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SummaryRanch owner Katie Elder's four sons determine to avenge the murder of their father and the swindling of their mother.

The Sons of Katie Elder

Metascore
Generally Favorable
72
User score
Mixed or Average
6.0
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Metascore
Generally Favorable
71% Positive
5 Reviews
29% Mixed
2 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
80
The Telegraph
There's gambling, shootouts, shady characters and a bombastic score - what more could you ask for? [02 Mar 2016]
80
The Observer (UK)
Superior western starring John Wayne (just out of hospital and boasting that he had beaten 'the Big C') as an honest gunslinger rallying his wayward brothers (Dean Martin, Earl Holliman, Michael Anderson) to regain the family ranch from a crooked land baron and avenge their mother's death. [30 Jul 2000, p.10]
80
Los Angeles Times
Notable for its on-screen vigor and two off-screen bits of drama: star John Wayne's recovery from lung cancer and supporting player Dennis Hopper's reunion with Hathaway after their legendary 78-take standoff in the 1958 From Hell to Texas. [23 Jul 1989, p.2]
70
Village Voice
The spectacle of people in Hollywood trying to do something different in a western at this late date is curiously reassuring. [09 Sep 1965, p.15]
70
The New York Times
A good, tough, unpretentious and gory little Western with a professional stamp and a laconic bite.
60
Variety
Wayne delivers one of his customary rugged portrayals, a little old, perhaps, to have such a young brother as Anderson but not so old that he lacks the attributes of a gunman. Martin, who plays his part with a little more humor than the others, is equally effective in a hardboiled characterization.
60
TV Guide Magazine
Following surgery Wayne wanted to prove he was still physically fit, and his role here certainly goes to great lengths to show it. Wayne rides, shoots, and fights as though the worst that had happened to him was a touch of the flu.
User score
Mixed or Average
70% Positive
7 Ratings
10% Mixed
1 Rating
20% Negative
2 Ratings
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Jul 28, 2025
7
CineChamber
You know, it's hard to believe this movie was "remade" as 'Four Brothers' with Mark Wahlberg. I can see only really see the theme through the two movies with the mom dying, and the four brothers mourning in a violent way. However, The Sons of Katie Elder is more wholesome, and has more mystery intertwined into the plot for the sons to figure out to avenge. As to where in Four Brothers, when the mom is murdered, the sons know from the start, and go on a revenge tour to find out who the killer was. Also, it has been a long time since I have seen a John Wayne movie. Probably since I was a little kid with my grandparents. He just has one of those dynamic and engaging voices that is instantly recognizable. I can understand why he was such a legend in his time.
May 30, 2022
0
Broyax
Une histoire de ranch familial et de fistons un peu vindicatifs qui se réveillent tout-à-coup à l’enterrement de leur vieille maman, surtout l’aîné John Elder parce qu’il paraît que c’est la terreur de l’ouest avec ou sans flingue et pour cause parce qu’il s’appelle en fait, je te le donne en mille, John Wayne ! Et John Wayne quand il fait le cow-boy, rien ne peut l’arrêter, même pas un train. Surtout qu’en plus, il est épaulé par le couineur de ces dames, Dean Martin, et là le duo compte double comme un vieux whisky frelaté qui te provoque des renvois : on a beau faire en effet tout ce qu’on peut, s’attacher au fauteuil, prier, gueuler… On veut sortir tout de suite de ce western avec John Wayne dedans. Et avec Dean Martin en plus, putain ! On veut s’enfuir avant de faire un infarctus du cerveau. Avant de se transformer en limace devant ce marasme filmographique qui réussit à la fois à ennuyer les vaches, les tortues et les escargots. Mais quelle horreur une platitude pareille ! et ça, c’est parce le film entier est l’équivalent de l’encéphalo plat d’une grenouille suicidée. Oh bien sûr, on a reconnu le jeune Dennis Hopper dans un petit rôle secondaire. Et on compâtit de plus belle : quel cruel métier que celui d’acteur…
See All 2 User Reviews
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  • Wallis-Hazen
Jun 24, 1965
2 h 2 m
TV-PG
They came from nobody knows where, to do God only knows what...
Western Heritage Awards
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
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