The Tulsa Kid Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Movie Overview: The Tulsa Kid
| Movie | The Tulsa Kid |
| Release Year | 1940 |
| Director | George Sherman |
| Genre | Western |
| Runtime | 57 minutes (57m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Tulsa Kid (1940) 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 Tulsa Kid are led by Don 'Red' Barry . The supporting cast, including Noah Beery and Luana Walters , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Tulsa Kid 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 Tulsa Kid 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 Tulsa Kid
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1940, The Tulsa Kid is a Western film directed by George Sherman, written by Oliver Drake. 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 Don 'Red' Barry as Tom Benton aka Tulsa Kid.
Ending Explained: The Tulsa Kid
The Tulsa Kid Ending Explained: A protegee of notorious outlaw Montana (Beery), young Tom Benton decides to stay on the good side of the Law upon reaching maturity. Directed by George Sherman, this 1940 western film stars Don 'Red' Barry (Tom Benton aka Tulsa Kid), alongside Noah Beery as Montana Smith, Luana Walters as Mary Wallace, David Durand as Bob Wallace. With a 6.5/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Tulsa Kid?
A protegee of notorious outlaw Montana (Beery), young Tom Benton decides to stay on the good side of the Law upon reaching maturity. Montana, however, has no such inclination to reform, the result being a climactic gun duel between the ageing gunman and his former pupil.
George Sherman's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Don 'Red' Barry (Tom Benton aka Tulsa Kid)'s journey. Montana, however, has no such inclination to reform, the result being a climactic gun duel between the ageing gunman and his former pupil.
How Does Don 'Red' Barry (Tom Benton aka Tulsa Kid)'s Story End?
- Don 'Red' Barry: Don 'Red' Barry's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Noah Beery (Montana Smith): Noah Beery's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Luana Walters (Mary Wallace): Luana Walters's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Tulsa Kid Mean?
The Tulsa Kid's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Don 'Red' Barry may feel rushed. George Sherman's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
The Tulsa Kid Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Tulsa Kid Based on a True Story?
No, The Tulsa Kid is a work of fiction. While the western film directed by George Sherman and starring Don 'Red' Barry may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Tulsa Kid?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Western films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Don 'Red' Barry or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
At just 57 minutes, it's a quick watch.
The Tulsa Kid Parents Guide & Age Rating
1940 AdvisoryWondering about The Tulsa Kid age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Tulsa Kid (1940) is 57 minutes (57m). Directed by George Sherman, the film runs for 57 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.5/10, and global performance metrics, The Tulsa Kid is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1940 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Tulsa Kid worth watching?
The Tulsa Kid 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 Tulsa Kid parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Tulsa Kid identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Tulsa Kid (1940)?
The runtime of The Tulsa Kid (1940) is 57 minutes (approximately 0h 57m).
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.
