«A True Classic»
For those of you who have never seen The Big Country you are in for a treat. This film is the opposite of what has unfortunately become a trend nowadays: A lot of special effects and very little acting. You will not find any bells and whistles in the movie just great acting by some of the best actors of the time. Re-discover what western films were supposed to be.
[Tuesday, November 25, 2008]
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«A First-Rate Epic Western»
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: From the Secret Files of Harry Pennypacker
Cheyenne Warrior: The Original Screenplay with Author Commentary
Shadow Watcher
Nobody Drowns in Mineral Lake
Although it has never gained the stature of classics like HIGH NOON or SHANE, THE BIG COUNTRY (1958) must be counted as one of the "great" westerns.
William Wyler directed this sweeping drama, adapted by multiple writers from Donald Hamilton's novel, that is filled with rousing action, compelling, multi-layered characters, splendid cinematography and a magnificent music score by Jerome Moross.
Gregory Peck stars as a sea captain who comes West to marry Carroll Baker, daughter of cattle baron Charles Bickford.
Almost immediately, he reluctantly finds himself caught up in a vicious range war between his future father-in-law and Burl Ives, who won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his performance.
Other key characters include Charlton Heston as Bickford's foreman and Baker's former lover. He continually cast aspersions at Peck's manhood, resulting in one of the most interestingly staged fistfights in film history.
Also present are Jean Simmons, cast as Baker's friend and the owner of a piece of land that both Bickford and Ives want to secure, and Chuck Connors, as Ives abhorrent son, who is smitten with Ms. Simmons.
THE BIG COUNTRY is a film that I can't recommend too highly to both western buffs and anybody else who just likes a good movie.
© Michael B. Druxman, author of ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD
[Saturday, October 25, 2008]
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«One of my all time favorites -- portraying great values»
This is truly another classic Western movie. What's so great about this one is that it highlights honor and dignity and other great values. It's not a macho type Western, but truly a great film. Great cast and great story. A bit long, but definitely worth watching.
[Saturday, September 06, 2008]
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