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Powerful

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

***SPOILERS*** This story follows Donald Hamilton's basic premise: intellect, courage, and perseverance will win the day. Mr. Hamilton is the author of the really great action/thriller series of books about a character named Matt Helm. Now, younger readers will probably never appreciate these book as much as us old farts do, but trust me they were great. The difference lies in how Hollywood dealt with the control of the story by the screenwriter. THIS movie is one of the best conversions (of western stories) ever made. Two others are Elmore Leonard's "Hombre", and Louis Lamour's "The Quick And The Dead". All good reads, but when shown on the screen, they are different and better than the author had originally produced. This is very rare, indeed, because usually is it exactly the opposite. Mr. Helm's character Matt Helm is transformed from a serious assassin to a drunken clown, complete with circus acts. By the way, Dean Martin was a great actor who could play great parts if the were given him. P.S. Eastwood would have made a perfect Matt Helm. Enough griping.In this story Gregory Peck plays Jim McKay, a fellow who is a very wealthy shipping magnate who comes west to marry a beautiful, but spoiled, and flawed, girl, Pat Terrill, played perfectly by Carol Baker. On the way, he is misunderstood, and misinterpreted to the point of deadly stupidity. Burl Ives plays Rufus Hannassey, A barrel of a man who has without a doubt one of the soliloquys I've ever heard. Short, sweet, eloquent, to the point, and daring. I liked him immediately. Chuck Connors plays his son - a cowardly bully who's hobby is probably pulling wings off of flies. Jean Simmons is the darkly beautiful Julie Maragon, the REAL love interest. The fatal flaw in not understanding someone plays out to a tragic, but hopeful end, in this almost Shakespearean drama. There is plenty of action, but, in the end, it is applied intelligence that wins the day - as it should be. The battle between brute force and brains is played out every day in life, and in this movie the right side wins. I rank this as one of the very best westerns (and movies) ever made. It is a 10 plus.

A great western. A wealthy man from the east arrives in the West to start a new life. The theme of the movie is set when he encounters many issues including difficulties with the locals and his fiances family. The movie develops the main character well showing that whilst he appears to have no spirit, his own beliefs and experience eventually come forth. The movie culminates when his own convictions and values are put to the test. The main characters relationship with those around him also develops when they find that their initial evaluations were wrong. The movie falls down in the sense that the romances are simply contrived and the motives of the women need more depth. The ending of the movie is a disappointment as I am not a fan of simple face offs.The movie has great acting from the noted actors and actresses Gregory Peck, Jean Simmons, Carroll Baker, Charles Heston, Burl Ives and Charles Bickford. The cinematography was excellent showing grand vistas of both open country and enclosed canyons. It also portrays very well the simple towns and ranches of the lawless frontier. The story line is unusual in showing a different approach of tact and understanding against direct violence. Definitely worth watching by all.

THE BIG COUNTRY is a pretty ambitious romantic western that symbolizing independence, freedom and peacefulness in the Wild West. Of course, before the final comprehension, the film was filled with quarrels, open conflicts and killings.One notable sailor from Maryland comes to Texas to start a new life. He is in love with the daughter of a wealthy rancher. However, he realizes that his future father in law has been involved in extremely violent and dirty conflicts with neighboring rancher. A combative father and violent environment adversely affects his fiancée. The stranger will try to change the people and the atmosphere in the Wild West...The film begins with the arrival of a peacemaker and ends with extremely tense duels. Periods of fierce quarrel, conflict, fist fighting and unconvincing romance are arranged in between. An extremely warlike story sends a message of peace and understanding in the end. Ethical contrary are too pronounced, even for a western.Open landscapes are truly impressive. The verbal construction of plots is at a high level also. The soundtrack is excellent.Gregory Peck as James McKay is the epitome of calm and reason in this movie. His character is unobtrusive, but in critical situations, he did not show strong emotions. His character is actually calculated. Charlton Heston as Steve Leech is a completely different character than James. He honestly shows jealousy and malice through strong internal conflict.Burl Ives as Rufus Hannassey is an old fox, who has a strange sense of justice. That justice involves a gun and shot. Charles Bickford as Maj. Henry Terrill is a greedy old man, who wants absolute power over the land. Hatred can really blind a man. The major is a strong character and a leading antagonist. Violence always generates more violence.Jean Simmons as Julie Maragon is a modest teacher and owner of a large and rich ranch at the same time. She is the cause of a conflict. One very brave and beautiful woman was given precedence over the land. Carroll Baker as Patricia Terrill is daddy's little girl, who is torn between love and lifestyle.Mr. Wyler has tried to deconstruct the classic western story. However, violence and conflicts are too exciting in this film.

I love Westerns. Even so, most of them are weak to terrible, and most of the rest are fair to middlin' at best. I watch most of those that are fair or better anyway because they are fun. Most of them stop there. Few have a deeper element than pure fun. Some, though, really stand out in that regard, and "The Big Country" is one of them. It is fun but also thoughtful and interesting."The Big Country" isn't an action movie. There is action in several places, but action is neither the strength nor the point of the film. If an action flick is what you want, this isn't a movie you will like much. Instead, this movie is about character and plot development. The characters are interesting, and the plot is good. Both the characters and the plot take unexpected turns, which I will leave unexplained here so you can discover them for yourself. The cast is outstanding. Even the secondary characters are portrayed by first-rate actors, all of whom turn in strong performances. The directing is equally outstanding. The Western setting provides a good excuse to add enjoyable action to the movie. It's a fine package.I have watched "The Big Country" several times. I'm sure I will watch it again one of these days. Even though I know what is coming in all the important scenes, I still find them entertaining and captivating. That's a testament to the directing, acting, and writing.The ending is slightly weak (just a little too predictable). It's the only part of the movie with any hint of weakness, though, and it detracts little from the film. I recommend this movie most highly.