The Big Country

Movie for the Evening: Feature

“The Big Country”

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James McKay, played well by Gregory Peck, is the disparaged voice of reason as the new arrival in turn of the century California, the big country, from an Eastern city. He has come to wed the daughter of a ranch owner, a vast ranch, but he winds up in the middle of a feud between two families. The grudge match has its show-down with the Peck character playing a central role.

This movie is big at a run time of 2’46” but, more important is the cinematography of Northern California by Fritz Planer, which bring the vastness to the screen. All the acting is excellent but Burl Ives, who won an Oscar for his role, is a standout as the tough as nails father of the Hannessey clan.

The feud is over water at the ‘big muddy’, vital for these cattle owners, but the anamosity grows personal and explosive.

If you haven’t seen this movie, get it. If you have seen it, see it again. A great feature that tells a great story about a clash of personalities and the mess it can make.