The Cowboys (1972)
A grizzled rancher entrusts his cattle drive to a band of young schoolboys — and a ruthless outlaw is watching every step of the way.
The Cowboys - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Cowboys
- Release Year: 1972
- Directed by: Mark Rydell
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Western, Adventure, Drama, Action
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 2h 14m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 13, 1972 (United States - PG), January 27, 1972 (Germany - 16), March 22, 1972 (France - U)
- Alternative Titles: I cowboys (1972) (IT), Les Cowboys (FR), 智斗盗马贼 (CN)
- Production Companies: Sanford Productions (III), Warner Bros. Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Cowboys - Plot
When his cattlemen abandon him for the gold fields, rancher Wil Andersen is forced to take on a collection of young boys as his cowboys in order to get his herd to market in time to avoid financial disaster. The boys learn to do a man's job under Andersen's tutelage, however, neither he nor the boys know that a gang of cattle thieves is stalking them.
The Cowboys - Trailer
Watch the official trailer for this classic John Wayne Western:
All they wanted was their chance to be men... and he gave it to them.
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The Cowboys - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Mark Rydell
Main Cast
- John Wayne
- Roscoe Lee Browne
- Bruce Dern
- Colleen Dewhurst
- Alfred Barker Jr.
- Nicolas Beauvy
- Steve Benedict
- Robert Carradine
- Norman Howell
- Stephen R. Hudis
Writers
- Irving Ravetch
- William Dale Jennings
- Harriet Frank Jr.
Producers
- Mark Rydell
The Cowboys - FAQs
Who are the main actors in The Cowboys?
The Cowboys stars John Wayne as rancher Wil Andersen, Roscoe Lee Browne as trail cook Jebediah Nightlinger, and Bruce Dern as the villain Long Hair. The young cast includes Robert Carradine, Clay O'Brien, and A Martinez among the schoolboy cowboys recruited for the cattle drive.
Why is Bruce Dern's role in The Cowboys so memorable?
Bruce Dern became one of Hollywood's most notorious villains by killing John Wayne's character on screen — a rare and shocking moment in cinema history. Wayne was considered virtually untouchable as a screen hero, making Dern's act deeply controversial and earning him lasting infamy among Western fans.
Where can you stream or watch The Cowboys?
The Cowboys (1972) is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It is not currently included in any major subscription streaming service, so a digital rental or purchase is the most accessible viewing option.
Is The Cowboys based on a true story or a book?
The Cowboys is based on a 1971 novel of the same name by William Dale Jennings. The story is fictional, not drawn from a specific historical event, though it reflects the authentic realities of 19th-century Montana cattle drives and the culture of the American West.
What is The Cowboys (1972) about?
Rancher Wil Andersen is left without a crew when his cattlemen abandon him for the gold rush. Desperate, he hires a group of young schoolboys to help drive his herd to market. The boys mature under his tough guidance, but a ruthless gang of cattle rustlers is shadowing their journey.
What is the age rating for The Cowboys?
The Cowboys is rated PG in the United States. Despite the relatively mild rating by modern standards, the film contains notable violence, including the death of a major character, as well as themes of underage drinking and the harsh realities of frontier life that may not be suitable for very young viewers.
Who directed The Cowboys and who composed the score?
The Cowboys was directed by Mark Rydell, known for his ability to draw nuanced performances from his cast. The film's memorable score was composed by John Williams, years before his iconic work on Star Wars and Jaws, demonstrating his early mastery of sweeping, emotionally resonant orchestral storytelling.
How long is The Cowboys and when was it released?
The Cowboys has a runtime of 2 hours and 14 minutes. It was theatrically released in the United States on January 13, 1972, followed by a German release on January 27, 1972, and a French release on March 22, 1972, making it one of John Wayne's major early-1970s Western productions.
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