The Big Country

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The Big Country

1958

2h 45m

Western

Romance

Drama

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Popcornmeter

100%

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12 Reviews

91%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

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 fiancée and Major Terrill, who won't settle for truces.

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Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

08/30/2022

4/5

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

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

02/12/2022

4/4

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.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

08/10/2021

3.5/4

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.

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Mattie Lucas

From the Front Row

06/03/2019

3.5/4

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.

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

04/06/2012

B-

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.

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Cole Smithey

ColeSmithey.com

03/08/2008

4/5

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Gerardo Z.

@gz272006 Jan 2

It's a masterpiece ✨️

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Per S

@RT83737705 Sep 1

Somewhat predictable and uneven, but generally great classic western. Still, Burl Ives' first approach is worth it all - probably what won him an Oscar.

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Will G

@Kingofthepixies 05/29/2025

Great movie but watch it in widescreen. Charlton Heston and chuck Connors, what's not to like? BTW chuck Connors was underrated as a actor. His death scene is one of the best ever.

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Christopher O

@RT38867424 12/24/2024

A must see for fans of classic westerns! Classic moral plot with a Wild West ending!

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Johnathon W

@Hoppynsc 03/11/2024

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.

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Alec B

@Alec97 01/05/2024

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

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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

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 fiancée and Major Terrill, who won't settle for truces.

Director: William Wyler
Producer: Gregory Peck, 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