Watch The Kentuckian

The Kentuckian is a classic American Western film released in 1955 that tells the story of a Kentucky widower named Elias Wakefield, played by Burt Lancaster, who travels with his son, Little Eli, to Texas to start a new life. Along the way, they encounter various challenges as they struggle to find their place in a new frontier. The film opens with a picturesque scene of Eli and his son riding their horses through the rolling hills of Kentucky. With his son on his side, they cross the state line, and the film's story unfolds gradually. As they venture deeper into the heart of Texas, they encounter a group of rowdy outlaws who seem determined to cause them trouble. The film takes a dramatic turn when Little Eli is kidnapped by one of the outlaws, and Elias embarks on a dangerous rescue mission to save his son.

The Kentuckian features stunning cinematography and direction by Burt Lancaster, who also stars as the lead character. In true Western-style, the film showcases sweeping landscape shots of the Wild West, as well as intense fight sequences and gun battles. As the story develops, the characters' struggles and motivations come to the fore, and the audience is drawn deeper into the narrative.

The film's supporting cast includes a strong female presence in the form of Diana Lynn and Dianne Foster, who play the roles of Hannah and Susie, respectively. Diana Lynn's Hannah is a likable character who catches the attention of Elias and becomes his love interest, while Dianne Foster's Susie is a feisty, independent woman who serves as a foil to Hannah. The two women's characters are integral to the plot as they help Eli and his son on their journey, and their presence adds an emotional depth to the film.

The Kentuckian is a heart-warming and emotional film that captures the spirit of the Wild West and the struggles of those who dared to venture into the unknown. Lancaster's directing is masterful, and his performance as the lead character is both poignant and captivating. The film has everything one could want from a Western, including shootouts, colorful characters, and a captivating plot set against the backdrop of the untamed frontier.

One interesting aspect of the film is how it tackles the themes of family, loyalty, and personal responsibility. Eli is a proud, free-spirited man who has to come to terms with his legacy, and the responsibility he has as a father to raise his son well. The film also deals with the complex nature of relationships, particularly as it relates to love and romance. The love triangle between Eli, Hannah, and Susie provides a fascinating subplot that keeps the audience engaged throughout the film.

Overall, The Kentuckian is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences today. It is a Western that not only showcases the rugged beauty of the Wild West but also explores the human condition in a way that is both thought-provoking and engaging. The film is a true testament to the talent of Burt Lancaster as both an actor and director, and it is a must-see for anyone who loves Westerns or great cinema in general.

The Kentuckian is a 1955 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 41.