Dakota (1945): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1945, Dakota is a western film directed by Joseph Kane, running about 82 minutes. “THE YEAR'S TOP ACTION ROMANCE!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. In 1871, professional gambler John Devlin elopes with Sandra "Sandy" Poli, daughter of Marko Poli, an immigrant who has risen to railroad tycoon. Sandy, knowing that the railroad is to be extended into Dakota, plans to use their $20,000 nest egg to buy land options to sell to the railroad at a profit. On the stage trip to Ft. Abercrombie, their fellow passengers are Jim Bender and Bigtree Collins, who practically own the town of Fargo and Devlin is aware that they are prepared to protect the little empire... trying to drive out the farmers by burning their property, destroying their wheat, and blaming the devastation on the Indians. Continuing their journey north on the river aboard the "River Bird', Sandy and John meet Captain Bounce, an irascible old seafarer. Two of Bendender's henchmen, Slagin and Carp, board the boat and relieve John of his $20,000 at gunpoint. Captain Bounce, chasing the robber's dinghy..

Who’s in it. Dakota stars John Wayne as John Devlin, Vera Ralston as Sandy Poli (Devlin), Walter Brennan as Capt. Bounce of the Riverbird and Ward Bond as Jim Bender, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.2/10, Dakota has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home and Spectrum On Demand. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Dakota page.

If you liked it. Fans of Dakota tend to enjoy The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Django Unchained, Once Upon a Time in the West and For a Few Dollars More.