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Red River poster

Red River (1948)

7.3/10 · 619 votes 2h 13m nr Western

#6 of 6 films from 1948 #39 of 124 in western

Directed by Howard Hawks · Written by Borden Chase, Charles Schnee

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

Following the Civil War, headstrong rancher Thomas Dunson decides to lead a perilous cattle drive from Texas to Missouri. During the exhausting journey, his persistence becomes tyrannical in the eyes of Matthew Garth, his adopted son and protégé.

Cast

John Wayneas Thomas Dunson
Montgomery Cliftas Matthew Garth
Joanne Druas Tess Millay
Walter Brennanas 'Groot' Nadine
Coleen Grayas Fen
Harry Careyas Mr. Melville
John Irelandas Cherry Valance
Noah Beery Jr.as Buster McGee
Harry Carey Jr.as Dan Latimer
Chief Yowlachieas Quo
Paul Fixas Teeler Yacey
Hank Wordenas Simms Reeves
Mickey Kuhnas Matt, as a Boy
Ray Hykeas Walt Jergens

Facts

Release dateSeptember 17, 1948
Runtime133 min (2h 13m) — longer as the 1948 average of 110 min
GenresWestern
LanguageEN
Budget$3,000,000
Box office$9,012,000 (3.0× budget)
IMDbtt0040724

More from Howard Hawks

Rio BravoRio Bravo1959 · ★ 7.8 · 2h 21m The Big SleepThe Big Sleep1946 · ★ 7.6 · 1h 54m Bringing Up BabyBringing Up Baby1938 · ★ 7.5 · 1h 42m To Have and Have NotTo Have and Have Not1945 · ★ 7.5 · 1h 40m ScarfaceScarface1932 · ★ 7.4 · 1h 33m El DoradoEl Dorado1966 · ★ 7.4 · 2h 6m His Girl FridayHis Girl Friday1940 · ★ 7.4 · 1h 32m Gentlemen Prefer BlondesGentlemen Prefer Blondes1953 · ★ 7.3 · 1h 31m

If you liked Red River

Same genre, released within a few years, sorted by TMDB rating.

The Treasure of the Sierra MadreThe Treasure of the Sierra Madre1948 · ★ 8.0 · 2h 6m High NoonHigh Noon1952 · ★ 7.7 · 1h 25m The SearchersThe Searchers1956 · ★ 7.7 · 1h 59m GiantGiant1956 · ★ 7.6 · 3h 21m My Darling ClementineMy Darling Clementine1946 · ★ 7.5 · 1h 37m ShaneShane1953 · ★ 7.3 · 1h 58m Seven Brides for Seven BrothersSeven Brides for Seven Brothers1954 · ★ 7.1 · 1h 43m

Questions

How long is Red River?
Red River runs 133 minutes (2h 13m).
Is Red River worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.3/10 across 619 votes, which places it #6 of 6 films released in 1948 in this index (top 17%) and #39 among 124 western titles.
Who directed Red River?
Red River was directed by Howard Hawks. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Rio Bravo (1959), The Big Sleep (1946), Bringing Up Baby (1938).
Who stars in Red River?
John Wayne as Thomas Dunson; Montgomery Clift as Matthew Garth; Joanne Dru as Tess Millay; Walter Brennan as 'Groot' Nadine; Coleen Gray as Fen; Harry Carey as Mr. Melville.
What is Red River rated?
It carries a nr certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Red River?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/29287.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.