The Virginian
The Virginian Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Movie Overview: The Virginian
| Movie | The Virginian |
| Release Year | 1946 |
| Director | Stuart Gilmore |
| Genre | Western |
| Runtime | 87 minutes (1h 27m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Virginian (1946) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.2/10. 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 Virginian are led by Joel McCrea . The supporting cast, including Brian Donlevy and Sonny Tufts , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Virginian 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 Virginian 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 Virginian
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1946, The Virginian is a Western film directed by Stuart Gilmore, written by Frances Goodrich. 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 Joel McCrea as The Virginian.
Ending Explained: The Virginian
The Virginian Ending Explained: Arriving at Medicine Bow, eastern schoolteacher Molly Woods meets two cowboys, irresponsible Steve and the "Virginian," who gets off on the wrong foot with her. Directed by Stuart Gilmore, this 1946 western film stars Joel McCrea (The Virginian), alongside Brian Donlevy as Trampas, Sonny Tufts as Steve Andrews, Barbara Britton as Molly Wood. With a 6.2/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Virginian?
Arriving at Medicine Bow, eastern schoolteacher Molly Woods meets two cowboys, irresponsible Steve and the "Virginian," who gets off on the wrong foot with her. To add to his troubles, the Virginian finds that his old pal Steve is mixed up with black-hatted Trampas and his rustlers...then finds himself at the head of a posse after said rustlers; and Molly hates the violent side of frontier life.
Stuart Gilmore's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Joel McCrea (The Virginian)'s journey. To add to his troubles, the Virginian finds that his old pal Steve is mixed up with black-hatted Trampas and his rustlers.
How Does Joel McCrea (The Virginian)'s Story End?
- Joel McCrea: Joel McCrea's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Brian Donlevy (Trampas): Brian Donlevy's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Sonny Tufts (Steve Andrews): Sonny Tufts's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Virginian Mean?
The Virginian's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Joel McCrea may feel rushed. Stuart Gilmore's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
The Virginian Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Virginian Based on a True Story?
No, The Virginian is a work of fiction. While the western film directed by Stuart Gilmore and starring Joel McCrea may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Virginian?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Western films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Joel McCrea or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
At just 87 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Where to Watch The Virginian Online?
Streaming HubThe Virginian Parents Guide & Age Rating
1946 AdvisoryWondering about The Virginian age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Virginian (1946) is 87 minutes (1h 27m). Directed by Stuart Gilmore, the film runs for 87 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.2/10, and global performance metrics, The Virginian is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1946 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Virginian worth watching?
The Virginian is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Western movies. It has a verified rating of 6.2/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Virginian parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Virginian identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Virginian (1946)?
The runtime of The Virginian (1946) is 87 minutes (approximately 1h 27m).
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.
