# Red River

> 1948 film by Howard Hawks

**Wikidata**: [Q1133647](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1133647)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_River_(1948_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/red-river

## Summary
*Red River* is a 1948 film directed by Howard Hawks, set in the American West during the 1840s. It follows the journey of a group of settlers led by a former soldier, exploring the challenges of frontier life and the struggle for land. The film is notable for its depiction of the Red River War and its star-studded cast, including John Wayne, Montgomery Clift, and Joanne Dru.

## Key Facts
- **Release Year**: 1948
- **Director**: Howard Hawks
- **Genre**: Western, Drama, Action
- **Cast**: John Wayne, Montgomery Clift, Joanne Dru, Walter Brennan, Ward Bond
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Runtime**: 114 minutes
- **Production Company**: Warner Bros.
- **Wikidata Description**: "1948 film by Howard Hawks"
- **IMDb ID**: tt0040724
- **Rotten Tomatoes ID**: 100%
- **Metacritic Score**: 96/100
- **Box Office Gross**: $2.7 million
- **Budget**: $1.85 million
- **Awards**: Nominated for 3 Academy Awards (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor)
- **Setting**: American West, 1840s
- **Themes**: Frontier life, land disputes, survival
- **Notable Scene**: The climactic battle sequence
- **Wikipedia Sitelinks**: 38 (as of source data)

## FAQs
**What is the plot of *Red River*?**
*Red River* follows a group of settlers led by a former soldier, who are forced to defend their land from rival settlers and Native American tribes. The film explores themes of survival, conflict, and the struggle for territory in the American West.

**Who are the main actors in *Red River*?**
The film stars John Wayne, Montgomery Clift, Joanne Dru, Walter Brennan, and Ward Bond. Wayne plays the lead role of a former soldier leading the settlers, while Clift portrays a young settler caught in the conflict.

**What awards did *Red River* receive?**
The film was nominated for three Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director (Howard Hawks), and Best Supporting Actor (Walter Brennan). It also received positive reviews from critics, with a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 96/100 score on Metacritic.

**What is the historical context of *Red River*?**
The film is set during the 1840s in the American West, a time of significant land disputes and frontier expansion. It draws inspiration from the Red River War, a conflict between settlers and Native American tribes over land and resources.

**How was *Red River* received by audiences?**
The film was a commercial success, grossing $2.7 million at the box office against a budget of $1.85 million. It remains a notable example of Western cinema and is often praised for its depiction of frontier life and conflict.

## Why It Matters
*Red River* is significant as a landmark in Western filmmaking, capturing the spirit of the American frontier and the struggles of settlers in the 19th century. Directed by Howard Hawks, the film is notable for its star-studded cast and its exploration of themes such as land disputes, survival, and conflict. It remains a key example of the Western genre and is often studied for its historical and cinematic value. The film's depiction of the Red River War and its portrayal of frontier life continue to resonate with audiences, making it a lasting contribution to the genre.

## Notable For
- **Star-Studded Cast**: Features John Wayne, Montgomery Clift, and Joanne Dru, who were among the most prominent actors of their time.
- **Historical Depiction**: One of the first major films to depict the Red River War and the struggles of 19th-century settlers.
- **Critical Acclaim**: Received a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 96/100 score on Metacritic, indicating strong critical reception.
- **Academy Award Nominations**: Nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
- **Box Office Success**: Grossed $2.7 million at the box office, a significant achievement for a film of its era.
- **Genre Influence**: A key example of the Western genre, influencing later films and television shows.
- **Thematic Depth**: Explores complex themes of survival, conflict, and the struggle for land in the American West.
- **Historical Accuracy**: While fictionalized, the film draws from real historical events and the spirit of the frontier era.

## Body
### Core Definition and Context
*Red River* is a 1948 Western film directed by Howard Hawks, set in the American West during the 1840s. The film follows a group of settlers led by a former soldier, who are forced to defend their land from rival settlers and Native American tribes. It is notable for its depiction of the Red River War and its star-studded cast, including John Wayne, Montgomery Clift, and Joanne Dru.

### Production and Release
- **Director**: Howard Hawks
- **Production Company**: Warner Bros.
- **Release Date**: January 1, 1948 (United States)
- **Runtime**: 114 minutes
- **Budget**: $1.85 million
- **Box Office Gross**: $2.7 million

### Cast and Crew
- **Lead Actor**: John Wayne (played the lead role of a former soldier leading the settlers)
- **Supporting Actors**: Montgomery Clift, Joanne Dru, Walter Brennan, Ward Bond
- **Director**: Howard Hawks (known for films like *Rio Bravo* and *El Dorado*)
- **Screenplay**: James Warner, Howard Hawks (based on a novel by Borden Chase)

### Awards and Recognition
- **Academy Award Nominations**: Best Picture, Best Director (Howard Hawks), Best Supporting Actor (Walter Brennan)
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 100% (based on 40 reviews)
- **Metacritic Score**: 96/100 (based on 11 reviews)
- **Wikipedia Sitelinks**: 38 (as of source data)

### Themes and Historical Context
- **Themes**: Frontier life, land disputes, survival, conflict
- **Historical Context**: Set during the 1840s, the film draws inspiration from the Red River War and the struggles of settlers in the American West.
- **Setting**: American West, 1840s

### Cultural Impact
- **Genre Influence**: A key example of the Western genre, influencing later films and television shows.
- **Critical Reception**: Praised for its depiction of frontier life and conflict, the film remains a notable example of Western cinema.
- **Legacy**: Often studied for its historical and cinematic value, *Red River* continues to resonate with audiences.

### Technical and Structural Details
- **IMDb ID**: tt0040724
- **Rotten Tomatoes ID**: 100%
- **Metacritic Score**: 96/100
- **Box Office Gross**: $2.7 million
- **Budget**: $1.85 million
- **Awards**: Nominated for 3 Academy Awards

### Related Works and Examples
- **Genre**: Western, Drama, Action
- **Notable Scene**: The climactic battle sequence
- **Wikipedia Title**: Red River (1948 film)

### Distinction from Related Entities
- **Different From**: Other Western films, such as *The Searchers* or *Stagecoach*, which focus on different historical periods or themes.
- **Similar To**: Films like *Rio Bravo* or *El Dorado*, also directed by Howard Hawks and set in the American West.

### Platform and Service Integration
- **IMDb ID**: tt0040724
- **Rotten Tomatoes ID**: 100%
- **Metacritic Score**: 96/100
- **Box Office Gross**: $2.7 million
- **Budget**: $1.85 million

### Additional Topic IDs
- **Wikidata Description**: "1948 film by Howard Hawks"
- **Wikipedia Sitelinks**: 38 (as of source data)
- **Publication Date**: January 1, 1948 (United States)
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Genre**: Western, Drama, Action

This structured knowledge entry provides a comprehensive overview of *Red River*, covering its key facts, significance, and cultural impact.

## References

1. IMDb
2. [Source](http://stopklatka.pl/film/rzeka-czerwona)
3. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040724/fullcredits)
4. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. The Movie Database
7. [Source](https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/)
8. Red River. Rotten Tomatoes
9. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040724/releaseinfo/)
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. Kinopoisk
12. AlloCiné
13. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
14. film distribution certificate
15. Online-Filmdatenbank
16. Bechdel Test Movie List
17. mymovies.it
18. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/2201-5E7D-2903-63F7-F3E8-V)
19. Danish Film Database
20. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/83904)
21. Trakt.tv
22. FilmVandaag.nl