not only between an older man and a younger one, but between an actor who started in 1929 and another who represented the leading edge of the Method. It's almost as if Wayne, who could go over a flamboyant actor, was trying to go under a quiet one: He meets the challenge, and matches it.

The theme of “Red River” is from classical tragedy: the need of the son to slay the father, literally or symbolically, in order to clear the way for his own ascendancy. And the father's desire to gain immortality through a child (the one moment with a woman that does work is when Dunson asks Tess to bear a son for him). The majesty of the cattle drive, and all of its expert details about “taking the point” and keeping the cowhands fed and happy, is atmosphere surrounding these themes.

Underlying everything else is an attitude that must have been invisible to the filmmakers at the time: the unstated assumption that it is the white man's right to take what he wants. Dunson shoots a Mexican who comes to tell him “Don Diego” owns the land. Told the land had been granted to Diego by the king of Spain, Dunson says, “You mean he took it away from whoever was here before--Indians, maybe. Well, I'm takin' it away from him.” In throwaway dialogue, we learn of seven more men Dunson has killed for his ranch, and there's a grimly humorous motif as he shoots people and then “reads over 'em” from the Bible.

Dunson is a law of his own, until Matt stops a hanging and ends his reign. If all Westerns are about the inevitable encroachment of civilization, this is one where it seems like a pretty good idea.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

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Film credits.

Red River movie poster

Red River (1948)

Rated NR no objectionable material

133 minutes

John Wayne as Tom Dunson

Noah Beery Jr. as Buster McGee

Coleen Gray as Fen

Montgomery Clift as Matt Garth

John Ireland as Cherry Valance

Walter Brennan as Nadine

Joanne Dru Groot as Tess Millay

Directed by

  • Howard Hawks

Screenplay by

  • Borden Chase
  • Charles Schnee

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Red River

Red River (1988)

Directed by richard michaels.

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red river 1988 movie review

red river 1988 movie review

Red River (1988)

Red River (1988) -

1 HOUR 33 MINS

A cattle baron, his foster son, a gunfighter and a former slave drive a herd up the Chisholm Trail.

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Cast & Crew

James Arness

James Arness Thomas Dunson

Bruce Boxleitner

Bruce Boxleitner Matthew Garth

Gregory Harrison

Gregory Harrison Cherry Valance

Ray Walston

Ray Walston Groot

Ty Hardin

Ty Hardin Cotton

Robert Horton

Robert Horton Mr. Melville

John Lupton

John Lupton Eli Pruitt

Guy Madison

Guy Madison Bill Meeker

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Red River streaming: where to watch online?

Currently you are able to watch "Red River" streaming on ScreenPix Apple TV Channel or for free with ads on Tubi TV.

Where does Red River rank today? The JustWatch Daily Streaming Charts are calculated by user activity within the last 24 hours. This includes clicking on a streaming offer, adding a title to a watchlist, and marking a title as 'seen'. This includes data from ~1.3 million movie & TV show fans per day.

Rank Title

9061.

+3647

9062.

+3985

9063.

+3858

9064.

+3733

9065.

+3721

9066.

+3908

9067.

+3116

9068.

+3719

9069.

+4016

Streaming charts last updated: 5:14:23 PM, 06/27/2024

Red River is 9065 on the JustWatch Daily Streaming Charts today. The movie has moved up the charts by 3721 places since yesterday. In the United States, it is currently more popular than Voice from the Stone but less popular than Midnight Cowboy.

Remake of the 1948 John Wayne feature about a man who rebels against his tyrannical guardian during a crucial cattle drive.

Streaming Charts The JustWatch Daily Streaming Charts are calculated by user activity within the last 24 hours. This includes clicking on a streaming offer, adding a title to a watchlist, and marking a title as 'seen'. This includes data from ~1.3 million movie & TV show fans per day.

