Cast
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Alan Ladd
as Chad Morgan
Virginia Mayo
as Helen Jagger
Edmond O'Brien
as Joe Jagger
Anthony Caruso
as Brog
Julie Bishop
as Kate Johnson
John Qualen
as Sven Johnson
Don Castle
as Tom Draper
David Ladd
as David Johnson
Jack Wrather Jr.
as Olaf Johnson
George J. Lewis
as Dawson
James Anderson
as Bob Cole (uncredited)
Paul Bryar
as First Bartender (uncredited)
John Doucette
as Hagan (uncredited)
Art Felix
as Barfly (uncredited)
Al Haskell
as Barfly (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Gordon Douglas
Writer
- Martin Rackin
Producer
- Alan Ladd
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
The Big Land represents a fascinating example of Romance/Western cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Gordon Douglas brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1957, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Big Land took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1957, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Big Land shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Law of the Plains, which focuses more on action than character development, The Big Land subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Red River and The Big Country explore similar territory, The Big Land stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 1, 1957
- Runtime: 1h 32m
