

Fools' Parade
“Glory, W.Va., 1935. It wasn't exactly a parade. It wasn't a time for celebration. It was a time to run for your life.”
Synopsis
When a trio of ex-convicts led by Mattie Appleyard is released from prison, they hope to open a general store using money Mattie has saved during his 40-year sentence. This attempt is met with great resistance from a corrupt prison official and the banker who issued Mattie the check.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →James Stewart
Mattie Appleyard
George Kennedy
Dallas 'Doc' Council
Anne Baxter
Cleo
Strother Martin
Lee Cottrill
Kurt Russell
Johnny Jesus
Katherine Cannon
Chanty Thorne
David Huddleston
Homer Grindstaff
Mike Kellin
Steve Mystic
William Windom
Roy K. Sizemore
Robert Donner
Willis Hubbard
Morgan Paull
Junior Kilfong
Dort Clark
Enoch Purdy
James Lee Barrett
Sonny Boy
Release History & Theatrical Window
August 18, 1971
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Andrew V. McLaglen
- Screenplay & Story
- James Lee Barrett
- Original Score
- Henry Vars
- Original Title
- Fools' Parade
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English, German
- Runtime
- 1h 38m
- Production Studios
- Columbia Pictures, Stanmore Productions, Penbar Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Andrew V. McLaglen
James Lee Barrett, Davis Grubb
Henry Vars
Harry Stradling Jr.
David Bretherton, Robert L. Simpson
Andrew V. McLaglen, James Lee Barrett
Department Leadership Roster
Andrew V. McLaglen
Director
James Lee Barrett
Screenplay
Harry Stradling Jr.
Director of Photography
David Bretherton
Editor
Robert L. Simpson
Editor
Guy C. Verhille
Costume Design
Henry Vars
Original Music Composer
Andrew V. McLaglen
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
G: General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.
General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Fools' Parade.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Fools' Parade
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Fools' Parade about?
When a trio of ex-convicts led by Mattie Appleyard is released from prison, they hope to open a general store using money Mattie has saved during his 40-year sentence. This attempt is met with great resistance from a corrupt prison official and the banker who issued Mattie the check.
Who directed Fools' Parade?
Fools' Parade was directed by Andrew V. McLaglen.
Who stars in Fools' Parade?
The principal cast of Fools' Parade includes James Stewart, George Kennedy, Anne Baxter, Strother Martin, Kurt Russell.
When was Fools' Parade released and how long is it?
Fools' Parade was released in 1971 with a total runtime of 1h 38m.
Who composed the musical score for Fools' Parade?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Fools' Parade was composed by Henry Vars.
Is Fools' Parade based on a book or true story?
Fools' Parade is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Davis Grubb".
What is the age rating and content advisory for Fools' Parade?
Fools' Parade holds official age classifications: DE: 16 (FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.); US: G (General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.).



















