The Big Country

Released Oct 1, 1958

2h 45m

Western

Romance

Drama

List

100%

13 Reviews

Tomatometer

91%

5,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Retiring to the American West to marry his fiancée, Patricia Terrill (Carroll Baker), Captain James McKay (Gregory Peck) enters a land-and-water feud between his future father-in-law, Major Terrill (Charles Bickford), and the rough and lawless Hannassey family, led by Rufus (Burl Ives). McKay prefers peace between himself and the Hannasseys, who repeatedly attempt to provoke violence. But his steadfast demeanor only angers his fiancé and Major Terrill, who won't settle for truces.

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Kevin Maher

Times (UK)

The real star of the film, besides the gorgeous, soaring soundtrack, is Gregory Peck...

Rated: 4/5

Aug 30, 2022

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

The Big Country suggests that, when faced with a resolute enemy, you can either keep fighting until one or both of you is dead, or you can recognize that violence solves nothing and stop yourself before it's too late.

Rated: 4/4

Feb 12, 2022

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

An excellent Western. Jerome Morris' score is one of the all-time greats, standing in the company of Elmer Bernstein's The Magnificent Seven theme and Ennio Morricone's Spaghetti Western contributions as the genre's best.

Rated: 3.5/4

Aug 10, 2021

Full Review

Mattie Lucas

From the Front Row

Wyler showcases our own big country by demonstrating just how very small we are in comparison, the violent struggles of a few mere blips on the face of the sprawling landscape.

Rated: 3.5/4

Jun 3, 2019

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Burl Ives won the Supporting Actor Oscar for playing a patriarch in William Wyler's sprawling, overlong Western, though the award also might have been given to him for similar part in Cat on Hot Tin Roof.

Rated: B-

Apr 6, 2012

Full Review

Cole Smithey

ColeSmithey.com

Rated: 4/5

Mar 8, 2008

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Johnathon W

Western epic that remains one of the best ever produced, thanks to a top notch cast and superb direction. The actors are excellent across the board, with Gregory Peck giving his usual superb leading performance as James McKay, a quietly strong man who looks to avoid a fight but is quite able to finish one. He is matched across the board by a brilliant ensemble, especially Burl Ives as Rufus Hannasey, the head of his ranching clan. Behind the camera, director William Wyler crafts an epic western that examines the true meaning of courage and manhood. It is matched by sweeping shots of the western from the canyon to the plains (which are used effectively in the brilliant fight between Peck and Charlton Heston). All in all, a classic western by every measure.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/11/24

Full Review

Alec B

Neither cynical nor naïve, the movie functions as an interesting repudiation of violence and the mid-20th Century masculine archetype.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/05/24

Full Review

SICKS6SIX S

the benchmark of all Western films, Peck almost plays Atticus from to kill a Mockingbird in this epic Western, its got everything you want from a Western, the scenery is stunning as is the soundtrack,the script and plot keeps you watching, it never hots a dulll spot and keeps your attention, watch enjoyand learn how to make a great film, today's excuses for directors could learn everything they need to know by watching this film and forget the stupid new-age way of making films that have failed the viewer terribly. bad guys look bad dirty and nasty, good guys look good clean and wholesome,

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/29/23

Full Review

Cesar Z

One of the best movies ever. The direction, the actors' performances, the photography, the music, the script, in short, everything is perfect in this brilliant and remarkable film. Film to be seen and reviewed countless times. A cinema lesson.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/26/23

Full Review

Carlos I

This movie has one of the best fight scenes I've ever seen.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/01/23

Full Review

Scott H

A good basic story but wayyyy too long. Beautifully shot.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/06/23

Full Review

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William Wyler

Director

Gregory Peck

James McKay

Jean Simmons

Julie Maragon

Carroll Baker

Patricia Terrill

Charlton Heston

Steve Leech

Burl Ives

Rufus Hannassey

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The Big Country: Official Clip - A Cowardly End

2:13

The Big Country: Official Clip - Shall I Go On?

2:11

The Big Country: Official Clip - A Rare Man

2:06

The Big Country: Official Clip - Jim Duels Buck

2:06

The Big Country: Official Clip - Harassing Jim and Pat

2:13

The Big Country: Official Clip - Steve Manhandles Pat

1:07

The Big Country: Official Clip - Rufus Crashes the Party

2:12

The Big Country: Official Clip - Fighting Words

2:07

The Big Country: Official Clip - Hunting the Hannasseys

2:13

The Big Country: Official Clip - Riding Old Thunder

2:13

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Synopsis

Retiring to the American West to marry his fiancée, Patricia Terrill (Carroll Baker), Captain James McKay (Gregory Peck) enters a land-and-water feud between his future father-in-law, Major Terrill (Charles Bickford), and the rough and lawless Hannassey family, led by Rufus (Burl Ives). McKay prefers peace between himself and the Hannasseys, who repeatedly attempt to provoke violence. But his steadfast demeanor only angers his fiancé and Major Terrill, who won't settle for truces.

Director: William Wyler
Screenwriter: James R. Webb, Sy Bartlett, Robert Wilder
Distributor: United Artists
Production Co: United Artists
Genre: Western, Romance, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 1, 1958, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 16, 2008
Runtime: 2h 45m

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