Written on the Wind (1956)
Kernel Score: 74% · 266 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Drama, Romance
Released: 1956-10-04
Runtime: 99 minutes
Where to watch Written on the Wind
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Mitch Wayne is a geologist working for the Hadleys, an oil-rich Texas family. While the patriarch, Jasper, works hard to establish the family business, his irresponsible son, Kyle, is an alcoholic playboy, and his daughter, Marylee, is the town tramp. Mitch harbors a secret love for Kyle's unsatisfied wife, Lucy -- a fact that leaves him exposed when the jealous Marylee accuses him of murder.
Written on the Wind parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Written on the Wind is a 1956 melodrama about a wealthy Texas family dealing with alcoholism and promiscuity.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — A character is described as promiscuous and another as a philanderer, though content is handled in classic-Hollywood style without explicit depiction.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Moderate — A central character is an alcoholic playboy whose drinking drives major plot conflict.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Written on the Wind
If you liked Written on the Wind, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Safe Haven (2013) — 81%
- The Choice (2016) — 80%
- The Secret: Dare to Dream (2020) — 81%
- Breathe (2017) — 83%
- Purple Hearts (2022) — 91%
- Life in a Year (2020) — 90%
- Where the Crawdads Sing (2022) — 87%
- After (2019) — 78%
Director
Douglas Sirk
Cast
- Rock Hudson as Mitch Wayne
- Lauren Bacall as Lucy Moore Hadley
- Robert Stack as Kyle Hadley
- Dorothy Malone as Marylee Hadley
- Robert Keith as Jasper Hadley
- Grant Williams as Biff Miley
- Robert J. Wilke as Dan Willis
- Edward Platt as Dr. Paul Cochrane
- Harry Shannon as Hoak Wayne
- John Larch as Roy Carter
Written on the Wind FAQ
Is Written on the Wind good?
Written on the Wind has a 74% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 266 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Written on the Wind?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Written on the Wind OK for kids?
Written on the Wind is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Written on the Wind is a 1956 melodrama about a wealthy Texas family dealing with alcoholism and promiscuity.
What movies are like Written on the Wind?
If you liked Written on the Wind, try Safe Haven, The Choice, The Secret: Dare to Dream and Breathe.