Watch Cimarron

Cimarron is a 1931 western drama film directed by Wesley Ruggles and produced by William LeBaron. The movie is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name by Edna Ferber. It stars Richard Dix, Irene Dunne, and Estelle Taylor in the lead roles. The story is set in the late 19th century, in the newly formed state of Oklahoma. As per the Land Run of 1889, settlers are flocking into the Territory in search of a new life. One of them is Yancey Cravat (Richard Dix), a lawyer, and former newspaper editor from Wichita, Kansas. He brings along his wife, Sabra (Irene Dunne), and their young son, Cim (Junior Durkin), to start a new life in Osage. The newly found city is a lawless, chaotic place, filled with outlaws and cowboys. But, Yancey is determined to make it a place of justice and equality, where people can live in peace and harmony.

Yancey sets up a newspaper, which he uses to voice his opinions and preach about democracy and the future of Oklahoma. He becomes a hero to the locals and is soon elected as the town's sheriff. But, Yancey struggles to maintain law and order in the wild and untamed country. He also faces opposition from the locals who do not welcome his ideas of progress, especially from Judge Roy Bean (played by the terrific character actor, Charles Middleton).

As the years pass by, Cimarron grows as a town, and Yancey becomes a wealthy and influential citizen, trading with the Native Americans, and becoming one of their protectors. He also becomes a landowner, and Sabra becomes the first female congresswoman from Oklahoma. But, their success comes at a cost. Yancey is constantly at odds with his wife, who wants him to settle down and run for office, leaving behind his adventurous life. Also, his son, Cim, does not agree with his father's philosophy and becomes a disillusioned alcoholic.

The film spans over two decades, and we see the ups and downs of Yancey and Sabra's life, their triumphs, and their personal tragedies. The film deals with themes such as the struggles of the immigrants, the conflict between the Native Americans and the white settlers, and the change in the American society in the late 19th century. It also portrays the effects of fame and success on an individual's personal life and the sacrifices one has to make for the greater good.

The movie is famous for its grand scale, its fine performances, and its technical achievements. The film was shot on location in California, using hundreds of extras, horses, and wagons. The cinematography, by Edward Cronjager, is stunning, and the scenes of the Oklahoma land rush are breathtaking. The music, by Oscar-winning composer Max Steiner, is also impressive, and adds to the film's epic feel.

Richard Dix delivers a memorable performance as the larger-than-life Yancey Cravat. He portrays a man who is passionate about his beliefs, but also flawed as a human being. His scenes with Irene Dunne, who plays Sabra, are some of the most poignant in the film. Dunne, herself, gives an outstanding performance as the strong and independent Sabra, who has to deal with the vagaries of fate.

In conclusion, Cimarron is a classic of the American cinema, and one of the best westerns ever made. It is a movie that deals with themes that are still relevant today, such as political ambition, greed, and the struggle for justice. The film is a moving tribute to the pioneers who settled the West, and a powerful story of a man's quest for a better world.

Cimarron is a 1931 western with a runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8 and a MetaScore of 70.