Is The Cowboy and the Lady Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Cowboy and the Lady is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 91 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Cowboy and the Lady Review
Last updated: January 9, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1938, The Cowboy and the Lady enters the Comedy genre with a narrative focused on Mary Smith decides after a lifetime of being a shut-in to do something wild while her father is out campaigning for the presidency, so she takes off for the family's home in West Palm Beach and inadvertently becomes romantically entangled with earnest cowboy Stretch Willoughby. Under the direction of H. C. Potter, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Gary Cooper, Merle Oberon, Patsy Kelly. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, The Cowboy and the Lady offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, The Cowboy and the Lady is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 6.3/10, the reception has been divisive. For fans of Comedy, Romance, Western, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.
Cast of The Cowboy and the Lady
- Gary Cooper – Stretch Willoughby
- Merle Oberon – Mary Smith
- Patsy Kelly – Katie Callahan
- Walter Brennan – Sugar
- Fuzzy Knight – Buzz
Top Highlights
Gary CooperStretch Willoughby
Merle OberonMary Smith
Patsy KellyKatie Callahan
Walter BrennanSugar
Fuzzy KnightBuzz
Mabel ToddElly
Henry KolkerHorace Smith
Harry DavenportUncle Hannibal Smith
Emma DunnMa Hawkins
Walter WalkerAmes
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.3/10, and global collection metrics, The Cowboy and the Lady stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1938 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Cowboy and the Lady movie hit or flop?
The Cowboy and the Lady has received mixed reviews with a 6.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Cowboy and the Lady worth watching?
The Cowboy and the Lady is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Romance, Western movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is The Cowboy and the Lady?
The Cowboy and the Lady is a Comedy, Romance, Western movie that Mary Smith decides after a lifetime of being a shut-in to do something wild while her father is out campaigning for the presidency, so she takes off f...
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Critic Reviews
To be honest, there isn't much substance to this little story. Merle Oberon is "Mary Smith" who lives her life treading on eggshells lest she affect the political reputation of her father. When she manages to convince a couple of her maids to go out on a blind date, they encounter some cowboys in for the rodeo - "Stretch Willoughby" (Gary Cooper) amongst them. They fall in love, elope and now she must juggle the double lives with her new husband and her father. The two stars are clearly having a bit of fun, and they work well together - aided by a few timely scenes with Water Brennan "Sugar" but at 90 minutes the plot wears too thin, pretty quickly and it all rather runs out of steam.