The Big Country Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A sea captain walks into a Texas-sized family feud and tries to solve everything with a compass and good manners, much to the dismay of everyone involved.

🍿 The Big Country: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival in the West and Initial Tensions

James McKay, a retired sea captain, arrives in the West to marry Patricia Terrill, daughter of Major Henry Terrill, a powerful rancher. McKay’s Eastern manners and pacifistic nature clash with the rugged culture of the West, creating immediate tension with Steve Leech, the ranch foreman who also desires Patricia. Leech, embodying the traditional Western machismo, views McKay’s reluctance to engage in physical confrontations as cowardice. McKay’s arrival coincides with an ongoing feud between Major Terrill and Rufus Hannassey, a rival rancher, over access to water. The conflict intensifies as both men vie for control of the ‘Big Muddy,’ a piece of land owned by Julie Maragon, which holds the only reliable water source in the region.

Challenging Western Expectations

McKay consistently defies the expectations of those around him. He quietly tames a wild horse, ‘Old Thunder,’ showcasing his strength and determination without seeking public approval. He also refuses to be drawn into a public fight with Leech, preferring a private confrontation where he proves his physical prowess without the need for an audience. His actions are misconstrued by Patricia, who equates his reluctance to engage in violence with weakness. This growing misunderstanding strains their relationship as she seeks a traditional Western hero, not a man of peace.

Growing Divide and Shifting Alliances

As McKay becomes disillusioned with Patricia’s values and her father’s aggressive tendencies, he finds himself drawn to Julie Maragon, who shares his desire for peace and understanding. He attempts to resolve the water dispute by purchasing her land and offering equal access to both Terrill and Hannassey, but his efforts are met with resistance and suspicion. The feud escalates, leading to acts of violence and kidnapping. McKay’s commitment to non-violence is tested as he must decide how far he’s willing to go to protect those he cares about and bring an end to the conflict.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• James McKay (Gregory Peck): A wealthy and pacifistic sea captain who arrives in the West to marry and becomes entangled in a land feud.
• Julie Maragon (Jean Simmons): An independent-minded schoolteacher who owns the land both factions are fighting over.
• Patricia Terrill (Carroll Baker): A spoiled and headstrong woman who is engaged to James McKay and is controlled by her father.
• Steve Leech (Charlton Heston): The tough and loyal foreman of the Terrill ranch who initially clashes with McKay and desires Patricia.
• Rufus Hannassey (Burl Ives): The stubborn and rough patriarch of the Hannassey clan, embroiled in a bitter feud with Major Terrill.
• Maj. Henry Terrill (Charles Bickford): The wealthy and proud owner of the Ladder Ranch who is at odds with the Hannassey family over water rights.
• Buck Hannassey (Chuck Connors): The hot-headed and cowardly son of Rufus Hannassey, known for his impulsive actions.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Julie Maragon: “How many times does a man have to win you?” – Julie asks Patricia this, questioning why she doubts James’s love when he’s consistently proving himself.
• James McKay: “I’m not responsible for what people think, I’m only responsible for what I am.” – McKay explains his philosophy, emphasizing integrity over public perception.
• Rufus Hannassey: “Sometimes I admire ya, Major. You got all the earmarks of a gentleman. It’s too bad you ain’t one.” – Rufus confronts Major Terrill, questioning his honor despite his outward appearance of gentility.
• Ramon Gutierrez: “Such a man is very rare.” – Said by Ramon expressing his admiration for James McKay’s unique character and values.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2,750,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $6,000,000

