
Duel in the Sun
1946, Western, 2h 10m
21 Reviews 2,500+ RatingsYou might also like
Duel in the Sun Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Pearl Chavez
Lewton 'Lewt' McCanles
Jesse McCanles
Sen. Jackson McCanles
Laura Belle McCanles
Scott Chavez
Critic Reviews for Duel in the Sun
All Critics (21) | Top Critics (4) | Fresh (16) | Rotten (5)
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There's no doubt that it goes too far in almost every direction-but that touch of obsession is exactly what saves
November 17, 2017 | Full Review… -
King Vidor's direction keeps the playing in step with production aims. He pitches the action to heights in the top moments and generally holds the overall mood desired.
October 20, 2008 | Full Review… -
Oh, brother-if only the dramatics were up to the technical style!
March 25, 2006 | Full Review… -
It has rare power and a great supporting cast.
January 26, 2006 | Full Review… -
It doesn't help that Jennifer Jones' accent and the skin tone of her native make-up fluctuate from scene to scene - she is strictly a force of camp that smacks every awful stereotype with a vengeance.
May 15, 2015 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review… -
A grand scale horse opera.
January 8, 2008 | Rating: B+ | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Duel in the Sun
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Jan 01, 2014Originally I had no intentions of seeing this, but, due to the fact that it really angered the Catholic Church back in the day, and the fact that Martin Scorsese, known for his great taste, holds this in high regard (it was the first film he ever saw), I finally got curious and decided to give it a watch and... ...frankly this film is kind of a joke. It's a big, grand, melodramatic western romance that tries to be the western equivalent of Gone With The Wind, and doesn't quite make it there. This is a grand and gorgeous film, but it's also an overlong, overblown, and rather silly soap opera. The plot follows a half breed beauty named Pearl who goes to live with some wealthy relatives after her father is executed for killing his unfaithful wife. Pearl doesn't get on too well with the patriarch, but when it comes to his two sons, well, that's a different story. She falls in love with one, and in lust with the other, with the bulk of the film being a sordid love triangle that, sue, in the mid 40s probably was scandalous due to the sexual tensions and innuendos, but today comes off as tame, and really ridiculous and silly. The film has some okay performances though, like Jennifer Jones as Pearl (though she's not really that believable as a half-breed) and Gregory Peck and Joseph Cotton as the two brothers Pearl is torn between. Lionel Barrymore and lillian Gish are also around, and they help elevate the material some, but even then this is still a bit of a mess, though at least an ambitious one. The film does look great though, with some stunning cinematography and camera work, as well as some decent music,. Unfortunately, this is a very dated picture that's also quite boring. Maybe if this were far shorter it would be a lot better. All in all, I can give this some respect on a technical level, and a bit in the acting area, but overall I can't say I totally liked this.Chris W Super Reviewer
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Aug 07, 2013Yes, the Jennifer Jones-Gregory Peck stuff is a little over the top but this film is incredibly entertaining. Though not intentionally funny, this is grade A comedy.John B Super Reviewer
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Mar 14, 2012A Western soap opera played as if it were Cecil B. DeMille's Ten Commandments, with every iota of the accompanying self-importance and then some, but with only the barest bones of a plot and script. Unintentionally laugh worthy and yet hard not to watch, like a over emotional drunk acquaintance crying over a breakup. "She ain't nor never was worth yer tears, friend."Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
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May 12, 2011Operatic and over-the-top at times but with great otherwordly photography and good acting.George M Super Reviewer
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