The Virginian (1946)
A sweeping Technicolor Western where loyalty, love, and the law collide on the Wyoming frontier.
The Virginian - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Virginian
- Release Year: 1946
- Directed by: Stuart Gilmore
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Western
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 27m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 5, 1946 (United States - NR)
- Alternative Titles: The Virginian (US)
- Production Companies: Paramount Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Virginian - Plot
Arriving at Medicine Bow, eastern schoolteacher Molly Woods meets two cowboys, irresponsible Steve and the "Virginian," who gets off on the wrong foot with her. To add to his troubles, the Virginian finds that his old pal Steve is mixed up with black-hatted Trampas and his rustlers...then finds himself at the head of a posse after said rustlers; and Molly hates the violent side of frontier life.
The Virginian - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the Technicolor West come alive:
The All-Time Best-Selling Love Story of the West... Now On the Screen In Spectacular Technicolor!
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The Virginian - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Stuart Gilmore
Main Cast
- Joel McCrea
- Brian Donlevy
- Sonny Tufts
- Barbara Britton
- William Frawley
- Fay Bainter
- Henry O'Neill
- Tom Tully
- Bill Edwards
- Paul Guilfoyle
Writers
- Albert Hackett
- Frances Goodrich
Producers
- Howard Estabrook
The Virginian - FAQs
Is The Virginian (1946) based on a book?
Yes, The Virginian is based on Owen Wister's landmark 1902 novel of the same name. The book is widely considered one of the founding texts of the Western genre, and the 1946 film is actually the fourth Hollywood adaptation of Wister's beloved story.
Who are the main actors in The Virginian?
Joel McCrea leads the cast as the unnamed Virginian, with Brian Donlevy playing the villainous Trampas. Sonny Tufts appears as the ill-fated Steve, and Barbara Britton plays schoolteacher Molly Wood. William Frawley, Fay Bainter, and Henry O'Neill round out the supporting cast.
What is The Virginian (1946) about?
The film follows a charming, unnamed Wyoming cowboy known only as the Virginian, who falls for a newly arrived eastern schoolteacher named Molly Wood. Trouble brews when his loyal friend Steve gets entangled with the ruthless outlaw Trampas, forcing the Virginian to choose between friendship and frontier justice.
What is the famous line from The Virginian?
One of the most iconic lines in Western cinema originates from Owen Wister's novel and was popularized through its film adaptations: "When you call me that, smile!" The Virginian delivers this cool warning to the villain Trampas after being called a derogatory name, cementing the scene as a classic of the genre.
When was The Virginian released?
The Virginian was released on May 5, 1946, in the United States by Paramount Pictures. It was notably the first Technicolor adaptation of Owen Wister's classic novel, giving the sweeping Wyoming landscapes and frontier action a vivid, cinematic richness that earlier black-and-white versions couldn't offer.
Is The Virginian (1946) a remake?
Yes, it's a remake — and the fourth film version of Owen Wister's novel. Previous adaptations include silent and early sound-era versions from 1914, 1923, and 1929. The 1946 production stands out as the definitive Technicolor telling, with Joel McCrea bringing a warm, authoritative presence to the iconic lead role.
How long is The Virginian (1946)?
The Virginian runs for 87 minutes — just under an hour and a half. It's a brisk, well-paced runtime that keeps the story moving through its blend of frontier romance, friendship, and moral conflict without overstaying its welcome.
What are similar movies to The Virginian?
If you enjoy The Virginian, you'll likely love High Noon (1952), Stagecoach (1939), and Union Pacific (1939) for their classic Western spirit. Blood on the Moon (1948) and The Magnificent Seven (1960) also share that same frontier tension and moral drama that makes The Virginian so compelling.
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