💥 The Big Country Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘The Big Country’! The scenery was breathtaking, and I was completely drawn into the feud between the Terrills and the Hannasseys. Gregory Peck’s character was so intriguing – a man of peace in a world of violence. I found myself really rooting for him and Julie. The final scene where they just look at each other was perfect. The Jerome Moross score is amazing and has been replaying in my head ever since!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Westerns”
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate films with strong moral themes”
  • “Audiences who enjoy epic storytelling and sweeping landscapes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild violence”
  • “Some thematic elements related to conflict and prejudice”
  • “Brief depiction of attempted sexual assault”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Wyler’s ‘The Big Country’ is a sprawling, beautifully shot Western that grapples with themes of honor and pacifism against the backdrop of a classic range war. While the runtime tests patience, the performances, especially Ives’ Oscar-winning turn, are captivating.
• The New York Times: “A visually stunning epic, ‘The Big Country’ delivers breathtaking landscapes and strong performances. Although somewhat lengthy, Wyler masterfully builds tension in the feud between the two families, culminating in a memorable climax.

Audience Reactions

The musical score is epic and unforgettable!: Viewers consistently praise the film’s breathtaking score by Jerome Moross, which enhances the emotional impact of the story.

Burl Ives’ performance is outstanding.: Many viewers highlight Burl Ives’ Oscar-winning performance as Rufus Hannassey as a standout, praising his portrayal of a complex and compelling character.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and well-acted Western epic, with a memorable score, though its length may test the patience of some viewers.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actor)- 1959
2. Golden Globe Award (Best Motion Picture – Drama)- 1959

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “President Dwight D. Eisenhower loved ‘The Big Country’ so much that he screened it four times consecutively at the White House, declaring it his all-time favorite film.”
• “Charlton Heston took a role that was fourth billed because he wanted the opportunity to work with William Wyler. Wyler and he hit it off so well that Wyler signed him for the lead in his next film which turned out to be Ben-Hur.”
• “Gregory Peck, who co-produced the film, clashed with director William Wyler over a carriage scene. Peck wanted a retake, but Wyler refused, legendary for doing scenes dozens of times until he got what he wanted. Later Wyler edited around what Peck didn’t like.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Big Country?

The Big Country is currently available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for broadcast options. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD are also available for purchase online and in stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Big Country, you might like these similar films:

• Giant (1956): A sprawling epic Western about family feuds, land ownership, and changing times in Texas.
• Shane (1953): Explores themes of pacifism versus violence and a stranger’s impact on a community in the Old West.
• The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962): Examines the complexities of heroism and the transition from the Wild West to a more civilized society.
• Ben-Hur (1959): Also directed by William Wyler, it shares a grand scale and epic storytelling style, though in a different historical setting.

🛒 The Big Country Related Products

• The Big Country (Blu-ray): High-definition restoration of the classic Western, featuring stunning visuals and immersive sound. A must-have for any film collector.
• The Big Country: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (CD): Jerome Moross’s iconic score, fully remastered for crystal-clear audio. Includes bonus tracks and liner notes on the making of the music.
• The Big Country Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster, perfect for framing and displaying. A great addition to any movie lover’s collection.
• The Big Country: Western Classic T-Shirt: Officially licensed ‘The Big Country’ T-shirt featuring iconic imagery from the film. Made from comfortable, high-quality material.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Big Country features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Big Country Main Title” – performed by Jerome Moross
• “Train to San Rafael” – performed by Jerome Moross
• “Homestead Woman” – performed by Jerome Moross

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Behind-the-Scenes THE BIG COUNTRY Directed by William Wyler with Catherine & David Wyler! AWOW

Ever wonder what it was like to grow up with a legendary director? Catherine and David Wyler share personal stories and insights about their father’s work on ‘The Big Country’ in this rare interview. You’ll definitely appreciate the film even more after watching this!

Writing a Perfect Cast of Characters

Want to dive deeper into the themes and characters of ‘The Big Country’? This video essay breaks down the screenplay and explores the film’s nuanced take on masculinity. It’s a really insightful analysis that helps you appreciate the movie on a whole new level!

The Big Country – Jerome Moross (1958)

The theme music of ‘The Big Country’ is iconic, right? This video not only showcases the beautiful score but also offers a thoughtful review of the film’s enduring themes. It’s a great way to rediscover the magic of this Western classic.

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