The Kentuckian

  • 1955
  • NR
  • 104m
movieMx RATING
5.8
55
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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The Kentuckian Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict

Last updated: May 9, 2026

movieMx Editorial
📅 Updated: May 9, 2026 🎟️ Verified Screening

Movie Overview: The Kentuckian

MovieThe Kentuckian
Release Year1955
DirectorBurt Lancaster
GenreWestern
Runtime104 minutes (1h 44m)
LanguageEN

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is The Kentuckian (1955) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.8/10. 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 & Character Study

The performances in The Kentuckian are led by Burt Lancaster . The supporting cast, including Dianne Foster and Walter Matthau , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.

💡 movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?

After analyzing the verified data, our assessment of The Kentuckian (1955) is mixed. It has its moments but fails to leave a lasting impression. With a platform rating of 5.8/10, it currently stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our database.

What Works in the Movie

While The Kentuckian does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Western films.

  • Interesting concept or premise
  • Some entertaining scenes
  • Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights

What Doesn't Work

Despite its strengths, The Kentuckian has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.

  • Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
  • Some predictable plot developments
  • May not appeal to audiences outside the Western fanbase

Story & Plot Summary: The Kentuckian

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1955, The Kentuckian is a Western film directed by Burt Lancaster, written by A.B. Guthrie Jr.. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Burt Lancaster as Elias Wakefield.

Ending Explained: The Kentuckian

The Kentuckian Ending Explained: Directed by Burt Lancaster, The Kentuckian attempts to bring together the film’s narrative threads. The ending highlights the core western themes developed throughout the film.

The conclusion reflects the central themes explored throughout the narrative, particularly in scenes involving Burt Lancaster. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.

Key Elements of the Ending

  • Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
  • Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
  • Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the western themes introduced earlier in the film.

The final moments of The Kentuckian reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.

Who Should Watch The Kentuckian?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Western films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Where to Watch The Kentuckian Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

Amazon Prime VideoAmazon Prime Video
fuboTVfuboTV
MGM+ Amazon ChannelMGM+ Amazon Channel
MGM PlusMGM Plus
PhiloPhilo
ScreenPix Apple TV ChannelScreenPix Apple TV Channel
Amazon Prime Video with AdsAmazon Prime Video with Ads
ScreenPix Amazon Channel ScreenPix Amazon Channel

🎟️ Rent on

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

🏷️ Buy on

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

The Kentuckian Parents Guide & Age Rating

1955 Advisory
NR

Official Age Rating

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

The Kentuckian is rated NR.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of The Kentuckian (1955) is 104 minutes (1h 44m). Directed by Burt Lancaster, the film runs for 104 minutes in its complete theatrical version.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.8/10, and global performance metrics, The Kentuckian is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1955 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for The Kentuckian. Rating: 5.8/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Kentuckian worth watching?

The Kentuckian is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Western movies. It has a verified rating of 5.8/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find The Kentuckian parents guide and age rating?

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

What is the runtime of The Kentuckian (1955)?

The runtime of The Kentuckian (1955) is 104 minutes (approximately 1h 44m).

🛡️

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
★ 5.8
The Kentuckian
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/the-kentuckian-66035" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 5.8</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">The Kentuckian</div></div></a>

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