Is The Feud Maker Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Feud Maker is likely a skip if you enjoy Western movies.
It features a runtime of 55 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.

Verdict:The Feud Maker is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 4.0/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Western genre.
Answer: Maybe not, The Feud Maker is likely a skip if you enjoy Western movies.
It features a runtime of 55 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1938, The Feud Maker emerges as a significant entry in the Western domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of When Tex is brought in to fight in a range war between the cowmen and the nesters, he meets his old outlaw boss Lassiter. Unlike standard genre fare, The Feud Maker attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Sam Newfield, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Western elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
The success of any Western is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Feud Maker features a noteworthy lineup led by Bob Steele. Supported by the likes of Marion Weldon and Karl Hackett, 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. However, the sheer charisma of Bob Steele, Marion Weldon, Karl Hackett manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 1938 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Western space.
From a technical perspective, The Feud Maker is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
The structure of The Feud Maker follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 55 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, The Feud Maker resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Western landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 4/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Analyzing the plot deeper, The Feud Maker is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. When Tex is brought in to fight in a range war between the cowmen and the nesters, he meets his old outlaw boss Lassiter. He learns Lassiter is behind the feud when Lassiter asks him to join up with his gang. Tex refuses and instead sets out to stop the feud but no one will believe him that Lassiter is responsible.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Feud Maker (1938) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 4/10 and strong performance metrics in the Western categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Bob Steele, Marion Weldon, Karl Hackett or the visual majesty of its technical execution, The Feud Maker is a significant contribution to the cinema of 1938. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4/10, and global collection metrics, The Feud Maker stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1938 cinematic year.
The Feud Maker is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4/10 and lower collections.
Based on the low rating of 4/10, The Feud Maker may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
The Feud Maker may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
When Tex is brought in to fight in a range war between the cowmen and the nesters, he meets his old outlaw boss Lassiter. He learns Lassiter is behind the feud when Lassiter asks him to join up with his gang. Tex refuses and instead sets out to stop the feud but no one will believe him that Lassiter is responsible.