IMDb > The Sons of Katie Elder (1965)
The Sons of Katie Elder
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotes
Overview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv schedule
Awards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage board
Plot & Quotes
plot summarysynopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotes
Fun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQ
Other Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDesk
Promotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo gallery
External Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clips

The Sons of Katie Elder (1965) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 28 | slideshow) Videos
The Sons of Katie Elder (1965) -- Ranch owner Katie Elder's four sons determine to avenge the murder of their father and the swindling of their mother.

Overview

User Rating:
7.0/10   3,831 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 9% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Henry Hathaway
Writers:
Talbot Jennings (story)
William H. Wright (screenplay) ...
more
Contact:
View company contact information for The Sons of Katie Elder on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
1 July 1965 (USA) more
Genre:
Western more
Tagline:
If Texas coundn't tame 'em ...could she? more
Plot:
Ranch owner Katie Elder's four sons determine to avenge the murder of their father and the swindling of their mother. full summary | add synopsis
Awards:
1 win more
User Comments:
Learning to late of their mother's love... more (37 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

John Wayne ... John Elder

Dean Martin ... Tom Elder
Martha Hyer ... Mary Gordon
Michael Anderson Jr. ... Bud Elder
Earl Holliman ... Matt Elder
Jeremy Slate ... Ben Latta
James Gregory ... Morgan Hastings
Paul Fix ... Sheriff Billy Wilson
George Kennedy ... Curley

Dennis Hopper ... Dave Hastings
Sheldon Allman ... Harry Evers
John Litel ... Minister

John Doucette ... Hyselman
James Westerfield ... Mr. Vennar

Rhys Williams ... Charlie Striker
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Runtime:
122 min
Country:
USA
Language:
English
Color:
Color (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono
Certification:
USA:Approved (PCA #20933) | USA:Not Rated (video release) | Australia:PG | West Germany:12 (re-rating) | West Germany:16 (f) (original rating) | Canada:G (Quebec) | Canada:PG (Ontario) | Finland:K-16 | Norway:16 | South Korea:12 | Sweden:15 | UK:U

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
John Wayne allegedly had Tommy Kirk fired after learning the young actor was gay. more
Goofs:
Revealing mistakes: During the gunfight between John Elder and Morgan Hastings in the gun shop at the end of the movie John looks up from behind the counter and Morgan fires a round at him. You see a glow on the counter where the bullet strikes the counter before the bullet gets there. This is where the small charge is that simulates the bullet strike. more
Quotes:
John Elder: All we want to do is make you end up rich and respectable. You fight us every step of the way.
Bud Elder: I don't want to be rich and respectable. I want to be just like the rest of you.
more
Movie Connections:
Featured in Edith Head: The Paramount Years (2002) (V) more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
10 out of 13 people found the following comment useful.
Learning to late of their mother's love..., 18 February 2005
10/10
Author: honestashol from United States

John Wayne as the weathered, weary gunslinger determined to give his mother a better legacy; Dean Martin as the lovable, harmless con artist; Earl Holliman as the wild west version of the middle child; Michael Anderson, Jr. as the baby whose full of p**s, vinegar and gunfighter worship and tired of living by everyone's rules. Watching these four "express their opinions" is enough to make anyone want front row seats to the next reunion.

James Gregory as Hastings, the new man determined to have the town in his pocket; Dennis Hopper as his son; George Kennedy as the hired gun who really, really enjoys his work. Martha Hyer as the mother's friend who's tired of the violence. All wonderfully written characters and fleshed out believably.

While I do agree that this movie has a varied pace that drags at times and the music is distractingly close to "The Magnificent Seven" I still see the story of four sons who never realized the value of their own mother until her death.

The opening scene at the railroad depot sets the underlying tension and up until the cattle drive, all the supporting characters are walking on eggshells. Whether the townsfolk refuse to speak of the father's death or they berate the sons for their treatment of, or lack of, their mother, the sons receive no breaks throughout the film.

Regardless of the music, the direction and writing are at times both sufficient and excellent. With the town's protection of the deceased mother and scornfull arguments to the sons, as well as the relationships of the brothers themselves, this entire story is fleshed out no better than our own actual lives. Since when do brothers need an excuse to wrestle? Also, who would you rather spend ten years away from if not your family?

All told, the movie and story reflects the family dynamic and its affect on its surrounding, how the family extends to include neighbors as well. Basically, I'm glad I bought it.

Was the above comment useful to you?
more (37 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Sons of Katie Elder (1965)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
What great music! iluvshirley
ages of the sons? celticknotz
Similar Plot briareos02
Favorite scene!!!!! richsass
george kennedy terry-392
K-K-K-K-Katie SweaterCannons
more

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
Shane Rollin' Plains Blazing Six Shooters Duel in the Sun Alias: The Bad Man
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Show more recommendations

Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
News articles IMDb Western section IMDb USA section
Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.