The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean

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The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean

PG

1972

2h 0m

Western

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

80%

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10 Reviews

72%

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2,500+ Ratings

Saved from near death by a young Mexican girl, a former outlaw sets himself up as sole arbiter of the law in a small town. The town prospers as Judge Bean robs and hangs anyone with money that comes through it, but his haven becomes less secure when his Mexican companion dies and the townsfolk begin to turn against him.

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Pauline Kael

The New Yorker

09/29/2023

It might have been better if Huston and Newman hadn’t softened the viciousness; then they’d have had to face the disgrace of what they were working on.

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

10/23/2004

2.5/4

The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean sets out to be an elegy to the passing of the Old West, and ends up being an elegy to the passing of bad manners.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

06/16/2021

2.5/4

This ragged film never amounts to much, but it's at least consistent in its eccentricities.

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Judith Crist

Texas Monthly

06/11/2020

It's all very movie-movie, with even that happy ending we schmaltz-lovers love so well.

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Alberto Abuín

Espinof

04/16/2020

Above all, a self-assured Paul Newman stands out, offering a whole recital full of very funny and very emotional moments. [Full Review in Spanish]

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Fernando F. Croce

CinePassion

09/25/2009

Milius' screenplay is acridly flavorful, Huston gives it a mellow reading

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Jim A

@asbigas2251 2d

The most emotional moment was the death of the bear.

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Dallas H.

@FozzieMcFly Dec 25

So, this movie features a beer-drinking black bear? The film is okay. However, it didn't really connect with me on the first viewing.

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Lanfranco C

@Lanfrancobz Aug 26

Without lawyes life would be better

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CDM192 T

@RT65289818 Jul 21

This is a quirky and offbeat movie about a Western figure and his escapades with taking over a town in Texas. I'm not sure how much of this depiction is factual, but I find the story's validity doubtful. Paul Newman was capable of playing brave characters with some grit. But he isn't credible of passing for a Rambo-esque renegade which is shown here. This was also Victoria Principal's screen debut, and the pairing of Principal and Newman is correct and electric. I read that he even paid her half of his salary to get her cast. Their scenes are memorable, and the chemistry was interesting. I read later that V.P commented on their scenes stating, " I looked too short there, because Paul was much taller than me.

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CodyZamboni

@CodyZamboni 09/02/2023

A mostly successful comic Western, that takes the life of Judge Bean and goes crazy with it. Paul Newman is clearly having good time. I like the wacky, colorful characters, the film's goofy charm, and dark humor. And at times, the movie is quite poignant. I also like the epic feel of movie, as we watch Bean's wealth and influence grow, as his small skanky desert brothel, becomes a boomtown. Lots of famous faces in supporting roles, with some of them narrating the story, sometimes speaking directly to the camera. Best and funniest slapstick sequences, involve a beer drinking bear. Directed by John Huston, written by John Millius, and Andy Williams sings theme song !!!!

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Steve D

@RT35616104 03/18/2023

The cast is all it has.

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John Huston

Director

Paul Newman

Judge Roy Bean

Victoria Principal

Maria Elena

Anthony Perkins

Reverend LaSalle

Jacqueline Bisset

Rose Bean

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Synopsis

Saved from near death by a young Mexican girl, a former outlaw sets himself up as sole arbiter of the law in a small town. The town prospers as Judge Bean robs and hangs anyone with money that comes through it, but his haven becomes less secure when his Mexican companion dies and the townsfolk begin to turn against him.

Director: John Huston
Producer: John Foreman
Distributor: National General Pictures
Production Co: First Artists
Rating: PG
Genre: Western, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 18, 1972, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 10, 2017
Runtime: 2h 0m