The Missouri Breaks
The Missouri Breaks Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Movie Overview: The Missouri Breaks
| Movie | The Missouri Breaks |
| Release Year | 1976 |
| Director | Arthur Penn |
| Genre | Western / Drama |
| Runtime | 126 minutes (2h 6m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Missouri Breaks (1976) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.5/10. 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 Missouri Breaks are led by Marlon Brando . The supporting cast, including Jack Nicholson and Randy Quaid , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Missouri Breaks stands out as a strong entry in the Western genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Western narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Missouri Breaks 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 Missouri Breaks
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1976, The Missouri Breaks is a Western, Drama film directed by Arthur Penn, written by Thomas McGuane. 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 Marlon Brando as Robert E. Lee Clayton.
Ending Explained: The Missouri Breaks
The Missouri Breaks Ending Explained: When vigilante land baron David Braxton hangs one of the best friends of cattle rustler Tom Logan, Logan's gang decides to get even by purchasing a small farm next to Braxton's ranch. Directed by Arthur Penn, this 1976 western film stars Marlon Brando (Robert E. Lee Clayton), alongside Jack Nicholson as Tom Logan, Randy Quaid as Tittle Tod, Kathleen Lloyd as Jane Braxton. With a 6.5/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Missouri Breaks?
When vigilante land baron David Braxton hangs one of the best friends of cattle rustler Tom Logan, Logan's gang decides to get even by purchasing a small farm next to Braxton's ranch. From there the rustlers begin stealing horses, using the farm as a front for their operation. Determined to stop the thefts at any cost, Braxton retains the services of eccentric sharpshooter Robert E. Lee Clayton, who begins ruthlessly taking down Logan's gang.
Arthur Penn's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Marlon Brando (Robert E. Lee Clayton)'s journey. From there the rustlers begin stealing horses, using the farm as a front for their operation.
How Does Marlon Brando (Robert E. Lee Clayton)'s Story End?
- Marlon Brando: Marlon Brando's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Jack Nicholson (Tom Logan): Jack Nicholson's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Randy Quaid (Tittle Tod): Randy Quaid's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Missouri Breaks Mean?
The Missouri Breaks's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Marlon Brando may feel rushed. Arthur Penn's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
The Missouri Breaks Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Missouri Breaks Based on a True Story?
No, The Missouri Breaks is a work of fiction. While the western, drama film directed by Arthur Penn and starring Marlon Brando may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Missouri Breaks?
Age Advisory: Rated PG.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Western films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Marlon Brando or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Missouri Breaks
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $10.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $14.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Missouri Breaks Budget
The estimated production budget for The Missouri Breaks is $10.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch The Missouri Breaks Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
MGM Plus Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoThe Missouri Breaks Parents Guide & Age Rating
1976 AdvisoryWondering about The Missouri Breaks age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Missouri Breaks (1976) is 126 minutes (2h 6m). Directed by Arthur Penn, the film runs for 126 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.5/10, and global performance metrics, The Missouri Breaks is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1976 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Missouri Breaks worth watching?
The Missouri Breaks is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Western movies. It has a verified rating of 6.5/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Missouri Breaks parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Missouri Breaks identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Missouri Breaks (1976)?
The runtime of The Missouri Breaks (1976) is 126 minutes (approximately 2h 6m).
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.
