The Legend of Tom Dooley Poster

The Legend of Tom Dooley 1959

★ 7.73 votes79 min📅 1959-07-01

"Out of that song -- a fury of a movie!"

In "The Legend of Tom Dooley (1959)", Michael Landon stars as the titular outlaw caught in a desperate chase after a tragic misunderstanding spirals into chaos.

Director: Ted Post

Cast

Michael Landon
Michael Landon
Tom Dooley
Jo Morrow
Jo Morrow
Laura Foster
Jack Hogan
Jack Hogan
Charlie Grayson
Richard Rust
Richard Rust
Country Boy
Dee Pollock
Dee Pollock
Abel
Ken Lynch
Ken Lynch
Father
Howard Wright
Howard Wright
Sheriff Joe Dobbs
Ralph Moody
Ralph Moody
Doc Henry
John Cliff
John Cliff
Lieutenant
Cheerio Meredith
Cheerio Meredith
Meg

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Legend of Tom Dooley (1959) about?

The film follows Tom Dooley and his companion as they flee after accidentally killing an enemy soldier, only to discover the war has already ended. Their desperate escape becomes a fight against time and justice in a harsh, unforgiving world.

Who directed The Legend of Tom Dooley?

Ted Post directed this 1959 Western drama, bringing a sharp eye for tension and character to the screen.

Who stars in The Legend of Tom Dooley?

Michael Landon leads the cast, with Jo Morrow, Jack Hogan, Richard Rust, and Dee Pollock rounding out the ensemble.

Is The Legend of Tom Dooley (1959) worth watching?

Though unrated on IMDb, this compact Western drama delivers strong performances and a compelling story rooted in moral dilemmas. Fans of classic Westerns will appreciate its blend of action and introspection.

How long is The Legend of Tom Dooley?

The film runs for 79 minutes, a brisk runtime that keeps the story tight and engaging.

About The Legend of Tom Dooley (1959) — A Gripping Western Drama of Mistake and Pursuit

In "The Legend of Tom Dooley (1959)", Michael Landon stars as the titular outlaw caught in a desperate chase after a tragic misunderstanding spirals into chaos. Directed by Ted Post, this Western drama unfolds against the rugged backdrops of post-Civil War America, where two soldiers face relentless pursuit for a mistake they made in the fog of war. As the law closes in, themes of justice, redemption, and the blurred lines between right and wrong take center stage, creating a gripping tale of survival and moral conflict.

Jo Morrow co-stars as the love interest drawn into the storm, while Jack Hogan and Richard Rust round out the cast as determined pursuers navigating the law's rigid demands. With its tight 79-minute runtime, the film delivers a punchy, emotionally charged narrative that lingers like the haunting echoes of a folk ballad. The atmosphere crackles with tension, blending classic Western tropes with raw human drama that feels as timeless as the song that inspired it.