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Amazon.co.uk Review
William Wyler directed this epic Western, about the clash of East and West, intellect and action. Gregory Peck stars as a sea captain who moves way out West to marry Carroll Baker and become part of the ranch owned by her father (Charles Bickford). But he discovers that daddy's top hand (Charlton Heston) carries a torch for Baker and doesn't particularly like Peck stepping into his place. Peck also finds himself caught in the midst of a power struggle between Bickford and his surly neighbour, Burl Ives (and his reprehensibly bullying son, Chuck Connors). The Big Country is a long, sprawling tale that works because its characters are played by movie stars who know how to command the big screen in a big story. --Marshall Fine
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The Big Country [DVD]
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
49 of 50 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Despite what a previous reviewer said this is a full length version. The running time is 160 minutes which is slightly shorter than the NTSC version because of PAL conversion, nothing is cut from this film. Perhaps people could see the film before reviewing it.
The mistake was made because the original packaging said 95 minutes, this mistake is repeated on the Amazon listing (and most others).
42 of 43 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is a sprawling, glorious saga that will be appreciated by people who don't even like the Western genre. With fabulous cinematography, an excellent script, and two of my favorite actors, it's a film I never tire of watching.
Gregory Peck is the sea captain with principles who goes west to meet his future bride, only to find feuds and fighting, and some lawless varmints who need his "non violent" ways of resolving territorial issues. He is terrific as James McKay, who is sort of an Atticus Finch in boots, and looks mighty fine as well.
Charlton Heston has the smaller part as Leech, a foreman who is seething with jealousy and obeys the orders of his unscrupulous boss (rancher Terrill, played with subtle menace by Charles Bickford) as he yearns for his daughter. Heston is brilliant as this rather complex character, and would a year later star in director William Wyler's next epic, "Ben Hur", which is perhaps my all-time most viewed and enjoyed film.
Gregory Peck is the sea captain with principles who goes west to meet his future bride, only to find feuds and fighting, and some lawless varmints who need his "non violent" ways of resolving territorial issues. He is terrific as James McKay, who is sort of an Atticus Finch in boots, and looks mighty fine as well.
Charlton Heston has the smaller part as Leech, a foreman who is seething with jealousy and obeys the orders of his unscrupulous boss (rancher Terrill, played with subtle menace by Charles Bickford) as he yearns for his daughter. Heston is brilliant as this rather complex character, and would a year later star in director William Wyler's next epic, "Ben Hur", which is perhaps my all-time most viewed and enjoyed film.
Both female leads are wonderful, and are portrayed with enormous strength; Jean Simmons, with her luminous eyes is the schoolteacher, and Carroll Baker is the tough daughter of rancher Bickford, and is too much like her daddy to make a suitable bride for Peck.
Among the many strong performances in the supporting parts are Burl Ives, and received a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his gnarly old Rufus, Chuck Connors is his bad to the bone son, and Alfonso Bedoya, is a delight as Ramon, who along with a horse named "Old Thunder", provides some of the humor in the film.
The score by Jerome Moross is lovely (and received an Oscar nomination) and the cinematography by Franz Planner spectacular. The film was shot in the Yuba and San Joaquin Counties in California, as well as canyon country in Chinly, Arizona, and it is breathtakingly beautiful.
If you like a good screen fight like I do, this has a great one, "mano a mano" between Peck and Heston; it initially has no music, just the pounding of the fists and the men gasping for breath, and is very effective.
Romance, drama, and lots of action make this a film that appeals to many, and is suitable for the whole family.
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is an unreservedly great film, in so many respects. Previous reviewers have made good points about it that need no repetition from me. What intrigues me is that The Big Country is a neglected piece of cinema (I think the Radio Times Film Guide makes this very point). It shows what an astonishingly good actor the late Gregory Peck was, a master of quiet understatement and dignity. I believe he was a co-producer of the movie, so it was something of a labour of love. Whether you view it as an allegory of the Cold War, i.e. the pointlessly destructive head-to-head belligerence of two giant opponents, or you see it as a a cracking good western, you can't be disappointed. I think what intrigues and impresses me above all is that the style of the film doesn't date at all. It looks as if it could have been made last year, not nearly fifty years ago, and in fact looks better than slightly later Western classics such as The Magnificent Seven. It just has a fresh feel about it and is one of very few films that I could watch over and over again (if I had the time..!|). There is subtlety and nuance in every frame and the pace doesn't flag. The plot is clever and not stereotyped. Oh yes, and Jerome Moross' fabulous music score is unforgettable. And the cinematography. Oh well, everything about it really. Fantastic film. Watch. Enjoy.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Superb 50's Western
This is one of my favourite Westerns. Everyone is on top form.
William Wyler and Charlton Heston reunite with intriguing results, Jean Simmons fizzing with Caroll Baker,... Read more
William Wyler and Charlton Heston reunite with intriguing results, Jean Simmons fizzing with Caroll Baker,... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Man from poundstretcher
Epic
This was my first introduction to westerns which I watched last week (shame on me, I know), and I have to say, I was really pleasantly surprised. Read more
Published 3 months ago by London Girl
The Big Country DVD
One of the most memorable western movies I've seen especially on its release in London in real cinemas so long ago. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Nomdyplume
dvd
Bought as a gift. Easy to find on amazon despite it being an old film. Arrived quickly in the post.
Published 5 months ago by ramgib
big country
the big country is a good buy it was sent promply and I found it was easy to order It is one of the older films but is a joy to watch
Published 6 months ago by Mrs. mavis rudge
Great Classic Western!
Anyone who has not seen this film should definately see this piece of cinematic history! The scenery, acting, story and message make this one of the best westerns of all time!!
Published 7 months ago by Arkangel175
the big country.
probably one of the greatest westerns (if not films) made. thoroughly enjoyed watching it (ive seen this 30 times at least) and there was a good leaflet included too which gave... Read more
Published 8 months ago by C. Loake
Blu-ray details
-> BLU RAY
Very solid picture+sound. Original aspect ratio.
Recommended!
Film: 8/10
Picture quality 8.5/10
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1 orig. Read more
Very solid picture+sound. Original aspect ratio.
Recommended!
Film: 8/10
Picture quality 8.5/10
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1 orig. Read more
Published 9 months ago by mickey_one
Big Country
A triumph. Why is it not a classic? It has a well-measured tread, where the characters speak their lines without hurry, such a change from the usual Hollywood gabble. Read more
Published 9 months ago by The Accompanist
The Big Country
I enjoyed this film when it first came out. After quite a number of years I bought this DVD and found it most entertaining. The acting is excellent and the scenery is magnificent. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Graham
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