William Wyler has to be one of the most fascinating filmmakers in history. There was a phase I went through a few years ago when I was going on an old movie binge and a number that I were seeing struck me as completely unforgettable. Every other one of those impressive films was directed by William Wyler, no joke.
Not only historically famous for making the documentary, “The Memphis Belle,” during World War II, Wyler has also left film history with a pantheon of great Hollywood movies including “Mrs. Miniver,” “Ben Hur,” and “The Best Years of Our Lives.”
In 1958, Wyler made his mark in Westerns with “The Big Country.” The majority of Westerns being made in the 1950s dealt with bandits, the U.S. Rangers, gunfighters, and of course, Indians killing and kidnapping frontiersman and their families. Wyler took a different course.
Once again, Wyler called upon Gregory Peck, whom he had previously directed in “Roman Holiday,” to head the cast of this epic Western. Peck, only four years away from the role of his career as Atticus Finch in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” plays Jim McKay, a former Navy man from the East Coast who owns a shipping line. He goes out west to marry Patricia Terrell, daughter of Maj. Henry Terrell, a rich cattle rancher.
When McKay arrives, he finds a community torn in two. The Terrell Family is in a land dispute with the Hannassey Family, led by veteran actor Burl Ives. Chuck Connors is Rufus’ troublemaking son, and when he roughs up McKay the day he arrives, the Terrells are out for blood.
McKay wants no part of the feud and his refusal to support the Major’s decision puts him at odds with his bride-to-be and the Terrell Family. At the same time, actress Jean Simmons plays Julie Maragon, the heiress of a large tract of land that has access to a river both the Terrells and the Hannasseys want for their cattle. It’s about to get ugly in the big country.
Already in this film Peck is mastering his persona of stalwart convictions and integrity that will become his legend as Atticus Finch in “To Kill a Mockingbird.” His character’s tactics for dealing with the Terrells are a unique departure from the tactics of traditional Western heroes. Peck sets himself apart from the popular John Wayne and Gary Cooper Western heroes here.
Starring Gregory Peck & Jean Simmons Directed by William Wyler MGM - 1958 GRADE: A
McKay doesn’t solve things with guns, violence, or booze. However, he does beat the living snot out of Charlton Heston, which is one of the dramatic highlights of the film. The supporting cast is the perfect blend of top tier talent. Chuck Connors’ portrayal of Buck is the definition of sinister. He is a man to be reviled and feared. Jean Simmons has never looked more beautiful on screen and Carroll Baker is the spoiled brat you love to hate.
Wyler paints this film with epic strokes. Only “Ben Hur” is comparable in scope in Wyler’s film career. His direction of “The Big Country” is subtle and pointed. Unlike a lot of Westerns of the period, there isn’t a lot of posturing or gratuitous whooping and hollering by the characters or the camera. The only actor who overplays at any point is Baker.
The film also includes Alfonso Bedoya as the Terrells Mexican horse wrangler. Bedoya, who made famous the “We don’t need no stinking badges!” in “Treasure of the Sierra Madre,” provides legitimate and satisfying comic relief.
There are too many great scenes that I can’t give away. Even if you don’t think you like Westerns, give this movie a chance. It’s different and you’ll love it. What are you waiting for?