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Red River (1988) Stream and Watch Online

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Looking to feast your eyes on ' Red River ' in the comfort of your own home? Tracking down a streaming service to buy, rent, download, or view the Richard Michaels-directed movie via subscription can be difficult, so we here at Moviefone want to do right by you. We've listed a number of streaming and cable services - including rental, purchase, and subscription alternatives - along with the availability of 'Red River' on each platform when they are available. Now, before we get into the various whats and wheres of how you can watch 'Red River' right now, here are some details about the MGMUA Television The Catalina Production Group western flick. Released April 10th, 1988, 'Red River' stars Bruce Boxleitner , James Arness , Gregory Harrison , Stan Shaw The movie has a runtime of about 1 hr 36 min, and received a user score of 60 (out of 100) on TMDb, which put together reviews from 4 well-known users. You probably already know what the movie's about, but just in case... Here's the plot: "Remake of the 1948 John Wayne feature about a man who rebels against his tyrannical guardian during a crucial cattle drive" 'Red River' is currently available to rent, purchase, or stream via subscription on The Roku Channel, ScreenPix Apple TV Channel, and Tubi TV .

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red river 1988 movie review

Cast Of Red River 1988: A Look Back

Product 1

Short Answer for “cast of red river 1988”

The cast of Red River 1988 includes Bruce Boxleitner, James Arness, Gregory Harrison, Stan Shaw, and Ray Walston. The cast received critical acclaim for their outstanding performances, contributing to the film’s success.

The cast of Red River 1988 includes Bruce Boxleitner as Matthew Garth, James Arness as Thomas Dunson, Gregory Harrison as Cherry Valance, Stan Shaw as Jack Byrd, and Ray Walston as Nadine Groot.

Red River 1988 is a TV movie that aired on April 10, 1988 and starred James Arness as Thomas Dunson, Bruce Boxlietner as Matthew Garth, and Ty Hardin as Cotton.

Check out this Youtube video: The cast of Red River 1988, including Hollywood legends John Wayne and James Arness, come together in this classic western film that’s a must-watch for any fan of the genre.

Key Takeaways on Cast of Red River 1988

The cast of Red River 1988 received critical acclaim for their outstanding performances, captivating audiences with genuine emotional resonance.

The performances were noted for their compelling and immersive nature, drawing viewers into the narrative with remarkable depth.

The exceptional portrayals by the cast members contributed significantly to the film’s critical and audience acclaim, solidifying their impact on the overall success and reception of the movie.

Crew of Red River 1988

Director: richard michaels.

Richard Michaels is the talented director behind the 1988 film Red River. While he may not have a long list of blockbuster movies to his name, his contributions to TV series such as “Bewitched” and “The Brady Bunch” solidify his position as a seasoned director with a flair for storytelling and visual presentation.

In Red River, Michaels showcases his directorial prowess by capturing the essence of the story and bringing it to life on the silver screen.

Writer: Burt Kennedy

The compelling storyline of Red River is the brainchild of the accomplished writer Burt Kennedy. Kennedy’s expertise in crafting captivating narratives is evident in this film, as he weaves together an engaging plot that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

With a career spanning numerous notable works, Kennedy’s writing in Red River stands as a testament to his ability to create gripping and memorable stories that resonate with viewers.

Cinematography: Paul Lohmann

The visual splendor of Red River is attributed to the masterful cinematography of Paul Lohmann. Lohmann’s keen eye for capturing captivating visuals and striking landscapes adds a layer of depth and beauty to the film.

Through his expert lens, he elevates the cinematic experience, enchanting audiences with breathtaking imagery that complements the narrative, making Red River a visual masterpiece.

Music: Charles Gross

The emotive and evocative musical score of Red River is the creation of the esteemed composer Charles Gross. Gross’s exceptional musical talent shines through in the film, heightening the emotional impact and immersing audiences in the storyline.

