Sierra
Performance & Direction: Sierra Review
Last updated: February 28, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Sierra (1950) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.3/10. 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 Sierra features a noteworthy lineup led by Audie Murphy . Supported by the likes of Wanda Hendrix and Burl Ives , 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: Sierra
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1950, Sierra is a Western film directed by Alfred E. Green. 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 Audie Murphy.
Ending Explained: Sierra
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Alfred E. Green, Sierra attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to western resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions involving Audie Murphy, 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 Sierra reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Sierra?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Western films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: Sierra
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Sierra Online?
Streaming HubSierra Parents Guide & Age Rating
1950 AdvisoryWondering about Sierra age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Sierra is 83 minutes (1h 23m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.3/10, and global performance metrics, Sierra is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1950 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sierra worth watching?
Sierra is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Western movies. It has a verified rating of 5.3/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Sierra parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Sierra identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Sierra?
The total duration of Sierra is 83 minutes, which is approximately 1h 23m long.
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How Sierra Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Sierra
It will be like bedding down in a nest of rattlers! Sierra is directed by Alfred E. Green and adapted to screenplay by Edna Anhalt from the novel "Mountains Are My Kingdom" written by Stuart Hardy. It stars Audie Murphy, Wanda Hendrix, Burl Ives, Dean Jagger and Richard Rober. Music is by Walter Scharf and the Technicolor cinematography is by Russell Metty. 1950 is right at the beginning of Audie Murphy's film career and it's a big indicator of where his genre staples were laid. Of the three Westerns he made in 1950, Sierra is the weakest, but even then it's above average and shows enough of why Murphy was such an engaging star to his fans. Plot has Murphy and Jagger as a Son and Father living in the mountains due to Pops being on the run from the law. They survive by trapping and breaking wild horses and then use Burl Ives' prospecting troubadour type as an intermediate salesman. One day a lost lawyer from town in the form of Hendrix gets involved in the lives of the mountain duo, where a series of events then lead to Murphy having to go into town and from there things become dangerously interesting for all involved. The location photography is outstanding, with Metty bringing visual joys from Cedar City and Cedar Breaks in Utah. The costuming (Yvonne Wood) is top draw, and how nice to see Ives in a jolly role where he warbles and strums at various junctures in the play. Murphy and Hendrix have the chemistry, even though their ill fated marriage would end this same year, and the legal axis of the narrative (intriguing court sequences with Hendrix as the defence) adds some thought into proceedings. Unfortunately for action junkies this is not the one for you, there's some nifty horse play and stampedes, and of course some macho posturing in sync, but it's with the smart story (greenhorn young man meets city life for the first time/lady lawyer trying to make it in the male dominated West) where the pic gets its strength. In the support slots you find Tony Curtis (billed as Anthony) and James Arness, who add a bit of colour to an already lively frontline cast. 6/10
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.
