The Rare Breed (1966)

33% of critics liked it
(6 reviews)
65% of users liked it
(1,806 ratings)

Andrew V. McLaglen directs the Western drama The Rare Breed, based on the real-life introduction of English Hereford cattle to the American West in the 1880s. Maureen O'Hara plays Martha Price, an widowed Englishwoman who convinces rancher Alexander Bowen (Brian Keith) to use her new cattle breed.… More Andrew V. McLaglen directs the Western drama The Rare Breed, based on the real-life introduction of English Hereford cattle to the American West in the 1880s. Maureen O'Hara plays Martha Price, an widowed Englishwoman who convinces rancher Alexander Bowen (Brian Keith) to use her new cattle breed. James Stewart stars as ranch hand Sam Burnett, a rambler who agrees to take the rare bull to Texas in order to breed it with the longhorns. He also accepts a bribe along the way from the lawless Taylor (Alan Caillou). The determined Martha and her daughter Hilary (Juliet Mills) demand to go along for the trip, leading to Burnett having to rescue them from several bouts of Western-style danger. Soon Bowen loses faith in the breeding idea, but Burnett has grown to believe in the bull. The bull dies after the harsh winter, but Burnett saves one of its calves. He and Martha decide to start their own cattle ranch. Meanwhile, Hilary begins a romance with Bowen's son Jamie (Don Galloway). Also starring Jack Elam as swindler Deke Simons. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 37 min.
Directed By: Andrew V. McLaglen
Genres: Western, Classics

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1966 Wide
On DVD: May 6, 2003

Critic Reviews

David Cornelius, DVDTalk.com
Unconvincing studio sets and uninspired direction don't help in lifting this above other bloated, awkward studio productions of the period.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Banal and lifeless.
Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan
Colorful but soft-edged Stewart western about cattle breedin'.

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Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Average western with Brian Keith giving a ridiculously over the top performance in what must be the worst red wig ever seen in a movie. Otherwise the stars turn in their usual professional jobs but there is nothing out of the ordinary here.

Cast

            James Stewart as Sam Burnett

            Maureen O'Hara as Martha Evans

            Brian Keith as Alexander Bowen

            Juliet Mills as Hilary Price

            Jack Elam as Deke Simons

            Don Galloway as Jamie Bowen

            David Brian as Charles Ellsworth

            Ben Johnson as Jeff Harter

            Harry Carey Jr. as Ed Mabry

            Perry Lopez as Juan

            Larry Domasin as Alberto

            Alan Caillou as Taylor

            Tex Armstrong as Barker

            Larry J. Blake as Auctioneer

            Buff Brady as Stunt player

            Bob Gravage as Cattle Buyer

            Leroy Johnson as Stunt player

            Charles Lampkin as Porter

            Ted Mapes as Liveiryman

            Gregg Palmer as Rodenbush

            Barbara Werle as Gert

            Buddy Van Horn as Stunt player

            James O'Hara as Sagamon

            John Harris as Stunt player

            Silvia Marino
            
See full cast