With his brilliant composition, he brings the characters’ journeys to life, enhancing pivotal moments and leaving a lasting impression. Gross’s musical genius contributes significantly to the overall charm and allure of Red River, making it a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.

cast of red river 1988 - Popular Western Movies - cast of red river 1988

Popular Western Movies

The cast of Red River 1948 , directed by Howard Hawks, features iconic actors such as John Wayne and Montgomery Clift. As one of the most beloved classic Western films, Red River stands in a league of its own, delivering a gripping tale of cattle driving and the challenges of the frontier.

Comparison to other classic Western films

When comparing Red River to other classic Western films , its raw and intense portrayal of the struggles faced by ranchers sets it apart. The film’s focus on the strife within a cattle drive, the clash of authority between characters, and the psychological depth in the interactions between John Wayne’s and Montgomery Clift’s characters makes it a unique masterpiece. Unlike many other Westerns of its time, Red River delves into complexities beyond mere shootouts and cowboy bravado, offering a deeper exploration of human dynamics and moral dilemmas.

Impact on the Western movie genre

Red River’s indelible influence on the Western movie genre is undeniable. It ushered in a new era of storytelling in Western cinema, inspiring subsequent films to incorporate more intricate character development and psychological depth. This paradigm shift redefined audience expectations for Western movies, elevating the genre beyond its traditional tropes and cliche narratives. Red River’s impact echoes throughout the evolution of Western films, demonstrating the enduring significance of this cinematic masterpiece.

Movie Title Director Lead Actor Release Year
Red River Howard Hawks John Wayne 1948

In conclusion, the cast of Red River 1948 and its remarkable narrative have solidified its place in the pantheon of Western cinema, setting a standard that continues to influence the genre to this day.

cast of red river 1988 - Movie Reviews - cast of red river 1988

Movie Reviews

The cast of Red River 1988 received critical acclaim for their outstanding performances, showcasing exceptional talent and delivering memorable portrayals of their respective characters. Critics lauded the cast’s abilities to bring depth and authenticity to their roles, elevating the overall impact of the film. The performances were noted for their compelling and immersive nature, captivating audiences and drawing them into the narrative with genuine emotional resonance.

Critical reception of the cast performances

The critical reception of the cast performances in Red River 1988 garnered widespread praise for the authenticity and conviction that the actors brought to their roles. Critics admired the seamless chemistry among the cast members and their ability to convey the intricacies of their characters with remarkable depth. Notable performances were highlighted, applauding the actors for their ability to breathe life into the story, effectively capturing the audience’s attention and leaving a lasting impression.

Audience reactions and reviews of the film’s casting decisions

Audience reactions and reviews of the film’s casting decisions resonated similarly to critical reception, with viewers expressing deep appreciation for the cast’s performances. The audience found themselves emotionally invested in the characters, attributing their engagement to the exceptional portrayals delivered by the cast.

Viewers commended the casting decisions for creating a captivating and immersive viewing experience, effectively bringing the story to life through the compelling performances.

Cast Member Role Performance Evaluation
Protagonist Delivered a captivating and authentic portrayal, engaging the audience with compelling emotion and depth.
Supporting Role Commanded attention with a compelling and immersive performance, drawing viewers into the character’s journey.
Antagonist Brought a powerful and convincing portrayal, effectively capturing the essence of the character and adding depth to the narrative.

The exceptional performances of the Red River 1988 cast contributed significantly to the film’s critical and audience acclaim, solidifying their impact on the overall success and reception of the movie.

cast of red river 1988 - Conclusion - cast of red river 1988

The cast of Red River 1988 received critical acclaim for their outstanding performances, showcasing exceptional talent and delivering memorable portrayals of their respective characters. Critics lauded the cast’s abilities to bring depth and authenticity to their roles, elevating the overall impact of the film.

The performances were noted for their compelling and immersive nature, captivating audiences and drawing them into the narrative with genuine emotional resonance.

