The Great American Cowboy

The Great American Cowboy
Theatrical release poster
Directed byKieth Merrill
Written byDouglas Kent Hall
Produced byKieth Merrill
Starring
Narrated byJoel McCrea
CinematographyReed Smoot
Edited byKieth Merrill
Music byHarold Farberman
Distributed by
Release date
  • 1974 (1974)
Running time
89 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$300,000

The Great American Cowboy is a 1974 documentary film about the sport of rodeo. The film, which was directed by Kieth Merrill, is notable for its use of experimental editing and camera techniques. The film focuses on the 1973 battle for the Rodeo Cowboys Association (RCA) all-around world championship race between seasoned veteran rodeo star Larry Mahan and more recent champion Phil Lyne. Voiceover narration is provided by Hollywood actor Joel McCrea. The film won the 1974 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.