Friendly Persuasion

  • 1956
  • NR
  • 137m
movieMx RATING
6.7/10137
VERDICT
HIT
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Performance & Direction: Friendly Persuasion Review

Last updated: February 15, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 15, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Friendly Persuasion (1956) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Friendly Persuasion features a noteworthy lineup led by Gary Cooper . Supported by the likes of Dorothy McGuire and Anthony Perkins , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Friendly Persuasion (1956) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 6.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: HIT
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Friendly Persuasion stands as a HIT.

Story & Plot Summary: Friendly Persuasion

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1956, Friendly Persuasion is a Drama, War film directed by William Wyler. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Gary Cooper.

Ending Explained: Friendly Persuasion

Ending Breakdown: Directed by William Wyler, Friendly Persuasion concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.

The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Gary Cooper, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Friendly Persuasion reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Friendly Persuasion Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Friendly Persuasion uses real-world events as narrative inspiration. As a drama, war film directed by William Wyler, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Gary Cooper's character.

Historical Context

The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.

Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, with attention to period detail and historical context.

Accuracy Assessment: Friendly Persuasion adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch Friendly Persuasion?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Gary Cooper or the director
  • Want a character-driven story with emotional moments

Box Office Collection: Friendly Persuasion

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $3.0M
Worldwide Gross $8.0M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

Friendly Persuasion Budget

The estimated production budget for Friendly Persuasion is $3.0M. 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.

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Top Cast: Friendly Persuasion

All Cast & Crew →
Gary Cooper
Gary CooperJess Birdwell
Dorothy McGuire
Dorothy McGuireEliza Birdwell
Anthony Perkins
Anthony PerkinsJosh Birdwell
Richard Eyer
Richard EyerLittle Jess Birdwell
Phyllis Love
Phyllis LoveMattie Birdwell
Peter Mark Richman
Peter Mark RichmanGardner 'Gard' Jordan
Walter Catlett
Walter CatlettProfessor Quigley
Theodore Newton
Theodore NewtonMajor Harvey
John Smith
John SmithCaleb Cope
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Where to Watch Friendly Persuasion Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

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🏷️ Buy on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

Friendly Persuasion Parents Guide & Age Rating

1956 Advisory
NR

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Friendly Persuasion age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Friendly Persuasion is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Friendly Persuasion is 137 minutes (2h 17m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.7/10, and global performance metrics, Friendly Persuasion is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1956 cinematic calendar.

HIT
Official movieMx status for Friendly Persuasion. Rating: 6.7/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Friendly Persuasion worth watching?

Friendly Persuasion is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Friendly Persuasion parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Friendly Persuasion identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Friendly Persuasion?

The total duration of Friendly Persuasion is 137 minutes, which is approximately 2h 17m long.

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How Friendly Persuasion Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Friendly Persuasion

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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.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.7
Friendly Persuasion
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