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The Virginian (1929)

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All Critics
Top Critics

100

Average Rating: 7.7/10
Reviews Counted: 5
Fresh: 5 | Rotten: 0

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Release Date: Nov 9, 1929 Wide

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100

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Average Rating: 4.7/5
User Ratings: 35

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Movie Info

Gary Cooper, as a lanky Wyoming ranch and foreman, places his gun on a poker table after being insulted by one of the gamblers and intones, "If you want to call me that . . . smile." That much quoted line's origin is in this early sound version of the Owen Wister novel, The Virginian, directed by Victor Fleming. When the Virginian meets his old friend Steve (Richard Arlen), he gives him a job on his crew at the Box H Ranch near Medicine Bow, Wyoming. Newly arrived in town is the new schoolmarm,

Unrated, 1 hr. 35 min.

Western

Directed By: Victor Fleming

In Theaters: Nov 9, 1929 Wide

Cast

Gary Cooper
The Virginian
Walter Huston
Trampas
Richard Arlen
Steve
Mary Brian
Molly Stark Wood
Chester Conklin
Uncle Hughey
Eugene Pallette
"Honey" Wiggin
Helen Ware
"Ma" Taylor
Victor Potel
Nebraskey
Tex Young
Shorty
Charles Stevens
Pedro
Ernie S. Adams
Saloon Singer
E.H. Calvert
Judge Henry
George Chandler
Ranch Hand
Willie Fung
Hong the Cook
Bob Kortman
Henchman
Ethan Laidlaw
Posse Man
Fred Burns
Ranch Hand
Jack Pennick
Slim
Randolph Scott
Extra
George Morrell
Rev. Dr. McBride
Ed Brady
Greasy
Jim Mason
Jim
Nena Quartaro
Girl in Bar

Critic Reviews for The Virginian

All Critics (8) | Top Critics (2) | Fresh (5) | Rotten (0)

Arguably the best of many screen versions, Fleming's 1929 film was instrumental in shaping Gary Cooper's screen image and in maintaining the Western mythology, specifically the contrast between East and West culture.

December 30, 2008 Full Review Source: EmanuelLevy.Com

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com Source: EmanuelLevy.Com

A landmark film, that helped define the Western hero as the mythical chivalrous man.

May 19, 2008 Full Review Source: Ozus' World Movie Reviews

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Dennis Schwartz

Ozus' World Movie Reviews

Gritty early talkie western with two strong central performances.

January 29, 2004 Comment

Ken Hanke

Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

The Virginian (1929) is a classic western - a film adaptation of Owen Wister's 1902 western play and original novel.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Tim Dirks' The Greatest Films

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Tim Dirks

Tim Dirks' The Greatest Films

More Critic Reviews

The Virginian Quotes

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1. The Virginian: If you wanna call me that, smile.
– Submitted by Chris P (9 months ago)

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