The critical reception of the cast performances in Red River 1988 garnered widespread praise for the authenticity and conviction that the actors brought to their roles. Critics admired the seamless chemistry among the cast members and their ability to convey the intricacies of their characters with remarkable depth.

Notable performances were highlighted, applauding the actors for their ability to breathe life into the story, effectively capturing the audience’s attention and leaving a lasting impression.

Reference Links

  • https://www.fandango.com/red-river-1988-44117/cast-and-crew
  • https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/red_river_1988
  • https://www.moviefone.com/movie/red-river/1082/credits/
  • http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/415992/red-river/

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red river 1988 movie review

red river 1988 movie review

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  1. ‎Red River (1988) directed by Richard Michaels • Reviews, film + cast

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  2. Red River (TV Movie 1988)

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  3. Red River (1988)

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  4. Red River (1988) Bruce Boxleitner, James Arness, Gregory Harrison

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VIDEO

  1. The River 1988 Cast Then and Now 2023, All Cast Tragically Passed Away!

  2. Red River ||Horror|| Movie Explanation

  3. John Wayne & Montgomery Clift

  4. RED RIVER (1948)

  5. RED RIVER! The James Arness Remake! John Wayne Invades Catalina! CENTENNIAL! with Gregory Harrison

COMMENTS

  1. Red River (1988)

    After the Civil War, rancher Thomas Dunson (James Arness) leads a dangerous cattle drive across Texas with a team that includes his adopted son, Matthew (Bruce Boxleitner), and black cowboy Jack ...

  2. Red River (TV Movie 1988)

    Permalink. 6/10. Not Bad. garyldibert 6 July 2008. This movie made for TV. Aired on April 10 1988 starring James Arness as Thomas Dunson, Bruce Boxlietner as Matthew Garth and Ty Hardin as Cotton. Thomas Dunson as a dream and the dream is to have the biggest cattle ranch in Texas.

  3. Red River (TV Movie 1988)

    Red River: Directed by Richard Michaels. With James Arness, Bruce Boxleitner, Gregory Harrison, Ray Walston. Thomas Dunson is a rancher at odds with his adopted son.

  4. Red River (1988)

    Red River (1988) Mark Franklin May 26, 2021 1980s. James Arness is Thomas Dunston; Bruce Boxleitner plays Matthew Garth in this remake of the 1948 John Ford / John Wayne classic. Garth is taken in by Dunston as a young boy after the rest of his family is killed in the same Indian raid that claimed the life of Dunston's lady love.

  5. Streaming Review: "Red River" (1988) Starring James Arness and Bruce

    Ultimately, the headstrong Dunson finds the perfect land to claim for his own and it stretches as far as the eye can see. The film then jumps ahead a number of years. Dunson's spread, known as the Red River D, has been a major success and he is getting ready to move his enormous herd to Sedalia, Missouri to sell the steers for a considerable ...

  6. Red River (1988)

    Film Movie Reviews Red River — 1988. Red River. 1988. 1h 36m. TV-14. Drama/Western. Where to Watch. Stream. Advertisement. Cast. James Arness (Thomas Dunson) Bruce Boxleitner (Matthew Garth ...

  7. ‎Red River (1988) directed by Richard Michaels • Reviews, film + cast

    Cast. Bruce Boxleitner James Arness Gregory Harrison Stan Shaw Ray Walston Ty Hardin Robert Horton John Lupton Guy Madison Laura Johnson Zachary Ansley Donnie Jeffcoat. 96 mins More at IMDb TMDb. Sign in to log, rate or review. Share.

  8. Red River (TV Movie 1988)

    Thomas Dunson (James Arness) wants to start a cattle ranch in Texas. Shortly after he begins his journey to Texas with his trail hand Nadine Groot (Ray Walston), Dunson learns that his love interest Fen was killed in an Indian attack. He had told Fen to stay behind with the California-bound wagon train, with the understanding that he would send ...

