The Big Country (1958)
Director: William Wyler
Movie review
From Time Out Film Guide
One of those Big Westerns - feuding families with rival patriarchs back on the farm - which aren't so much epic as long. Finely crafted, though, with some marvellous camerawork (Franz Planer), an outstanding performance from Heston, and a vague message about violence predictably underscored by a marathon fist-fight between Peck and Heston.Author: TM
User reviews of this film
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- Jon Feigenbaum said...
- Posted on May 02 2009 09:30 The Big Country has to rate as one of the best Westerns ever made. I doubt a movie of this magnitude could be made in this day and age. This was obviously a high budget film with a number of the acting giants of their day. A movie that is of course a story, but one that I feel captures the flavor of what took place in the settlement of the west during that time period. Strong acting, performances by Charlton Heston, Gregory Peck, Jean Simmons, Carol Baker, and Burle Ives, who won the Oscar for his role in the film. A fantastic music score, and some of the best cinmatography you'll ever see. It is even more appreciated when you realize this epic film was shot in 1958. Even if you don't like westerns, I believe you will find this an enjoyable movie experience. The film runs about three hours, but WILL hold your attention. The movies has fueds, honor, romance and love, as wll as an epic fight between Heston and Peck. It is one of those movies that will draw you back to watch it again. A giant of a film, made by, and acted by many of the "giants" of their day.
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Cast & crew
Director: William Wyler
Producer: William Wyler, Gregory Peck
Cast: Gregory Peck, Burl Ives, Jean Simmons, Charlton Heston, Carroll Baker, Charles Bickford, Chuck Connors full cast
Genre(s): Westerns
Duration: 166 mins
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