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Very well executed

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

"A Big Hand for the Little Lady," begins with credits rolling as we see a horse-driven hearse speed across a variety of Western landscapes. The area is central Texas, well north of "San Antone." Charles Bickford (as Benson Tropp) stops at two places to summon Jason Robards (as Henry Drummond) and then Kevin McCarthy (as Otto Habershaw) to join him. In each stop, a woman calls out after the fleeing man, pleading that he not go now, "not now." That is the only hint of comedy until well into the picture. Yet, we viewers know that this is supposed to be a Western comedy, so we're on our toes waiting and watching for the humor. We get a dose of it in the characters around the room of the closed poker game. But, that belies a more clever comedy in this story. And, that may start to play out at different times for different viewers. For me and probably many others, that happens when Henry Fonda (as Meredith) shows his poker face as he picks up his cards one at a time with a huge pot on the table. It's so obvious that we realize something must be afoot. I think that's the biggest, most obvious poker face ever done in a movie.This film isn't of the big laughs variety. Rather, it is a movie of clever scripting, some surface funny lines, and a deeper, entertaining plot. As other reviewers have done, I'll also refrain from giving it away. Except to say that I guessed the outcome correctly; but then enjoyed watching to see how it played out.The cast for this film is outstanding. All give excellent performances. But, I think one stands out. Jason Robards is the classic cur in this film. He plays Henry so well that he's a delight to watch. His lines are among the funniest in the whole film. Toward the end of the film, Joanne Woodward (as Mary) says, "Gentlemen all. All such gallant gentlemen." Henry replies, "Well, we're gallant on Sunday. This is Friday and we're playing poker. Now you wanna play with us, you ante up $500."This is a most enjoyable movie – fit for the whole family.

An ex-gambler passing though a small town with his wife and son can't resist participating in a high-stakes poker game, thereby risking his family's life savings. Judging from the furious activity and the loud, exaggerated manner in which much of the supporting cast delivers its lines, one would think this was a riotous comedy, but it's not all that funny. However, this Western is generally enjoyable, thanks to a good cast headed by Fonda and Woodward. This was the final film of Bickford, a reliable character actor for four decades. There is a twist at the end, but the execution is somewhat clumsy, leaving more questions than answers.

Finally got to watch this recently released DVD (which is beautiful) from the 1966 classic, with an all star cast including, Henry Fonda, Joanne Woodward, Burgess Meredith, Jason Robards, and many others. I call it a classic, because it is the third best poker movie ever made, with only "The Cincinnati Kid" and "Rounders" topping it. There are some movies we come across in our lifetimes, that we just love. There's no other word for it, than love. This is a movie I love, because the story is so damn good it makes me smile every time I watch it, which is often. I've been playing poker my whole life it seems, and now I am playing even more often. I saw this movie at the theaters, I really did, and it totally blew me away, with a reveal that I can't even give a clue about or the movie would be ruined for anybody caring enough to check it out. It is definitely one of my favorite movies of all time, and for poker players, all I can say is what the hell are you waiting on, this is the real deal, so to speak.

An unusual western with no villains, gunfights, barroom brawls etc. Nice to see a western with regular people. Kids who see westerns must think that the west was really wild in every town. Simple plot of meek husband and wife and child who come to town in the midst of a popular once a year poker game going on. They get mixed up in it with lots of fun and twists. Great cast with the always reliable Henry Fonda and Joanne Woodward and a super supporting cast. The young boy playing their son had great expressive eyes and was ideal in his role. Some might figure out what's going on, but don't think too hard. Just sit back, relax and enjoy what you see. Nice DVD transfer as well. Would have been nice to have included a commentary by Woodward as she is the only surviving cast member I believe. For a big time delight see this BIG HAND FOR THE LITTLE LADY.