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Friendly Persuasion

1956·Movie·NR·137 min·★ 6.6(147)

“Here's A Superb Motion Picture Full Of Fun... Laughter and Happiness.”

The story of a family of Quakers in Indiana in 1862. Their religious sect is strongly opposed to violence and war. It's not easy for them to meet the rules of their religion in everyday life but when Southern troops pass the area they are in real trouble. Should they fight, despite their peaceful attitude?

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Where to watch Friendly Persuasion in United States

Can I watch Friendly Persuasion in United States? Friendly Persuasion isn't on subscription streaming in United States right now, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.

Click a service to open Friendly Persuasion there. Availability last verified on September 30, 2026.

Where is Friendly Persuasion streaming around the world?

CountryStreaming onRent / Buy
United States—Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies
Canada—Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube
Germany—Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, maxdome Store
SpainFilminApple TV Store, Amazon Video

About Friendly Persuasion

Friendly Persuasion is a 1956 English-language drama and war film directed by William Wyler. The cast is led by Gary Cooper, Dorothy McGuire, Anthony Perkins. It has a runtime of 2h 17m. Viewers rate it 6.6/10 across 100 ratings. In United States, it is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.

Friendly Persuasion was produced by Allied Artists and B-M Productions and made in United States of America. It was released on October 30, 1956, and carries a NR certification. Made on a budget of about $3 million, it went on to gross $8 million worldwide.

Director
William Wyler
Writers
Michael Wilson
Release date
October 30, 1956
Original language
English
Age rating
NR
Status
Released
Country
United States of America
Budget
$3 million
Box office
$8 million
Production
Allied Artists, B-M Productions
#indiana, usa#based on novel or book#faith#slavery#pacifism#religion#goose#pacifist#american civil war#quakerism#historical drama#moral dilemma#19th century#county fair

Friendly Persuasion cast & crew

Friendly Persuasion was directed by William Wyler and written by Michael Wilson.

The cast features Gary Cooper as Jess Birdwell, Dorothy McGuire as Eliza Birdwell, Anthony Perkins as Josh Birdwell, Richard Eyer as Little Jess Birdwell, Robert Middleton as Sam Jordan, and Phyllis Love as Mattie Birdwell.

Behind the camera, the score was composed by Dimitri Tiomkin, cinematography is by Ellsworth Fredericks, and it was produced by William Wyler and Walter Mirisch.

Is Friendly Persuasion worth watching?

Friendly Persuasion holds an audience score of 6.6/10 from 147 ratings, a solidly received drama films.

At 2h 17m, it's a standard feature-length watch.

If you enjoy drama and war, Friendly Persuasion is worth a place on your watchlist.

How and where to watch Friendly Persuasion

Friendly Persuasion isn't on a subscription service in United States right now, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube.

Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.

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Cast of Friendly Persuasion

Gary Cooper

Gary Cooper

Jess Birdwell

Dorothy McGuire

Dorothy McGuire

Eliza Birdwell

Anthony Perkins

Anthony Perkins

Josh Birdwell

Richard Eyer

Richard Eyer

Little Jess Birdwell

Robert Middleton

Robert Middleton

Sam Jordan

Phyllis Love

Phyllis Love

Mattie Birdwell

Peter Mark Richman

Peter Mark Richman

Gardner 'Gard' Jordan

Walter Catlett

Walter Catlett

Professor Quigley

Richard Hale

Richard Hale

Purdy

Joel Fluellen

Joel Fluellen

Enoch

Theodore Newton

Theodore Newton

Major Harvey

John Smith

John Smith

Caleb Cope

Friendly Persuasion — FAQs

▸Where can I watch Friendly Persuasion in United States?

Friendly Persuasion is not on subscription streaming in United States right now, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store and Google Play Movies.

▸What language is Friendly Persuasion in?

Friendly Persuasion is originally in English. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.

▸How long is Friendly Persuasion?

Friendly Persuasion runs 2 hours 17 minutes (137 minutes).

▸What is Friendly Persuasion rated?

Friendly Persuasion is rated NR. It holds a 6.6/10 audience score from 147 ratings.

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