Gunman's Walk
Performance & Direction: Gunman's Walk Review
Last updated: February 17, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Gunman's Walk (1958) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.6/10. 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 Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Western is often anchored by its ensemble, and Gunman's Walk features a noteworthy lineup led by Van Heflin . Supported by the likes of Tab Hunter and Kathryn Grant , 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?
Story & Plot Summary: Gunman's Walk
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1958, Gunman's Walk is a Western film directed by Phil Karlson. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Van Heflin.
Ending Explained: Gunman's Walk
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Phil Karlson, Gunman's Walk concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to western resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions involving Van Heflin, 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 western themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Gunman's Walk reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Gunman's Walk?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Western films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Van Heflin or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Top Cast: Gunman's Walk
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Where to Watch Gunman's Walk Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeGunman's Walk Parents Guide & Age Rating
1958 AdvisoryWondering about Gunman's Walk age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Gunman's Walk is 95 minutes (1h 35m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.6/10, and global performance metrics, Gunman's Walk is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1958 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gunman's Walk worth watching?
Gunman's Walk is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Western movies. It has a verified rating of 6.6/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Gunman's Walk parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Gunman's Walk identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Gunman's Walk?
The total duration of Gunman's Walk is 95 minutes, which is approximately 1h 35m long.
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How Gunman's Walk Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Gunman's Walk
I'm A Runaway. Rancher and old school Westerner Lee Hackett is determined to mould his two sons in his own tough gun-fighting image. Something that backfires when his eldest boy, Ed, becomes a murderer. Gunman's Walk on plot synopsis and summaries sounds like your standard B Western fare, and certainly the theme of parental influence is nothing new. But Phil Karlson's film, adapted from Ric Hardman's story, has many things going for it to keep it from being mundane and used solely as a time filler. It fuses together multiple issues, parenting, prejudice and ignorance during a time of change in the old Wild West, it's central character, Lee Hackett (Van Heflin), is seen as the link between old and new. He has primarily lived his life as a shooter and killer of Indians, something that he is not totally committed to shaking off, but here he is now, a most respected and feared member of the community, faced with his two sons both taking different paths. One, Ed (Tab Hunter), is full of bile and gun slinging machismo, represents the old West. The other, Davy (James Darren), doesn't need a gun to feel like a man, his affection for half Indian Clee Chouard (Kathryn Grant) clearly gives a point of reference to the new West. It gives us two sides of the coin with one Lee Hackett perched firmly on the fence, to which Van Heflin gives an emotionally driven standout performance. I wouldn't say that Gunman's Walk is undervalued as such (its director most definitely is though), it's possibly more like it's been tarred with that old saying brush called "B Western", a saying that unfortunately some use derogatory. Whilst if the truth be told the support to Heflin is rather flat (both Hunter & Darren are average at best). But some average support acting can't stop Gunman's Walk from being an intelligent and potent genre piece. I mean if only for Heflin and the catchy central song, "I'm A Runaway", then you should see this, but as it is, if you give it your undivided attention you hopefully will find it's really rather good and clever. 7/10
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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.
