---
title: "Billy the Kid"
year: 1941
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/billy-the-kid-1941"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 111470
imdb_id: "tt0033389"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 94
community_rating: 5.3
vote_count: 25
content_rating: "NR"
---

# Billy the Kid (1941) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/billy-the-kid-1941

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Billy the Kid is a 1941 American Western directed by David Miller that serves as a color remake of the 1930 film of the same name. Based on the book by Walter Noble Burns, the narrative follows the titular gunslinger as he attempts to abandon his criminal past under the guidance of a rancher, only to be drawn back into violence following a murder. The film is notable for its location shooting in Arizona, including Tucson, Flagstaff, and Monument Valley.

Culturally, the film represents a stylized interpretation of the Billy the Kid legend, featuring Robert Taylor in the lead role and Brian Donlevy as a fictionalized version of Pat Garrett named Jim Sherwood. Its tone is defined by the tension between the protagonist's personal loyalties and his pursuit of revenge. The pacing reflects the traditional structure of 1940s studio dramas, emphasizing character-driven stakes within the rugged landscape of the American West.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A hot-headed gunslinger seeks vengeance for his mentor while clashing with his former friend, a marshal."

### Why Watch
- Features Robert Taylor as the iconic gunslinger Billy the Kid.
- Showcases Technicolor cinematography filmed on location in Monument Valley.
- Explores the complex conflict between friendship and justice.

### Caveats & Content Note
- The film presents a highly fictionalized account of historical events and figures.
- Tone & Suitability: This is a dramatic Western with a runtime of one hour and thirty-four minutes, suitable for general audiences interested in mid-century cinema.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #color-western, #gunslinger-drama, #revenge-quest, #fictionalized-biography, #classic-hollywood

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | None | Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads, Amazon MX Player | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | None | Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, YouTube |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | None | Amazon Video |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: David Miller
- **Networks / Studios**: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Robert Taylor** as *Billy Bonney*
- **Brian Donlevy** as *Jim Sherwood*
- **Ian Hunter** as *Eric Keating*
- **Mary Howard** as *Edith Keating*
- **Gene Lockhart** as *Dan Hickey*
- **Lon Chaney Jr.** as *'Spike' Hudson*
- **Henry O'Neill** as *Tim Ward*
- **Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams** as *Ed Bronson (blacksmith)*
- **Cy Kendall** as *Cass McAndrews, Sheriff*
- **Ted Adams** as *'Buz' Cobb*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream this film?
Information regarding current streaming availability is not provided in the source material.

### Q: Is this film worth watching?
The film is a classic Western featuring Robert Taylor and location cinematography, making it a point of interest for fans of the genre.

### Q: How long is the film?
The film has a total runtime of one hour and thirty-four minutes.

### Q: Are there essential episodes to watch?
This is a feature-length film rather than a television series, so it does not contain episodes.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Billy the Kid — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/111470)
- [Billy the Kid (1941)은 어디에서 촬영되었는가? — Movie Scene Map](https://moviescenemap.com/ko/film/billy-the-kid/)
- [Billy the Kid Series from PRC](https://www.b-westerns.com/billykid.htm)
- [Billy the Kid](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1199345)
- [Billy the Kid Returns](https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Billy_the_Kid_Returns)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*