Comes a Horseman Poster

Comes a Horseman 1978

★ 6.175 votes118 min📅 1978-10-25

"She was as strong as the land for which she fought. And as vulnerable."

In Alan J.

Director: Alan J. Pakula

Cast

James Caan
James Caan
Frank 'Buck' Athearn
Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda
Ella Connors
Jason Robards
Jason Robards
Jacob 'J.W.' Ewing
George Grizzard
George Grizzard
Neil Atkinson
Richard Farnsworth
Richard Farnsworth
Dodger
Mark Harmon
Mark Harmon
Billy Joe Meynert
Macon McCalman
Macon McCalman
Virgil Hoverton
Basil Hoffman
Basil Hoffman
George Bascomb
James Keach
James Keach
Emil Kroegh
Jim Davis
Jim Davis
Julie Blocker

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Comes a Horseman (1978) about?

Set in the rugged American West, *Comes a Horseman* follows Ella Connors, a determined rancher fighting to save her family's land from a corrupt ex-lover. With the help of her neighbor Frank Athearn, she battles sabotage and hardship, discovering love amid the chaos. The story blends drama, romance, and the raw spirit of frontier life.

Who directed Comes a Horseman?

Alan J. Pakula, known for his sharp storytelling and atmospheric films, directed *Comes a Horseman (1978)*. His work often explores complex human relationships against compelling backdrops.

Who stars in Comes a Horseman?

The film stars James Caan as Frank Athearn, Jane Fonda as Ella Connors, and Jason Robards as Jacob Ewing, with standout performances from George Grizzard and Richard Farnsworth.

Is Comes a Horseman (1978) worth watching?

While not widely rated, *Comes a Horseman* offers a compelling mix of Western drama and romance, with strong performances and a captivating story. Fans of classic films with depth and atmosphere will likely appreciate its gritty realism and emotional core.

How long is Comes a Horseman?

The movie has a runtime of 118 minutes, offering a full, immersive experience into its Western drama.

🎥 Trailer

About Comes a Horseman (1978) — A Gritty Western Romance You Won't Forget

In Alan J. Pakula's rugged Western drama *Comes a Horseman (1978)*, a fiercely independent rancher, Ella Connors, battles not only the harsh realities of the American frontier but also the relentless pressure from a manipulative ex-lover, Jacob Ewing, who covets her family's failing land. Seeking refuge and strength, Ella turns to her neighbor Frank Athearn, a man as hardened by life as the land they inhabit. Together, they confront stampedes, deceit, and the ever-present threat of sabotage, all while their shared struggle ignites an unexpected romance. Pakula crafts a tale of resilience, where the untamed spirit of the West mirrors the unyielding hearts of its characters.

Set against sweeping vistas and the quiet turmoil of rural life, *Comes a Horseman* weaves a story of love forged in adversity, jealousy that simmers beneath the surface, and betrayal that cuts deep. With stunning performances from its lead trio, this 1978 classic delivers a poignant exploration of land, legacy, and the bonds that form when survival depends on trust.