A film classic that defines BIG film making in every way, 1958's THE BIG COUNTRY is a superb drama with a lot to say and a powerful way of saying it.
Gregory Peck stars as James McKay, a New England sea captain arriving in the old west to meet his fiance Pat (Carroll Baker) and her father, rich land owner Major Henry Terrell (Charles Bickford).
Almost immediately, the gentlemanly McKay is challenged by the macho bravado of the west, where your reputation is everything and what folks think of you defines your social status.
McKay is challenged not only by local bad boys the Hannassey brothers, but also by the Terrell's ranch hand Steve Leech (Charlton Heston).
Caught in the middle of a decades long feud between the Terrells and the Hannasseys, McKay stands the middle ground.
As his integrity is questioned again and again because he won't take the bait to fight in front of a crowd, take part in violence against the Hannassey's or "throw down" at the drop of a cowboy hat, McKay continues to stand his ground.
He proves himself (to those smart enough to observe his true actions) and is challenged to examine everything that he came west to pursue.
Chuck Conners is pure evil as Buck, the worst of the dastardly brothers, Jean Simmons is 100% movie star as Julie, the owner of the Big Muddy, a watering hole between the feuding clan's herds that both want to control and Burl Ives is excellent as Rufus Hannassey, father of the brothers and leader of the clan, who may have more depth to his morality than one first suspects.
Peck and Heston are at the top of their game, playing two very different types of men, with their eye on the same woman and very different views of what makes a man in the west.
Director William Wyler (Ben Hur, The Best Years of Our Lives) keeps this three-hour film moving and stages everything beautifully on an epic scale.
The music score by Jerome Moross is a classic. Even if you don't think you know film music, you will recognize this score. Its legendary and one of film's all time best.
Everything about the film is BIG, the performances, the landscapes, the emotions, the feuds.
This is a powerful film classic and an enjoyable A.
Thank you to my friend Rob for leading me to discover this movie!
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