

The Ranger, the Cook and a Hole in the Sky
“The year is 1919 - a time when being a ranger meant forest fires were fought with guts and courage.”
Synopsis
A young ranger in the Montana wilderness discovers the great forces of nature while learning the importance of honor, trust and integrity. Legendary veteran ranger Bill Bell educates the young man and guides him toward manhood. The year is 1919-a time when being a ranger meant more than operating expensive equipment. Forest fires were fought with guts and courage, not chemicals and airplanes. Bill Bell was the toughest ranger in an elite crew of very rugged men. A figure of heroic proportions, he was generally feared and respected by all. It was even rumored that he had at one time killed a sheep farmer, which only fueled his already enormous reputation. The young ranger does everything to remain in the good graces of Bill Bell, the senior ranger he idolizes. Their tentative rapport grows into a friendship through a hilarious and heroic rite of passage in which the younger ranger meets the test-and the woman of his dreams.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
The Ranger, The Cook and a Hole In the Sky & Murder One promos, 1995
Type: Trailer • Published 2017-11-12
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Sam Elliott
Bill Bell
Jerry O'Connell
Mac
Ricky Jay
Hawkes
Molly Parker
Sue
Don S. Davis
Mr. Smith
Robert Wisden
Canada
Michael Tayles
Red
Tom Butler
Mr. McBride
Jay Brazeau
Doc Riley
Callum Keith Rennie
Big Hat
A.C. Peterson
Bigger Hat
Campbell Lane
Biggest Hat
Frank Cassini
Bartender
Elisabeth Rosen
Prostitute (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
June 15, 1995
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- John Kent Harrison
- Screenplay & Story
- Norman Maclean, Robert Wayne
- Original Score
- Lawrence Shragge
- Original Title
- The Ranger, the Cook and a Hole in the Sky
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 32m
- Production Studios
- Signboard Hill Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
John Kent Harrison
Norman Maclean, Robert Wayne
Lawrence Shragge
Henry M. Lebo
Michael D. Ornstein
Richard Welsh, Brent Shields
Department Leadership Roster
John Kent Harrison
Director
Henry M. Lebo
Director of Photography
Michael D. Ornstein
Editor
Brent Shields
Producer
Lawrence Shragge
Original Music Composer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Ranger, the Cook and a Hole in the Sky.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Ranger, the Cook and a Hole in the Sky.
list_TV_Movie
Movies categorized under TV_Movie
Pluto TV US - Western Movies
Curated list of Most Popular on Pluto TV (US). Updated frequently. Last updated August 28, 2026.
Tubi TV US - Western Movies
Curated list of Most Popular on Tubi (US). Updated frequently. Last updated August 28, 2026.
Prime Video US - Western Movies
Curated list of Most Popular on Amazon Prime (US). Updated frequently. Last updated August 28, 2026.
My Personal Collection...
My collection of DVD's
List 1
A grouping of movies that are available to watch... Likely movies I enjoy as well
More Like The Ranger, the Cook and a Hole in the Sky
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.












Frequently Asked Questions About The Ranger, the Cook and a Hole in the Sky
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Ranger, the Cook and a Hole in the Sky about?
A young ranger in the Montana wilderness discovers the great forces of nature while learning the importance of honor, trust and integrity. Legendary veteran ranger Bill Bell educates the young man and guides him toward manhood. The year is 1919-a time when being a ranger meant more than operating expensive equipment. Forest fires were fought with guts and courage, not chemicals and airplanes. Bill Bell was the toughest ranger in an elite crew of very rugged men. A figure of heroic proportions, he was generally feared and respected by all. It was even rumored that he had at one time killed a sheep farmer, which only fueled his already enormous reputation. The young ranger does everything to remain in the good graces of Bill Bell, the senior ranger he idolizes. Their tentative rapport grows into a friendship through a hilarious and heroic rite of passage in which the younger ranger meets the test-and the woman of his dreams.
Who directed The Ranger, the Cook and a Hole in the Sky?
The Ranger, the Cook and a Hole in the Sky was directed by John Kent Harrison.
Who stars in The Ranger, the Cook and a Hole in the Sky?
The principal cast of The Ranger, the Cook and a Hole in the Sky includes Sam Elliott, Jerry O'Connell, Ricky Jay, Molly Parker, Don S. Davis.
When was The Ranger, the Cook and a Hole in the Sky released and how long is it?
The Ranger, the Cook and a Hole in the Sky was released in 1995 with a total runtime of 1h 32m.
Who composed the musical score for The Ranger, the Cook and a Hole in the Sky?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Ranger, the Cook and a Hole in the Sky was composed by Lawrence Shragge.
