Duel in the Sun
Duel in the Sun Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Movie Overview: Duel in the Sun
| Movie | Duel in the Sun |
| Release Year | 1946 |
| Director | King Vidor |
| Genre | Western / Drama / Romance |
| Runtime | 144 minutes (2h 24m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Duel in the Sun (1946) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Western.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Duel in the Sun are led by Jennifer Jones . The supporting cast, including Joseph Cotten and Gregory Peck , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Duel in the Sun does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Western films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Duel in the Sun has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Western fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Duel in the Sun
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1946, Duel in the Sun is a Western, Drama, Romance film directed by King Vidor, written by David O. Selznick. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Jennifer Jones as Pearl Chavez.
Ending Explained: Duel in the Sun
Duel in the Sun Ending Explained: Directed by King Vidor, Duel in the Sun wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core western themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Jennifer Jones. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the western themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Duel in the Sun reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Duel in the Sun?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Western films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Jennifer Jones or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Duel in the Sun
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $6.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $20.4M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Duel in the Sun Budget
The estimated production budget for Duel in the Sun is $6.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch Duel in the Sun Online?
Streaming HubDuel in the Sun Parents Guide & Age Rating
1946 AdvisoryWondering about Duel in the Sun age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Duel in the Sun (1946) is 144 minutes (2h 24m). Directed by King Vidor, the film runs for 144 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, Duel in the Sun is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1946 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Duel in the Sun worth watching?
Duel in the Sun is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Western movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Duel in the Sun parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Duel in the Sun identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Duel in the Sun (1946)?
The runtime of Duel in the Sun (1946) is 144 minutes (approximately 2h 24m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.




