The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970)
Kernel Score: 77% · 218 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Comedy, Western, Action
Released: 1970-03-18
Runtime: 121 minutes
Where to watch The Ballad of Cable Hogue
- Free with ads: YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Double-crossed and left without water in the desert, Cable Hogue is saved when he finds a spring. It is in just the right spot for a much needed rest stop on the local stagecoach line, and Hogue uses this to his advantage. He builds a house and makes money off the stagecoach passengers. Hildy, a prostitute from the nearest town, moves in with him. Hogue has everything going his way until the advent of the automobile ends the era of the stagecoach.
The Ballad of Cable Hogue parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that this R-rated comedic Western centers on a prospector's relationship with a prostitute and includes some violence.
- Violence & scariness: Some — The Western includes some gunplay and physical conflict typical of the genre, though handled comedically.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — A prostitute character moves in with the protagonist, and their relationship is a central, openly acknowledged element of the story.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Ballad of Cable Hogue
If you liked The Ballad of Cable Hogue, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Way Out West (1937) — 80%
- The Professionals (1966) — 79%
- The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018) — 78%
- Stagecoach (1939) — 87%
- The Searchers (1956) — 86%
- Brimstone (2016) — 81%
- The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948) — 87%
- The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) — 87%
Director
Cast
- Jason Robards as Cable Hogue
- Stella Stevens as Hildy
- Slim Pickens as Ben Fairchild
- David Warner as Joshua
- L.Q. Jones as Taggart
- Strother Martin as Bowen
- R.G. Armstrong as Quittner
- Peter Whitney as Cushing
- Gene Evans as Clete
- William Mims as Jensen
The Ballad of Cable Hogue FAQ
Is The Ballad of Cable Hogue good?
The Ballad of Cable Hogue has a 77% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 218 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Ballad of Cable Hogue?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Ballad of Cable Hogue OK for kids?
The Ballad of Cable Hogue is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that this R-rated comedic Western centers on a prospector's relationship with a prostitute and includes some violence.
What movies are like The Ballad of Cable Hogue?
If you liked The Ballad of Cable Hogue, try Way Out West, The Professionals, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs and Stagecoach.