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Drama Cult Classic

A vow of silence, lost wagers, and the gritty world of high-stakes cockfighting.

COCKFIGHTER

From Governor's Mansions to Cheap Hotels: The Big Money Sport that's Dirty-Violent and Outside the Law!

1974 · 1h 23m · R · Drama · IMDB TMDB

A trainer of fighting cocks takes a vow of silence and gambles his loves and possessions in a bid to win a championship.

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Quick Answer

What is Cockfighter about?

Cockfighter is a 1974 American drama film directed by Monte Hellman about a mute cockfighting trainer who risks everything—including his possessions and relationships—to win a championship.

Programmer's Pick

Only Monte Hellman could transform a gambling, vow-of-silence chicken trainer into a study of obsession and Americana. Warren Oates clucks his way through ruin and redemption with more grit than most action stars. If you ever wondered how far someone would go to win a medal in the backwoods, here’s your answer.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Frank Mansfield, a man of few words—literally, as he’s taken a vow of silence—prepares his prized rooster for an all-or-nothing cockfight. Desperate to improve his odds, he makes a risky adjustment to his chicken’s beak and stakes his trailer, girlfriend, and last dollar on a single bout. After losing nearly everything, Frank is left to chase redemption and the elusive title of Cockfighter of the Year across the backroads and farms of the American South. Along the way, he revisits his hometown and confronts the cost of his obsession. This is a gritty, atmospheric drama set in the high-stakes, hixploitative world of underground cockfighting.

Details & Specs

Director
Monte Hellman
Writer
Charles Willeford
Release
1974
Runtime
1h 23m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Drama

Why This Matters

Directed by Monte Hellman and starring Warren Oates and Harry Dean Stanton, this 1974 drama adapts Charles Willeford's 1962 novel, bringing together notable talents from the era's independent film scene.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: Monte Hellman Writer: Charles Willeford
Warren Oates Warren Oates Frank Mansfield Richard B. Shull Richard B. Shull Omar Baradansky Harry Dean Stanton Harry Dean Stanton Jack Burke Ed Begley Jr. Ed Begley Jr. Tom Peeples Laurie Bird Laurie Bird Dody White Burke Troy Donahue Troy Donahue Randall Mansfield Warren Finnerty Warren Finnerty Sanders Robert Earl Jones Robert Earl Jones Buford Patricia Pearcy Patricia Pearcy Mary Elizabeth Millie Perkins Millie Perkins Frances Mansfield Steve Railsback Steve Railsback Junior Tom Spratley Tom Spratley Mister Peeples CW Charles Willeford Ed Middleton PM Pete Munro Packard KE Kermit Echols Fred Reed ES Ed Smith Whipple JW Jimmy Williams Buddy Waggoner JT John Trotter Hansen LZ Lois Zeitlin Lucille JB Joe Bentley Peach Owen AG A.B. Greeson Pete Chocolate Bob Hannah Bob Hannah Deputy sheriff SR Sara Rickman Martha Middleton MB Meg Brush Mary Elizabeth's mother Donnie Fritts Donnie Fritts Gangleader - old man mask Bobby Dunn Bobby Dunn Gambler KB Kim Bernard Gambler AC Ank Carleton Captain Mack BA Billy Abbott Referee DB Dickey Betts Cigarette mask (uncredited) Steven Gaydos Steven Gaydos Nixon mask (uncredited) OC Oliver Coleman Senator Foxhall

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Why Cult

Hixploitation Roots

Immerse yourself in the 1970s rural South, where the traditions and grit of hixploitation cinema come alive.

Vow of Silence Lead

Warren Oates delivers a near-wordless performance, letting intensity and obsession speak louder than dialogue.

Cockfighting Underground

Go inside the controversial subculture of cockfighting, with raw depictions of its high-stakes matches and bets.

Authentic '70s Cult

An independently-minded adaptation of Charles Willeford’s novel, packed with period detail and a cult-favorite cast.

Scene Gallery

Questions from the Vault

Who directed Cockfighter? +

Cockfighter was directed by Monte Hellman.

How long is Cockfighter? +

Cockfighter has a runtime of 83 minutes.

What genre is Cockfighter? +

Cockfighter is a drama.

Where can I watch Cockfighter? +

Cockfighter is available to watch on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

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