🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Gene Kelly
- Genre: Comedy, Western
- Release year: 1970
- Runtime (length): 1h 43min
- IMDb rating: 6.8/10 (5.3K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 40%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A cowboy inherits a fancy lady ranch and has to decide whether to become a pimp or stay true to his cowboy roots, with his blabbermouth friend constantly snacking on pecans.
🍿 The Cheyenne Social Club: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Inheritance of a ‘Social Club’
John O’Hanlan, a simple Texas cowboy, receives news that his estranged brother has passed away and left him a thriving business in Cheyenne, Wyoming, called the Cheyenne Social Club. Intrigued by the prospect of becoming a ‘man of property’, he sets off on a journey with his longtime friend Harley Sullivan. Their adventure begins with high hopes and naive expectations about John’s newfound wealth.

The Real Nature of the Business
Upon arriving in Cheyenne, John and Harley quickly discover that the Cheyenne Social Club is not a typical saloon or boarding house, but rather an upscale brothel. John is initially shocked and dismayed by the true nature of his inheritance, as it conflicts with his moral sensibilities. Harley, on the other hand, seems much more at ease with the situation and quickly befriends the establishment’s staff.

Conflicts and Resolutions
John struggles with the decision of what to do with the brothel. He considers closing it down, which leads to conflict with the townspeople and especially a local bully, Corey Bannister. Ultimately, John defends the women of the Social Club, leading to a showdown and a series of events that test his values and his friendship with Harley. The film explores themes of morality, friendship, and adapting to unexpected circumstances.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- John O’Hanlan (James Stewart): A grizzled cowboy who inherits a brothel from his estranged brother and struggles with the morality of owning such a business.
- Harley Sullivan (Henry Fonda): John’s talkative and pecan-loving best friend who accompanies him to Cheyenne and readily embraces the Cheyenne Social Club.
- Jenny (Shirley Jones): The beautiful and dedicated madam of the Cheyenne Social Club, managing the house with grace and efficiency.
- Corey Bannister (Robert J. Wilke): A local bully who clashes with John and becomes a threat to the Cheyenne Social Club.
- Opal Ann (Sue Ane Langdon): One of the dedicated and famous female employees of the Cheyenne Social Club.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- John O’Hanlan: “How much money do you want, Harley?” – John questions Harley on his need for money.
- Harley Sullivan: “Fifteen or twenty dollars ought to do me.” – Harley responds to John’s question about the money he wants.
- John O’Hanlan: “What do you need it for?” – John is curious as to what Harley wants money for.
- Harley Sullivan: “Things.” – Harley gives a vague response to what he needs the money for.
- John O’Hanlan: “Harley, It just occurs to me that you’ve been talking for fourteen hundred miles!” – John finally snaps after Harley’s continuous chatter during their long journey.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $6,350,000
- Domestic Gross: $107,300
- Worldwide Gross: Unknown
💥 The Cheyenne Social Club Reviews
Personal Review
I really enjoyed ‘The Cheyenne Social Club.’ Seeing James Stewart and Henry Fonda together was fantastic, they have such great chemistry! The scene where Fonda keeps talking and Stewart finally snaps is hilarious. It’s a light, fun movie, perfect for a relaxing afternoon. I especially liked the ending, how they helped the women out.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of classic Westerns”
- “James Stewart and Henry Fonda fans”
- “Viewers who enjoy lighthearted comedies”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Suggestive themes and mild language”
- “Brief scenes of violence”
- “The film’s central theme revolves around a brothel”
Professional Reviews
- IMDb: “A gentle and charming western comedy. Stewart and Fonda shine, their friendship palpable. While the plot is simple and predictable, the movie is a pleasant watch thanks to the cast’s chemistry. The humor is mild and inoffensive, perfect for a relaxing movie night. A worthwhile movie if you want to spend an evening relaxing.
- Film Critic: “While the premise is funny, the execution is lacking. James Stewart is great as always, and Fonda’s chatter is amusing, but the movie feels a bit stale and predictable. Shirley Jones is decent in the role, but it isn’t her best performance. The Cheyenne Social Club is neither great nor terrible.
Audience Reactions
The comedic timing between Stewart and Fonda is impeccable.: Most viewers loved the on-screen chemistry between James Stewart and Henry Fonda, considering it the film’s strongest asset.
The movie’s lighthearted humor makes it an easy and enjoyable watch.: Many viewers appreciated the film’s gentle comedy and the absence of vulgarity, making it suitable for a wide audience.
Overall Consensus: A lighthearted western comedy that relies on the chemistry of its leads, James Stewart and Henry Fonda, with the plot being a fun though predictable one.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “James Stewart personally suggested Henry Fonda for the role of Harley Sullivan, strengthening the on-screen chemistry due to their real-life friendship.”
- “Director Gene Kelly, known for musicals, was an unusual choice for a Western, but Stewart specifically requested him, perhaps to inject a lighter, tongue-in-cheek feel to the bordello-themed story.”
- “Henry Fonda reportedly didn’t want to do the picture at all, and tried to get Jack Elam to replace him.”
- “This was James Stewart’s final starring role in a Western film.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Cheyenne Social Club?
The Cheyenne Social Club is available for purchase or rental on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check local listings for broadcast availability. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Cheyenne Social Club, you might like these similar films:
- Cat Ballou (1965): A comedic Western that subverts genre conventions with a lighthearted tone and memorable characters.
- Support Your Local Sheriff! (1969): Another comedic Western from the same era, featuring a similar blend of humor and Old West tropes.
- Blazing Saddles (1974): A raunchier, more satirical take on the Western genre, but with the same spirit of irreverence.
- Maverick (1994): A modern comedic Western with a lighthearted tone and a focus on character interactions.
🛒 The Cheyenne Social Club Related Products
- The Films of James Stewart: A comprehensive guide to the films of James Stewart, filled with photos and behind-the-scenes information. Perfect for fans of classic cinema.
- Classic Western Movie Posters: A collection of iconic western movie posters, including ‘The Cheyenne Social Club’, printed on high-quality paper. A great way to decorate a home theater or office.
- The Essential Henry Fonda Collection: A box set featuring some of Henry Fonda’s greatest films, including ’12 Angry Men’, ‘Once Upon a Time in the West’, and others. A treasure trove for fans.
- Old West Cowboy Hat: A high-quality cowboy hat reminiscent of those worn in classic westerns. Crafted from durable materials, providing both style and sun protection.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Cheyenne Social Club features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The Cheyenne Social Club was primarily filmed at the J.W. Eaves Movie Ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This location provided the perfect backdrop for the Western setting.
The film follows a cowboy who inherits a brothel and the comedic situations that arise as he tries to reconcile his traditional values with his unexpected new business.
The Cheyenne Social Club is primarily a Western comedy, although it incorporates some dramatic elements. The film relies on humor and the chemistry between James Stewart and Henry Fonda to drive the story.
🔥 Bonus Content
Why “THE CHEYENNE SOCIAL CLUB” was SO WRONG on many levels but worked out to be a FUNNY, GREAT FILM!
Ever wondered why some movies are so bad they’re good? This video breaks down why ‘The Cheyenne Social Club’ shouldn’t work, but totally does! I personally found the explanation super insightful.
James Stewart Republican versus Henry Fonda Democrat
Did you know James Stewart and Henry Fonda had different political views? This clip from ‘The Cheyenne Social Club’ juxtaposes their real-life ideologies, which I thought was a really interesting perspective to consider.
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