  9. Red River (1988)

    Visit the movie page for 'Red River' on Moviefone. Discover the movie's synopsis, cast details and release date. Watch trailers, exclusive interviews, and movie review.

  10. Red River (1988) Movie Reviews

    Buy movie tickets in advance, find movie times, watch trailers, read movie reviews, and more at Fandango. ... Red River (1988) Critic Reviews and Ratings Powered by Rotten Tomatoes Rate Movie. Close Audience Score. The percentage of users who made a verified movie ticket purchase and rated this 3.5 stars or higher. ...

  11. Red River

    I rate it a 5 out of 5 Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/06/23 Full Review Matthew B Red River was one of the most influential westerns ever made, and elements of the movie were to be ...

  12. Watch Red River (1988)

    Red River (1988) The timeless struggle between father and son is intensified during a grueling cattle drive across a thousand dangerous miles of Texas landscape. James Arness, Bruce Boxleitner and Gregory Harrison star in this rousing remake of the 1948 classic. 1,672 IMDb 6.1 1 h 35 min 1988. 7+. Western · Drama · Serious.

  13. Red River movie review & film summary (1948)

    When Peter Bogdanovich needed a movie to play as the final feature in the doomed small-town theater in "The Last Picture Show," he chose Howard Hawks' "Red River" (1948).He selected the scene where John Wayne tells Montgomery Clift, "Take 'em to Missouri, Matt!"And then there is Hawks' famous montage of weathered cowboy faces in closeup and exaltation, as they cry "Hee-yaw ...

  14. Red River (1988) Movie Reviews

    Buy movie tickets in advance, find movie times, watch trailers, read movie reviews, and more at Fandango. ... Red River (1988) Fan Reviews and Ratings Powered by Rotten Tomatoes Rate Movie. Close Audience Score. The percentage of users who made a verified movie ticket purchase and rated this 3.5 stars or higher. ...

  15. Red River

    Rotten Tomatoes, home of the Tomatometer, is the most trusted measurement of quality for Movies & TV. The definitive site for Reviews, Trailers, Showtimes, and Tickets

  16. Red River (1988)

    Red River (1988) Red River. (1988) Directed by Richard Michaels. Genres - Western | Release Date - Apr 10, 1988 | Run Time - 96 min. | Countries - United States of America | MPAA Rating - TV-14. AllMovie Rating. 3.

  17. Red River (1988)

    Movie. 1988. TVPG. 1 HOUR 33 MINS. Western. A cattle baron, his foster son, a gunfighter and a former slave drive a herd up the Chisholm Trail. Trailer. Clip. 6.0.

  18. Red River streaming: where to watch movie online?

    9023. Elevator. +3249. Show all movies in the JustWatch Streaming Charts. Streaming charts last updated: 1:16:51 PM, 06/23/2024. Red River is 9019 on the JustWatch Daily Streaming Charts today. The movie has moved up the charts by 4077 places since yesterday. In the United States, it is currently more popular than Portrait of Wally but less ...

  19. Red River (1988) Stream and Watch Online

    Released April 10th, 1988, 'Red River' stars Bruce Boxleitner, James Arness, Gregory Harrison, Stan Shaw The movie has a runtime of about 1 hr 36 min, and received a user score of 60 (out of 100 ...

  20. Cast Of Red River 1988: A Look Back

    Red River 1988 is a TV movie that aired on April 10, 1988 and starred James Arness as Thomas Dunson, Bruce Boxlietner as Matthew Garth, and Ty Hardin as Cotton. ... Movie Reviews. The cast of Red River 1988 received critical acclaim for their outstanding performances, showcasing exceptional talent and delivering memorable portrayals of their ...

  21. Red River (TV Movie 1988)

    Red River (TV Movie 1988) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more.

  22. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)

    Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: Directed by Tim Burton. With Jenna Ortega, Monica Bellucci, Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton. After a family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia's life is turned upside down when her teenage daughter, Astrid, accidentally opens the portal to the Afterlife.